1 Chronicles Chapter 2 — The Genealogy of Judah
This chapter lists the twelve sons of Israel and provides an extensive genealogy of the tribe of Judah, specifically tracking the family line leading to King David.
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Notable Verses
1 Chronicles 2:1-2
“These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.”
This verse establishes the primary heads of the twelve tribes of Israel before the focus narrows to the lineage of Judah.
1 Chronicles 2:7
“The son of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who committed a trespass in the devoted thing.”
It references the historical sin of Achan, providing a brief moral reminder within the genealogical list.
1 Chronicles 2:15
“Ozem the sixth, and David the seventh;”
This identifies King David's place within the family of Jesse, marking the chapter's importance in tracing the royal line.
Chapter Summary
1 Chronicles Chapter 2 begins by identifying the twelve sons of Israel. The narrative then shifts focus to the tribe of Judah, detailing his five sons: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah. The text highlights the family of Hezron, a son of Perez, whose lineage is vital as it leads directly to King David through Jesse. Significant space is given to the various branches of Judah's descendants, including the families of Jerahmeel and Caleb. The record also mentions specific historical figures such as Achar, who brought trouble upon Israel, and Bezalel, the skilled craftsman. The genealogy concludes by listing the families of scribes and Kenites associated with the house of Rechab, establishing the geographical and social roots of the clans of Judah, including the founding of Bethlehem.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter lists the twelve sons of Israel as Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. These individuals are the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The genealogy of Judah is emphasized because it contains the royal line of King David. The Chronicler provides this detail to establish the historical and legal foundation for the Davidic monarchy and the coming Messiah.
Achar, also known as Achan in the book of Joshua, is called the 'troubler of Israel.' He is noted for taking items that were devoted to destruction during the conquest of Jericho, which resulted in divine judgment upon the nation.
Verse 51 and 54 identify Salma as the 'father' or founder of Bethlehem. This establishes the ancestral link between the tribe of Judah and the city where King David was eventually born.
Study Note
The identification of David as the seventh son of Jesse in verse 15 differs from the count in 1 Samuel 16, which lists eight sons; this may indicate that one of Jesse's sons died without heirs and was omitted from the Chronicler’s formal list.
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