1 Chronicles 3
1 Chronicles 3 outlines the genealogy of King David, listing his descendants through multiple generations. It begins with David’s sons, then moves on to Solomon’s line, which is significant for Israel's royal heritage. The chapter provides a detailed account of David’s royal lineage, including the kings who ruled over Judah, which underscores the importance of the Davidic covenant.
1 Chronicles 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now these were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess;
2 the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
3 the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah.
4 These six were born to him in Hebron. There he reigned seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years.
5 And these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon—four by Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel.
These verses list David’s sons born during his time in Hebron and Jerusalem. The first six sons were born in Hebron during his seven-and-a-half-year reign. Notable among them are Amnon, who later sinned grievously, Absalom, who led a rebellion, and Adonijah, who attempted to take the throne. The sons born in Jerusalem include Solomon, the famous king who succeeded David. The mention of these names, especially Solomon, highlights the importance of David's lineage in Israel's royal history.
1 Chronicles 3:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Also there were Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet,
7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
8 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet—nine in all.
This section lists nine more of David’s sons born in Jerusalem, emphasizing the size of David’s family. Several of these sons are less well-known in biblical history, which reflects the chronicler's purpose of establishing a complete genealogical record rather than focusing on their individual deeds. It showcases David’s fertility and the fulfillment of God’s promise to him regarding his descendants.
1 Chronicles 3:9 (NKJV)
9 These were all the sons of David, besides the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.
This verse briefly mentions that David had additional sons through his concubines, though their names are not listed. Tamar, David's daughter, is also mentioned, reminding the reader of her tragic story involving Amnon. This highlights the complexity and troubles within David’s family, despite his status as a revered king.
1 Chronicles 3:10-14 (NKJV)
10 Solomon’s son was Rehoboam; Abijah was his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,
11 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,
12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,
14 Amon his son, and Josiah his son.
These verses provide the genealogy of Solomon’s royal descendants, emphasizing the Davidic line through the kings of Judah. The names listed here include notable kings like Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah, who were recognized for their faithfulness to God. However, it also includes kings like Manasseh and Ahaz, who led the people into idolatry. This highlights the mixed legacy of David's descendants in their leadership over Judah.
1 Chronicles 3:15 (NKJV)
15 The sons of Josiah were Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, and the fourth Shallum.
This verse lists the sons of Josiah, a righteous king who attempted to bring religious reforms. His sons, however, did not follow his righteous example. Jehoiakim and Zedekiah became kings, and their reigns contributed to the eventual downfall of Judah, leading to the Babylonian exile.
1 Chronicles 3:16 (NKJV)
16 The sons of Jehoiakim were Jeconiah his son and Zedekiah his son.
Jehoiakim’s son, Jeconiah (also called Jehoiachin), was taken into captivity by Babylon, marking the end of David's dynasty ruling from Jerusalem. Zedekiah, also a son of Jehoiakim, was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, reinforcing the tragic end of the Davidic kingdom at this time.
1 Chronicles 3:17-18 (NKJV)
17 And the sons of Jeconiah were Assir, Shealtiel his son,
18 and Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.
These verses list the descendants of Jeconiah, who, despite being taken into exile, continued David's line. Notably, Shealtiel is mentioned, who becomes an important figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. This shows that even in exile, the Davidic line survived, preserving God’s promise to David.
1 Chronicles 3:19-24 (NKJV)
19 The sons of Pedaiah were Zerubbabel and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel were Meshullam, Hananiah, Shelomith their sister,
20 and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-Hesed—five in all.
21 The sons of Hananiah were Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, and the sons of Shecaniah.
22 The son of Shecaniah was Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah were Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat—six in all.
23 The sons of Neariah were Elioenai, Hezekiah, and Azrikam—three in all.
24 The sons of Elioenai were Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani—seven in all.
This section traces the descendants of Zerubbabel, an important figure who led the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon and helped rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel’s lineage connects directly to the line of David and continues through many generations, underscoring the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David, even after the exile. The chronicler highlights these descendants to show that the Davidic line did not end with the exile, ensuring hope for future generations.