1 Chronicles 1:22
Obal, Abimael, Sheba,
Obal
Obal is listed among the descendants of Joktan, a son of Eber, who is a descendant of Shem. This genealogy places Obal within the broader context of the Table of Nations, which outlines the spread of peoples and nations after the flood. The name Obal is sometimes associated with a region or tribe in Arabia, suggesting a connection to the Arabian Peninsula. This connection highlights the geographical spread of Joktan's descendants, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's command to fill the earth. The mention of Obal in this genealogy underscores the historical and cultural diversity present in the ancient Near East.

Abimael
Abimael is another descendant of Joktan, and his name is thought to mean "my father is God" or "God is a father." This name reflects the theistic culture of the time, where names often bore religious significance. Abimael's inclusion in the genealogy signifies the continuation of the Semitic line, which is significant in biblical history as it leads to the lineage of Abraham and ultimately to the nation of Israel. The mention of Abimael also serves to connect the genealogical record to the broader narrative of God's unfolding plan for humanity, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

Sheba
Sheba is a name that appears multiple times in the Bible, referring to different individuals and regions. In this context, Sheba is a descendant of Joktan, indicating a connection to the Arabian Peninsula. The region of Sheba is often associated with wealth and trade, as seen in the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. This connection to trade and prosperity highlights the economic interactions between different peoples in the ancient world. The mention of Sheba in this genealogy also foreshadows the later biblical narrative, where the wealth and wisdom of Solomon attract international attention, symbolizing the reach and influence of God's chosen people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ebal
Ebal is listed as a descendant of Joktan, who was a son of Eber. Ebal's name appears in genealogies that trace the lineage of various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East.

2. Abimael
Another descendant of Joktan, Abimael is part of the genealogical record that connects the peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions.

3. Sheba
Sheba is often associated with a region or people known for wealth and trade, particularly in spices and precious goods. The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is a notable biblical event.
Teaching Points
Understanding Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect historical accounts and demonstrate God's unfolding plan through specific lineages. They remind us of the importance of heritage and God's faithfulness across generations.

Cultural and Historical Context
Recognizing the historical and cultural context of names like Ebal, Abimael, and Sheba helps us appreciate the Bible's rich tapestry of human history and God's work among diverse peoples.

God's Sovereignty in History
The inclusion of various peoples in biblical genealogies illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His purpose in using different groups to fulfill His divine plan.

The Role of Trade and Wealth
The mention of Sheba highlights the role of trade and wealth in biblical times, reminding us of the importance of stewardship and the potential for wealth to be used for God's glory.

Interconnectedness of Scripture
The genealogies demonstrate the interconnectedness of Scripture, encouraging us to study the Bible holistically and see how different parts contribute to the overall account of God's redemption.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1 help us understand the broader account of the Bible and God's plan for humanity?

2. In what ways can understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical names enhance our study of Scripture?

3. How does the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon illustrate the significance of Sheba in biblical history?

4. What lessons can we learn about God's sovereignty and purpose from the inclusion of diverse peoples in biblical genealogies?

5. How can we apply the principles of stewardship and the use of wealth, as seen in the biblical account of Sheba, to our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:28-29
This passage provides a parallel genealogy, listing the descendants of Joktan, including Ebal, Abimael, and Sheba, highlighting the interconnectedness of the biblical genealogies.

1 Kings 10:1-13
The account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon underscores the historical and cultural significance of Sheba as a wealthy and influential region.

Job 1:15
The Sabeans, likely connected to Sheba, are mentioned as raiders, indicating the broader influence and interactions of these peoples in biblical accounts.
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
Abimael, Abim'a-el, Ebal, Sheba
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:19

     5044   names, giving of

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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