1 Chronicles 2 52

1 Chronicles 2:52 kjv

And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites.

1 Chronicles 2:52 nkjv

And Shobal the father of Kirjath Jearim had descendants: Haroeh, and half of the families of Manuhoth.

1 Chronicles 2:52 niv

The descendants of Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim were: Haroeh, half the Manahathites,

1 Chronicles 2:52 esv

Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had other sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth.

1 Chronicles 2:52 nlt

The descendants of Shobal (the founder of Kiriath-jearim) were Haroeh, half the Manahathites,

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 52 Meaning

This verse records part of the genealogical lineage of Judah, specifically detailing descendants of Caleb, through his son Hur. It identifies Shobal as the head of the clan associated with Kiriath-jearim, a historically significant town. It also mentions "Haroeh" as one of Shobal's descendants and notes their association with "half of the Manuhathites," indicating a particular family group or territorial segment within Judah's tribal distribution. The purpose within Chronicles is to trace and solidify the tribal boundaries, inheritances, and key figures that formed the foundation of Israel's national and religious identity, especially pertinent for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 2 52 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 2 opens with a list of Jacob's (Israel's) sons, then quickly focuses on the tribe of Judah, tracing its lineage through significant figures like Perez, Hezron, and Caleb. This genealogical record is far from a mere list; it establishes the tribal and family connections that were vital for Israel's identity, land inheritance, and legitimate claims to authority, especially after the Babylonian exile when the Chronicler was writing. Verse 52 specifically places Shobal and his descendants within the sprawling clan structure of Judah, underscoring their particular association with Kiriath-jearim, a pivotal site in the history of the Ark of the Covenant before its transfer to Jerusalem. This emphasizes Judah's prominent role and divine selection in Israel's history, leading ultimately to the Davidic kingship.

1 Chronicles 2 52 Word analysis

• And Shobal:
  • Word: Shobal (שׁוֹבָל - Shoval). A personal name, likely derived from a root meaning "flowing" or "leader."
  • Significance: He is listed earlier in 1 Chron 2:1 as a son of Hur, who was a son of Caleb (and through Hezron, a son of Judah). His reappearance here as the "father of Kiriath-jearim" emphasizes his foundational role in establishing or leading this specific clan and its associated town. This links him directly to a prominent locale and thus to broader Israelite history.
• the father of Kiriath-jearim:
  • Word: "father" (אֲבִי - avi) in this genealogical context often means "founder," "patriarch," "chief," or "head of the clan/town," rather than strictly biological father.
  • Word: Kiriath-jearim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים - Qiryat Ye'arim). Meaning "city of forests" or "city of groves."
  • Significance: This city, situated on the border of Judah and Benjamin, gained immense importance as the place where the Ark of the Covenant was stored for 20 years after its return from the Philistines (1 Sam 7:1-2) before David brought it to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6). Associating Shobal's line with this town implicitly connects this particular clan of Judah to the sacred history of the Ark and the transition towards the Davidic kingdom and Jerusalem as its spiritual center.
• had sons:
  • Significance: Indicates continued lineage and proliferation of the clan associated with Shobal. Genealogies are about continuity and the preservation of covenant promises across generations.
• Haroeh:
  • Word: Haroeh (הָרֹאֶה - ha-Ro'eh). Literally "the seer" or "the beholder" (from the root רָאָה - ra'ah, "to see").
  • Significance: This unusual form (the definite article "ha-" suggesting "the" rather than just a name) might imply a title or descriptive epithet rather than a unique proper name, perhaps "the observant one" or "the one who sees." Alternatively, it could be a rare proper name. Given the biblical concept of "seeing" being linked to prophecy or insight, this name could subtly hint at a discerning quality within this sub-clan, though its exact meaning here is debated among scholars. Some suggest it refers to one specific son whose actual name might have been omitted or different.
• half of the Manuhathites:
  • Words: "half" (חֲצִי - chatsi). Indicates a division or portion of a group.
  • Words: Manuhathites (הַמְּנֻחוֹת - ha-Menuchoth). Likely meaning "of the resting places" or "resting people," possibly referring to a specific locale or group named Menuchah. The name Menuchah (מְנוּחָה - menuchah) means "rest" or "a place of rest."
  • Significance: This phrase suggests a specific segmentation or allotment within the larger clan structure, perhaps referring to a distinct sub-clan that received part of an inheritance or inhabited a particular region. It indicates the meticulous way in which tribal relationships and territorial associations were recorded, showing the organized nature of Israel's early settlement and subsequent divisions within Judah. The detail implies a level of precision and perhaps reflects land disputes or allocations among the clans.

1 Chronicles 2 52 Bonus section

The Chronicler's emphasis on detailed genealogies, especially for Judah, the priestly line, and Benjamin, reflected the pressing needs of the post-exilic community. These lists were not only about preserving heritage but served practical and theological functions:

• Legitimization: They validated claims to tribal land (inherited property), temple service (for priests and Levites), and civic authority (leadership from Davidic lineage).
• Identity and Continuity: They provided a sense of continuity with the pre-exilic nation and a divine purpose for their restoration, showing God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people.
• Inclusivity: While focusing on core tribes, they sometimes included obscure names or mixed groups ("half of the Manuhathites") to account for the diverse composition of the returning community, demonstrating that all were part of God's covenant people.The meticulous listing of names like Shobal, and geographical associations like Kiriath-jearim, underlined the Chronicler's belief in the meticulous hand of God in shaping the history and destiny of His people.

1 Chronicles 2 52 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:52, nestled within Judah's complex genealogies, serves a crucial purpose beyond a mere list of names. It solidifies the historical ties of the Kiriath-jearim lineage, a clan descended from Hur and Caleb, both significant figures linked to the Tabernacle's construction (Bezalel was from Hur's line) and Judah's dominance. By identifying Shobal as the "father" or founder of Kiriath-jearim, the Chronicler weaves a narrative connecting specific tribal families to specific places of national and religious significance. Kiriath-jearim's role as the long-term resting place for the Ark of the Covenant imbues this seemingly mundane genealogical entry with deep theological meaning, linking a Judahite sub-clan directly to the sacred artifact that prefigured God's dwelling among His people. The inclusion of "Haroeh" and "half of the Manuhathites" points to the intricate internal divisions and land allocations within the tribe, affirming legitimate claims and lineage continuity for the returning exiles. It silently reassures them of their ancient heritage and divine preservation amidst dislocation, preparing them for rebuilding.