1 Chronicles Chapter 3 — The Genealogy of King David
This chapter lists the sons of King David born in Hebron and Jerusalem, followed by the succession of the kings of Judah and the post-exilic family of Zerubbabel.
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Notable Verses
1 Chronicles 3:4
“six were born to him in Hebron; and he reigned there seven years and six months. He reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem;”
This verse provides a chronological summary of David's reign in both Hebron and Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 3:5
“and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, by Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel;”
It identifies Solomon, the heir to the throne, among the sons born to David in Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 3:19
“The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei.”
Zerubbabel is a pivotal historical figure who led the Jewish people back from the Babylonian exile.
Chapter Summary
1 Chronicles Chapter 3 provides a meticulous record of King David’s descendants, documenting the preservation of the royal line of Judah. The chapter begins by listing David's sons born during his seven-year reign in Hebron, followed by those born during his thirty-three-year reign in Jerusalem, including his successor Solomon. The narrative then shifts to the succession of the kings of Judah, tracing the royal line from Solomon through the end of the monarchy with Josiah and his sons. The final section of the chapter follows the lineage during and after the Babylonian captivity, focusing on the family of Jeconiah and specifically Zerubbabel, a central figure in the return to Jerusalem. This genealogical account serves to demonstrate the historical continuity of the Davidic dynasty throughout Israel's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter mentions several sons, including his firstborn Amnon, Daniel, Absalom, Adonijah, and Solomon. It distinguishes between those born in Hebron and those born in Jerusalem.
According to verse 4, David reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-three years, following a seven-year and six-month reign in Hebron.
Zerubbabel is listed as a descendant of King David through the line of Jeconiah. He is a significant figure in biblical history for leading the return of the exiles from Babylon and helping to rebuild the Temple.
Study Note
The inclusion of Zerubbabel's family at the end of the chapter bridges the gap between the fallen monarchy and the post-exilic restoration.
Related Chapters
2 Samuel 5
This chapter describes the start of David's reign in Jerusalem which is summarized in 1 Chronicles 3.
Matthew 1
The New Testament genealogy of Jesus shares many names with this list, tracing the same royal Davidic line.
Ezra 3
Ezra 3 details the actions of Zerubbabel, who is listed in the post-exilic genealogy of this chapter.
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