1 Chronicles 3 10

1 Chronicles 3:10 kjv

And Solomon's son was Rehoboam, Abia his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

1 Chronicles 3:10 nkjv

Solomon's son was Rehoboam; Abijah was his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

1 Chronicles 3:10 niv

Solomon's son was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

1 Chronicles 3:10 esv

The son of Solomon was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

1 Chronicles 3:10 nlt

The descendants of Solomon were Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat,

1 Chronicles 3 verses

1 Chronicles 3 10 Meaning

This verse serves as a direct and concise genealogical record, specifically tracing five successive kings who ruled Judah following King David, commencing with Solomon. It emphatically establishes the legitimate, continuous, and hereditary succession within the Davidic royal line, which is foundational to the Chronicler's narrative and the post-exilic community's identity and hope.

1 Chronicles 3 10 Context

First Chronicles belongs to the Chronicler's history, written for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile. Its primary aim is to remind them of their heritage, re-establish their identity, and inspire hope through God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. The genealogies, specifically in chapters 1-9, serve a crucial role by demonstrating the continuity of the tribes, especially the Davidic royal line and the Aaronic priesthood, which were vital for the restoration of Israel's spiritual and national life. Chapter 3 focuses entirely on the descendants of David, ensuring the legitimacy and unbroken succession of his royal house. Verse 10 initiates the direct listing of the actual reigning kings from Solomon onward, emphasizing the preserved Davidic lineage as promised by God, even through periods of upheaval and exile.

1 Chronicles 3 10 Word analysis

• And Solomon his son;
  • And Solomon (וּשְׁלֹמֹה, ū-šə-lō-mōh): Connects this verse to the preceding lineage of David's sons (1 Chr 3:1-9). Solomon is introduced as the pivotal link in the royal succession from David. His reign marked the apex of Israelite power and wealth, as well as the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem, central to the Chronicler's interest.
  • his son (בְנוֹ, bə-nōw): This phrase, repeated after each name, denotes direct paternal succession. In Hebrew thought and within a royal lineage, this was crucial for establishing legal and theological legitimacy. It emphasizes an unbroken hereditary line chosen by God, not merely a distant descendant. This repetitive formula provides a rapid, almost rhythmic, enumeration that reinforces continuity.
• Rehoboam his son,
  • Rehoboam (רְחַבְעָם, rə-ḥaḇ-‘ām): Son of Solomon, under whom the united monarchy tragically divided. His inclusion confirms that even though the kingdom split, the legitimate royal line, the Davidic dynasty, continued to rule over Judah.
  • his son: Reiterates the direct, legitimate succession despite the political and spiritual failures associated with Rehoboam's reign. God's covenant with David endured despite human flaws.
• Abijah his son,
  • Abijah (אֲבִיָּה, ’a-ḇî-yāh): King of Judah, successor to Rehoboam. His brief reign is primarily remembered for his victorious war against Jeroboam of Israel (2 Chr 13). His presence further confirms the continuation of the Davidic line through challenging times.
  • his son: Again, highlights the continuous direct hereditary rule within the tribe of Judah.
• Asa his son,
  • Asa (אָסָא, ’ā-sā’): A reforming king of Judah, generally praised for removing idolatry and leading the nation in seeking the Lord for a significant portion of his reign (2 Chr 14-16). His righteous rule reflects the potential for renewal within the Davidic covenant.
  • his son: The unbroken chain is reinforced, signifying God's persistent upholding of His covenant.
• Jehoshaphat his son,
  • Jehoshaphat (יְהוֹשָׁפָט, yə-hōw-šā-p̄āṭ): Another largely righteous king of Judah who sought to administer justice and teach the Law throughout the kingdom (2 Chr 17-20). His reign is marked by military strength and religious devotion, presenting a model for faithful kingship.
  • his son: Concludes this segment of the genealogy, emphasizing the secure and divinely sanctioned nature of the royal succession within the Davidic dynasty, as understood by the Chronicler.

• "Solomon his son; Rehoboam his son, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,"
  • This sequence forms a continuous list of kings who each directly succeeded their father on the throne of Judah. The repeated phrase "his son" serves a critical function: it stresses the unwavering continuity of the royal line established by divine covenant with David. For a post-exilic audience, this precise and unyielding record provided tangible proof of God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which His promises would eventually be fulfilled, ultimately pointing to the coming Messiah. It also silently corrects any impression that the exile or kingdom division disrupted the divinely appointed Davidic right to rule.

1 Chronicles 3 10 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's Emphasis: Unlike the books of Kings, the Chronicler focuses heavily on the Temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic line, often highlighting the positive aspects and reforms of the kings of Judah. This genealogical record perfectly aligns with that emphasis, showcasing the unbroken nature of the legitimate royal authority.
• Proof of Identity and Inheritance: For the Jewish people returning from exile, these detailed genealogies were vital. They served as legal and historical documents to prove their tribal identity, especially their connection to the land and the Temple, ensuring proper inheritance rights and positions within the restored community.
• Foundation for Messianic Expectation: By meticulously tracing the Davidic line, the Chronicler reinforces the biblical prophecy of an everlasting Davidic throne. This continuity is a key precursor to the New Testament's presentation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and the rightful King. The listed kings, despite their varied obedience, form part of the divinely preserved thread leading to the Messiah.
• Divine Faithfulness Despite Human Failing: The fact that the line continues unbroken through kings with varied records of faithfulness (e.g., the immediate contrast between Solomon's initial wisdom/later idolatry, Rehoboam's folly, Asa's reforms, and Jehoshaphat's piety) subtly testifies to God's steadfastness. His covenant with David is upheld by His grace, not solely dependent on the perfect obedience of the individual monarchs.

1 Chronicles 3 10 Commentary

1 Chronicles 3:10 efficiently lists the initial five direct successors in the royal lineage of Judah, beginning with Solomon. This seemingly simple genealogical record is highly significant for the Chronicler's overarching purpose: to validate the legitimacy and enduring nature of the Davidic covenant. Each mention of "his son" emphatically underscores the uninterrupted hereditary succession God had established, despite the historical failings of individual kings like Rehoboam or the division of the kingdom. For the post-exilic community, this was more than a mere historical roster; it was a powerful theological statement affirming God's faithfulness in maintaining His promises to David, and by extension, providing a foundation of hope for a future where a descendant of David would once again perfectly rule. The focus is on the line and God's covenant with it, rather than extensive details of each king's reign, as those narratives are found elsewhere in the biblical record.