1 Chronicles 4 2

1 Chronicles 4:2 kjv

And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.

1 Chronicles 4:2 nkjv

And Reaiah the son of Shobal begot Jahath, and Jahath begot Ahumai and Lahad. These were the families of the Zorathites.

1 Chronicles 4:2 niv

Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.

1 Chronicles 4:2 esv

Reaiah the son of Shobal fathered Jahath, and Jahath fathered Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.

1 Chronicles 4:2 nlt

Shobal's son Reaiah was the father of Jahath. Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the families of the Zorathites.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 2 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:2 continues the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing descendants connected to the Zorathites. It lists Reaiah, the son of Shobal, as the father of Jahath, who in turn begat Ahumai and Lahad. These individuals are identified as integral members of the families dwelling in or originating from Zorah, serving to affirm their lineage and communal identity within the tribal structure of Israel. This precise documentation underscored their historical connection to the land and the covenants of God.

1 Chronicles 4 2 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 4, which is a continuation of the detailed genealogical records of the tribe of Judah that began in chapter 2. The immediate context of chapter 4 lists various families and clans descended from Judah, often including their geographical settlements or the regions they inhabited. These meticulous lists serve multiple purposes: tracing lineage for inheritance and land claims, identifying those qualified for specific roles (like priests and Levites), and re-establishing the identity and tribal structure of Israel for the post-exilic community. Historically, the Chronicler compiled these records after the Babylonian exile when the remnant returned to Jerusalem. It was vital for them to confirm their ancestral ties to the land, reassert their claims to tribal lands and maintain tribal cohesion, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their heritage through generations, leading ultimately to the Davidic line.

1 Chronicles 4 2 Word Analysis

• And: A conjunction, connecting this genealogical statement to the previous one, indicating the continuous flow of the record.

• Reaiah: (Hebrew: רְאָיָה, Re'ayah). The name likely means "Yah has seen" or "Yah has provided/revealed." This reflects a common practice in ancient Israel to incorporate God's name (Yah or Yahweh) into personal names, signifying divine oversight or blessing over the individual's life or birth.

• the son of Shobal: "Son of" explicitly denotes the paternal lineage, establishing Reaiah as a direct descendant of Shobal. Shobal is mentioned elsewhere in Chronicles (1 Chron 2:50) as a son of Hur, one of the original ancestors of Judah, linking this specific lineage to a foundational figure in Judah's genealogy.

• the father of Jahath: Again, clearly defines the generational progression.

• Jahath: (Hebrew: יַחַת, Yachath). The meaning is somewhat debated but can be linked to a root meaning "he will seize" or "he will snatch." It's a name that appears in other tribal contexts as well (e.g., a Levite in 1 Chron 23:10).

• begat: (Hebrew: יָלַד, yalad). This verb is the standard biblical term for "fathered" or "gave birth to." It is crucial for delineating successive generations in a genealogical record, establishing the chain of descent.

• Ahumai: (Hebrew: אֲחוּמַי, Achumay). The precise meaning is uncertain, but it might relate to "brother of water" or "my brother is a fount." Such names often refer to family relationships or descriptive characteristics.

• and Lahad: (Hebrew: לָהַד, Lahad). This name is unique to this verse in the biblical text and its meaning is not definitively established, possibly relating to "oppression" or "glowing." The inclusion of two sons indicates the branching of the family line.

• These are: A direct identificatory phrase, setting apart the following statement as a specific definition or group affiliation.

• the families of the Zorathites: This is a crucial identifying clause.

  • Families: Refers to the extended clans or subdivisions within the larger tribe. This emphasis on "families" (Hebrew: מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot) highlights the communal and organizational structure of Israelite society, where identity and heritage were intrinsically linked to one's family and clan.
  • Zorathites: (Hebrew: צָרְעָתִֽי, Tsore'ati). Refers to the inhabitants or descendants from Zorah (צָרְעָה, Tsor'ah), a prominent town in the Shephelah (lowlands) region of Judah. Zorah is historically significant as the birthplace of Samson (Judges 13:2). Identifying these individuals as "Zorathites" roots them in a specific geographical location within Judah, linking the lineage to the actual tribal land allotments.

• Words-group analysis:

  • Reaiah the son of Shobal, the father of Jahath: This sequence meticulously establishes a paternal lineage, a core purpose of these biblical genealogies, tracing descent generation by generation.
  • Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad: This phrase illustrates the expansion of the family line through multiple children, showing the growth and continuation of the lineage over time.
  • These are the families of the Zorathites: This statement provides a collective identification for the individuals named, associating them with a specific geographical and social unit (the Zorathites). This connection to a known locale and group (Zorah) was vital for the returned exiles to verify their heritage, land claims, and communal identity within the restored Israelite society.

1 Chronicles 4 2 Bonus section

The meticulous nature of this seemingly mundane genealogical verse highlights several crucial aspects of biblical truth and Israelite culture:

• Historical Preservation: The very existence of such precise records underscores the high value placed on lineage and heritage within ancient Israel, reflecting a commitment to historical accuracy from a biblical perspective. This commitment goes beyond simple record-keeping; it's about preserving the narrative of God's interaction with His people.
• Tribal and Communal Identity: For the returned exiles, these lists were not abstract; they defined who belonged, who had a rightful inheritance in the land, and who could serve in the sanctuary. It speaks to the communal nature of God's covenant with Israel.
• Divine Faithfulness: Beyond the names themselves, the survival and restoration of these family lines demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the preservation of His people and the lineage leading to the Davidic Messiah. Even seemingly minor family branches played a part in this grander divine plan.
• Connection to Larger Narrative: Though small, this verse subtly contributes to the larger story of the kingdom of God unfolding through a specific chosen people, a narrative that culminates in Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

1 Chronicles 4 2 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:2, though appearing as a mere list of names, is far from inconsequential. Within the Chronicler's narrative, genealogies serve a profound theological and practical purpose. For the post-exilic community, these records were vital. They re-established Israel's identity as a people with a divinely ordered history, validating their claim to the Promised Land and their right to worship in the restored temple. Each name in this verse is not just an individual but a link in an unbroken chain demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness through generations, especially within the tribe of Judah, from whom the promised Messiah would ultimately come. The specific mention of "the families of the Zorathites" grounds these lineages geographically, underscoring their tangible connection to the land God had promised. This verse thus affirms continuity, identity, and God's sovereign hand in preserving His chosen people, no matter the challenges they faced.