1 Chronicles 1:18
Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.
Arphaxad was the father of Shelah
Arphaxad is a descendant of Noah, specifically through his son Shem, which places him in the line that is often associated with the Semitic peoples. This lineage is significant as it traces the ancestry of the Israelites, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to Noah to preserve humanity through his family. Arphaxad's name appears in the genealogies of Genesis 10:22 and Genesis 11:10-13, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through specific family lines. The genealogical records serve to connect the post-flood world to the patriarchs, showing the divine orchestration of history. Arphaxad's role as the father of Shelah is a link in the chain leading to the birth of Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation.

and Shelah was the father of Eber
Shelah continues the line from Arphaxad, and his mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of lineage in the biblical narrative. Eber, Shelah's son, is a significant figure as he is traditionally considered the ancestor of the Hebrews. The name "Eber" is etymologically linked to the term "Hebrew," suggesting a connection to the identity of the people who would later become known as the Israelites. This connection is further supported by references in Genesis 10:24 and Genesis 11:14-17. The genealogical record here serves to establish the roots of the Hebrew people, reinforcing their identity and God's covenantal promises. Eber's place in the genealogy is crucial as it sets the stage for the emergence of the Hebrew nation, through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the coming of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Arphaxad
A descendant of Noah, specifically the son of Shem. Arphaxad is significant in the genealogical line leading to Abraham, highlighting the continuity of God's promise through Shem's lineage.

2. Shelah
The son of Arphaxad and the father of Eber. Shelah's mention in the genealogical record underscores the importance of lineage in the biblical account, particularly in tracing the ancestry of the Israelites.

3. Eber
The son of Shelah and an important figure as the ancestor of the Hebrews. The name "Eber" is often associated with the term "Hebrew," indicating his significance in the identity of the Israelite people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible are not mere historical records; they demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through specific family lines. They remind us of the continuity of God's plan throughout history.

Identity and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites traced their identity back to figures like Eber, Christians are called to recognize their identity in Christ and the spiritual lineage that connects them to the faith of the patriarchs.

God's Sovereignty in History
The genealogical records show that God is sovereign over history, orchestrating events and lineages to fulfill His divine purposes. This should encourage believers to trust in God's plan for their lives, even when it is not immediately apparent.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of these figures encourages believers to consider their role in passing down faith to future generations. It challenges us to be faithful stewards of the spiritual legacy we have received.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy from Arphaxad to Eber demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

2. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our identity as Christians today?

3. How does the inclusion of these genealogical records in both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the continuity of God's plan?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are passing down a legacy of faith to future generations?

5. How can the sovereignty of God, as seen in the orchestration of biblical genealogies, encourage us in times of uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:22-25
This passage provides a parallel genealogy, confirming the lineage from Shem to Eber and emphasizing the continuity of God's covenantal promises through specific family lines.

Luke 3:35-36
In the genealogy of Jesus, Arphaxad, Shelah, and Eber are mentioned, connecting the Old Testament lineage to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.

Hebrews 11:1-3
While not directly mentioning these figures, this passage speaks to the faith of the patriarchs, of which Eber is a part, highlighting the faithfulness of God's people through generations.
Natural and Spiritual PaternityW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 1:1-27
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies as Symbols of the Solidarity of Our RaceW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to ChristF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to the Church and the WorldF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Israelite DescentW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
NamesW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Antiquity and Unity of ManJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies and HeredityW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies Indicative of Universal BrotherhoodW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies: What We Owe to the PastW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abida, Abimael, Abram, Achbor, Adam, Adbeel, Aholibamah, Aiah, Ajah, Akan, Aliah, Alian, Almodad, Alvah, Alvan, Amalek, Amorites, Amram, Anah, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Aran, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Arvadites, Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Baalhanan, Bedad, Bela, Beor, Bilhan, Cainan, Caphthorim, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Cheran, Dedan, Diklah, Dishan, Dishon, Dodanim, Dumah, Eber, Elah, Elam, Eldaah, Eliphaz, Elisha, Elishah, Enoch, Enosh, Ephah, Epher, Esau, Eshban, Ezar, Ezer, Gatam, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Gomer, Hadad, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Hanan, Hanoch, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Hemdan, Henoch, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Homam, Hori, Hul, Husham, Iram, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Israelites, Ithran, Jaalam, Jakan, Japheth, Jared, Javan, Jebusites, Jerah, Jered, Jetheth, Jetur, Jeush, Jobab, Jokshan, Joktan, Kedar, Kedemah, Kenan, Kenaz, Keturah, Kittim, Korah, Lamech, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lotan, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magdiel, Magog, Mahalaleel, Manahath, Massa, Matred, Medan, Mehetabel, Meshech, Methuselah, Mezahab, Mibsam, Mibzar, Mishma, Mizraim, Mizzah, Nahath, Nahor, Naphish, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nebaioth, Nimrod, Noah, Omar, Onam, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Pinon, Reu, Reuel, Riphath, Sabta, Sabtecha, Samlah, Saul, Seba, Seir, Serug, Seth, Shammah, Shaul, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Shephi, Shepho, Sheth, Shobal, Shuah, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tema, Teman, Temanites, Terah, Timna, Timnah, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zaavan, Zavan, Zemarite, Zemarites, Zephi, Zepho, Zerah, Zibeon, Zidon, Zimran
Places
Avith, Babylon, Bozrah, Dinhabah, Edom, Euphrates River, Masrekah, Midian, Moab, Pai, Rehoboth
Topics
Arpachshad, Arpach'shad, Arphaxad, Begat, Begot, Eber, Shelah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:1-4

     5106   Noah

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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