1 Chronicles 4 21

1 Chronicles 4:21 kjv

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,

1 Chronicles 4:21 nkjv

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of the linen workers of the house of Ashbea;

1 Chronicles 4:21 niv

The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lekah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth Ashbea,

1 Chronicles 4:21 esv

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the clans of the house of linen workers at Beth-ashbea;

1 Chronicles 4:21 nlt

Shelah was one of Judah's sons. The descendants of Shelah were Er (the father of Lecah); Laadah (the father of Mareshah); the families of linen workers at Beth-ashbea;

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 21 Meaning

This verse details specific lineages within the tribe of Judah, descending from Shelah, Judah's third son. It identifies Er as the ancestor of Lecah and Laadah as the ancestor of Mareshah. Importantly, it also highlights "the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea," emphasizing a prominent occupational group or a specific skill-based family within Shelah's descendants, signifying their contribution and perhaps economic standing. This passage is part of the Chronicler's larger genealogical record, underscoring identity, inheritance, and the foundational elements of the people of Israel after the exile.

1 Chronicles 4 21 Context

1 Chronicles 4:21 is situated within the lengthy genealogical lists of chapters 1-9, which preface the narrative section of Chronicles. These genealogies serve a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community: reaffirming their identity, their connection to Abraham and David, their land inheritance claims, and the legitimacy of the priestly and Levitical families for temple service. Chapter 4 specifically focuses on the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe, tracing its diverse lines and highlighting significant families, including those associated with specific towns or occupations like "fine linen workers." This detail helps paint a picture of Judah's internal social and economic structure, showing not just familial connections but also practical aspects of their society. Historically, such genealogies were vital for establishing one's place within the renewed Israelite community returning from Babylonian exile, emphasizing continuity and the divine promise despite dispersion.

1 Chronicles 4 21 Word analysis

• And the sons of Shelah the son of Judah were: This phrase establishes the specific branch of Judah's family being detailed. Shelah (שֵׁלָה, Shela), as the third son of Judah (Gen 38:5), is a foundational figure in this lineage. The Chronicler's precise enumeration highlights the distinct families and their roles within Judah.
• Er the father of Lecah: "Er" (עֵר, 'Er) here refers to a descendant of Shelah, not Judah's firstborn who perished (Gen 38). "Lecah" (לֵכָה, Lekah), possibly meaning "going" or "journey," might indicate a geographical place associated with this family branch or signify their migratory nature or economic activity. This highlights specific ancestral lines contributing to the tribe's makeup.
• and Laadah the father of Mareshah: "Laadah" (לַעְדָּה, La'adah) is another distinct individual in Shelah's line. "Mareshah" (מָרֵשָׁה, Mareshah) was a significant city in the Shephelah region of Judah (Josh 15:44), often fortified (2 Chr 11:8) and mentioned in prophetic contexts (Mic 1:15). Connecting Laadah to Mareshah suggests a founding figure or a family deeply rooted in that city's history.
• and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea: This is a particularly descriptive and significant part. "Wrought fine linen" (בֵּית־עֲבוֹדַת הַבֻּץ, beit 'avodath habbutz), literally "house of the working of the fine linen."
  • House of them that wrought fine linen: This phrase identifies an entire group or guild within Shelah's descendants specialized in crafting "fine linen" (בּוּץ, butz). Fine linen was a highly valued commodity in the ancient world, often used for priestly garments in the Tabernacle and Temple (Exod 28:5; 39:27), royal and noble attire (Prov 31:22; Ezek 16:13), and later, symbolizing the righteousness of saints (Rev 19:8). Their specific mention implies a specialized, respected, and economically vital trade, suggesting a significant contribution to Israel's sacred and civic life.
  • of the house of Ashbea: "Ashbea" (אַשְׁבֵּעַ, 'Ashbea'), meaning "I will make them swear" or "satisfied," is a lesser-known name, likely representing the family or lineage head from which these linen-workers sprang. This further specifies the particular clan of fine linen artisans within the Shelanites. This detail might have been important to the Chronicler's audience for identifying land rights, hereditary professions, or re-establishing social structures post-exile.

1 Chronicles 4 21 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s meticulous attention to occupational details, especially the "fine linen" families, contrasts with other biblical genealogies which are often more strictly lineal. This specific detail implies that professional guilds or specialized family trades were significant enough to be recorded in their foundational documents, similar to how scribal or priestly families were documented. This focus may have also been designed to connect current post-exilic inhabitants (some possibly engaged in similar trades) to their historical roots and rightful place within the reconstructed community of Israel. It serves as a reminder that God uses people from all walks of life and all skills for His purposes, whether building the Tabernacle, supplying fine materials for royalty, or embodying righteousness.

1 Chronicles 4 21 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:21 offers a glimpse into the diverse fabric of the tribe of Judah, highlighting its social and economic complexity through a genealogical lens. Far from a mere list of names, the Chronicler carefully selects details that were meaningful to his audience. The mention of individuals like Er and Laadah connected to specific locales such as Lecah and Mareshah grounds the lineage in tangible geography and potentially local history. Most notably, the inclusion of "the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen" underscores the importance of specific crafts and specialized labor within ancient Israelite society. This hereditary skill was not just an economic enterprise but held sacred significance due to linen's extensive use in priestly and temple service. This family’s distinction in the record suggests their prominence, perhaps indicating wealth, influence, or essential contributions to the community and religious life. Such occupational details reflect the Chronicler's broader interest in the practical reconstitution of the post-exilic community, affirming the historical continuity of skilled groups necessary for a functioning society.