1 Chronicles 2 38

1 Chronicles 2:38 kjv

And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,

1 Chronicles 2:38 nkjv

Obed begot Jehu, and Jehu begot Azariah;

1 Chronicles 2:38 niv

Obed the father of Jehu, Jehu the father of Azariah,

1 Chronicles 2:38 esv

Obed fathered Jehu, and Jehu fathered Azariah.

1 Chronicles 2:38 nlt

Obed was the father of Jehu.
Jehu was the father of Azariah.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 38 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:38 presents a genealogical succession, stating that "Oded begot Azariah, Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Eleasah." This verse serves as a precise link within the detailed lineage of Judah, specifically through the family of Jerahmeel, one of the sons of Hezron. It meticulously records the generational transmission from father to son, emphasizing continuity and the precise preservation of ancestral records, which was vital for tribal identity, inheritance claims, and the ongoing fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises to Israel in the post-exilic period.

1 Chronicles 2 38 Context

1 Chronicles 2:38 is nestled within the extensive genealogies presented by the Chronicler at the beginning of the book of 1 Chronicles. This particular verse traces a specific, less prominent branch of the tribe of Judah, stemming from Oded within the lineage of Jerahmeel (a son of Hezron, who was a son of Perez, Judah’s son). The immediate context of chapter 2 provides a detailed accounting of the descendants of Judah, highlighting several significant families, including those through Caleb and David. The Chronicler’s overarching purpose in providing these meticulous lists in the post-exilic era was to remind the returned exiles of their heritage, affirm their tribal and priestly identities, legitimate land claims, and re-establish a sense of continuity with the covenant people of God, linking them directly back to Abraham and God's promises, culminating in the foundational promise of a lasting Davidic dynasty. This verse, like many others, ensures that even the lesser-known family lines are recorded, reflecting a holistic view of Israelite identity.

1 Chronicles 2 38 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): This common Hebrew conjunction acts as a simple connective, indicating the continuation of a sequence or listing. In genealogies, it typically signals the next link in the chain, maintaining the flow of generational succession.
• Oded (עוֹדֵד - 'Oded): This proper name means "restoration," "he has spurred," or "encouraged." While not a king or a major prophet, his inclusion underscores the meticulous record-keeping. The meaning of his name, "restoration," aligns subtly with the Chronicler's theme of the post-exilic community looking for restoration of their national and spiritual identity.
• begot (הוֹלִיד - holid): This verb comes from the root יָלַד (yalad), meaning "to bear, bring forth, generate." It is the standard Hebrew term used in genealogies to denote biological fatherhood, emphasizing direct lineage and legal paternity. Its consistent use across biblical genealogies highlights the authentic, physical transmission of generations, vital for establishing identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of promises tied to specific lines, such as the promised "seed" in Messianic prophecies (Gen 3:15; Gal 3:16).
• Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה - 'Azaryah): A very common Hebrew name, meaning "Helped by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has helped." The recurrence of names incorporating the divine element "Yah" (short for Yahweh) testifies to the theological worldview of the Israelite parents and the consistent role of God in the lives and histories of His people, even within mere genealogical lists. Many prominent figures throughout the Bible bore this name, signifying divine aid.
• Helez (חֶלֶץ - Ḥeletz): This name translates to "deliverance" or "strength." As with other names, it potentially speaks to the hope or circumstances surrounding his birth, or a quality attributed to him by his parents. Names often served as prayers, prophecies, or commemorations in ancient Israel.
• Eleasah (אֶלְעָשָׂה - 'El'asah): This name signifies "God has made," or "God has done," incorporating "El," a common Hebrew term for God. It powerfully affirms the belief in God's sovereignty and active participation in human lives, from individual births to the shaping of generations and national destiny. This name reinforces the Chronicler’s theological message that the unfolding of Israel’s history, including its genealogical tapestry, is orchestrated by divine purpose.

• "Oded begot Azariah, Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Eleasah": This entire phrase adheres to the classic "X begot Y" genealogical formula. This structure not only charts familial connections but underscores the concept of succession and the unbroken chain of generations. In the context of the Chronicler, it authenticates the lineages for those returning from exile, assuring them of their place within the covenant community. These seemingly mundane lists serve as foundational assertions of divine providence and historical continuity, through which God preserves His people and fulfills His promises. They affirm identity and underscore God's faithful hand across time.

1 Chronicles 2 38 Bonus section

The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9) are unique in their scope and detail. They go beyond simple family trees, serving several critical functions for the post-exilic community in Judah. They helped to:

• Re-establish National Identity: After the trauma of exile, knowing one's lineage was vital for understanding who was a true Israelite and eligible for the promised inheritance in the land.
• Legitimize Claims: Specific family lines were necessary to validate claims to ancestral lands (Neh 11:3), priestly offices (Ezra 2:62), and even the monarchy (though only the Davidic line could ultimately reclaim it).
• Demonstrate God's Faithfulness: By meticulously tracking these lineages, the Chronicler underscored how God had preserved His people through various trials, fulfilling His promises through generations despite human failings. This pointed towards God's sustained covenant.
• Emphasize Divine Purpose: The inclusion of individuals whose names speak of God's help or work (like Azariah and Eleasah in this verse) infuses theological meaning into otherwise plain lists, highlighting God's active involvement in the births and lives of His people across time. The precision underscores a divine plan for historical succession.
• Foreshadow the Messiah: While not explicitly mentioning the Davidic line in this particular verse, these comprehensive genealogies implicitly uphold the greater structure that would ultimately bring forth the Davidic Messiah, whose own genealogy is traced in the New Testament. The careful record-keeping prepares the reader for understanding the validity of the Davidic line as the carrier of messianic promise.

1 Chronicles 2 38 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:38, though a simple genealogical entry, encapsulates core theological truths found throughout the book of Chronicles. It signifies the Chronicler's meticulous commitment to preserving the record of God's covenant people. By listing successive generations, it establishes continuity and authenticity for the post-exilic community, providing a sense of identity, heritage, and validation of land claims and tribal affiliations. The presence of God's name (Yah/El) within Azariah and Eleasah’s names quietly reiterates divine oversight in the very fabric of their lineage. These lists are not mere dry records but living testimonies to God’s faithfulness in preserving His chosen line through history, anticipating the ultimate "seed" promised for the redemption of humanity (Gen 12:3; Gal 3:16). They reflect divine order and the unwavering plan of God.