1 Chronicles 1 22

1 Chronicles 1:22 kjv

And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

1 Chronicles 1:22 nkjv

Ebal, Abimael, Sheba,

1 Chronicles 1:22 niv

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

1 Chronicles 1:22 esv

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

1 Chronicles 1:22 nlt

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 22 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:22 is part of a lengthy genealogical record within the Bible, specifically tracing the descendants of Joktan, a son of Eber, who was a descendant of Shem, Noah's son. This verse names three more of Joktan's sons: Obal, Abimael, and Sheba. Its primary meaning is to provide a continued historical and tribal lineage, detailing the spread of human populations after the Great Flood, particularly those who became early Arabian tribes. It underscores the biblical narrative of God's order in establishing nations and families, contributing to the comprehensive account of humanity from Adam to the covenant people.

1 Chronicles 1 22 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 1 presents a universal genealogy, starting from Adam and tracing human history through Noah, his sons (Japheth, Ham, and Shem), and then specifically following the line of Shem. This verse, 1 Chronicles 1:22, is nestled within the section detailing the descendants of Shem, particularly focusing on Joktan, who represents the origin of many early Arabian tribes. The Chronicler's extensive genealogical record serves several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. It aimed to establish continuity between their present and their past, grounding them in a long, unbroken history rooted in God's creative and redemptive work. It reaffirmed their identity as God's chosen people by connecting them to foundational figures, validating their land claims, establishing their tribal structures, and emphasizing the lineage of the Davidic monarchy and the Aaronic priesthood. The inclusion of non-Israelite lineages, like those of Joktan, portrays God's sovereignty over all nations and His universal plan unfolding from the very beginning of humanity, even if the primary focus remains on Israel's heritage.

1 Chronicles 1 22 Word analysis

• Obal (עוֹבָל - `Ovāl): This is one of the thirteen sons of Joktan mentioned in the biblical genealogies. The exact meaning of the name is debated, possibly related to a "flowing stream" or "ancient one," but its primary significance is its placement within the lineage. In some textual traditions (e.g., Masoretic Text and KJV), the name appears as Obal (עוֹבָל), while in Genesis 10:28 and some Septuagint versions, it might appear as Ebal (עֵיבָל). This minor variation does not alter its identity as one of Joktan's progeny, serving to map out the early tribal settlements believed to have emerged in regions of Arabia.
• Abimael (אֲבִימָאֵל - `Avīmā’ēl): Meaning "My father is God" or "God is father." This is a significant name, indicating an ancient recognition or acknowledgment of a divine being as a progenitor or source of life and identity, even among these early pre-Israelite tribal leaders. As a son of Joktan, Abimael further details the spread of peoples originating from the line of Shem. The name itself implicitly reflects a theological understanding or confession about God's role in the family or nation, an attribute seen across various cultures of the ancient Near East and fitting within a genealogy compiled to emphasize God's guiding hand.
• Sheba (שְׁבָא - `Shĕḇā’): This name requires careful distinction, as there are multiple figures named Sheba in the Bible. Here, Sheba is identified as a son of Joktan, a descendant of Shem (Gen 10:28; 1 Chr 1:22). This Sheba is associated with early South Arabian tribes, perhaps influencing the region that later became famous for its spices and trade. This lineage is distinct from:
  • Sheba, son of Raamah, a descendant of Ham (Gen 10:7; 1 Chr 1:9).
  • Sheba, son of Jokshan, a son of Abraham by Keturah (Gen 25:3; 1 Chr 1:32).
  • The land/kingdom of Sheba, from which the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon (1 Ki 10:1-13; 2 Chr 9:1-12). While this kingdom likely had historical connections to the region settled by Joktan's descendants, this particular verse identifies the progenitor as a person within Shem's lineage, emphasizing the spread of diverse peoples from common biblical ancestors.
  The Chronicler includes this Sheba to provide a comprehensive, albeit highly condensed, record of post-Flood populations, illustrating the global scope of God's design for humanity before focusing on the specific Israelite lineage.

• Words-group analysis ("Obal, Abimael, Sheba"): This grouping forms a triplet of Joktan's sons. While not the full list of Joktan's thirteen sons from Genesis 10, the Chronicler's selection maintains continuity and acknowledges the diverse family lines stemming from Joktan, progenitors of many early Arab tribes. The very act of listing these names reinforces the theme of biblical genealogies: a continuous, ordered historical record of humanity's expansion, affirming God's plan for filling the earth and organizing peoples, laying the groundwork for the later history of Israel and ultimately for the global spread of God's redemptive plan. The inclusion of names with meanings like "My Father is God" (Abimael) in non-Israelite lineages subtly underscores a broader, ancient awareness of divinity that pervades early human history, connecting to God's universal governance before the specific covenant with Abraham.

1 Chronicles 1 22 Bonus section

The seemingly exhaustive but selective nature of genealogies in Chronicles reflects the Chronicler's theological agenda. While seemingly simple name lists, they meticulously build a framework for God's redemptive plan through history, demonstrating that every individual and nation has its origin in God's creative act and ongoing providence. The variations in names between different biblical texts (like Obal/Ebal) highlight the challenges and textual richness of ancient manuscripts, yet fundamentally confirm the same lineage. Furthermore, these non-Israelite lineages, like those of Joktan, remind us that while the Bible's primary narrative centers on God's covenant with Israel, His dominion extends over all humanity, setting the stage for the universal call of the gospel found in the New Testament.

1 Chronicles 1 22 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:22 is more than a mere listing of names; it serves as a crucial data point within the sweeping biblical narrative of humanity's origins and expansion. As part of the lengthy genealogies in Chronicles, it emphasizes historical continuity, tracing a branch of Noah's descendants through Shem and Joktan to highlight the emergence of ancient nations, particularly those in the Arabian peninsula. The Chronicler's purpose was to reaffirm the identity and heritage of the post-exilic Israelites by anchoring them in a divinely orchestrated past. Each name, even if concisely presented, represents a family, a clan, and ultimately a part of the vast tapestry of humanity. These genealogies are not merely historical records but theological statements, implicitly showcasing God's sovereignty over all creation, His faithfulness in unfolding His plan across generations, and His foundational order for the entire human race. They point to the meticulous detail with which God oversees the course of human history, leading ultimately to the specific lineage from which the Messiah would come.