1 Chronicles 2:17
Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.
Abigail was the mother of Amasa
Abigail, in this context, is identified as the sister of Zeruiah and the half-sister of King David, making her a member of the royal family of Judah. Her role as the mother of Amasa places her in the genealogical line that connects to the leadership of Israel. Amasa was appointed by Absalom as the commander of his army during the rebellion against David, which highlights the complex family dynamics and political tensions within David's reign. This connection underscores the importance of familial ties and loyalties in the biblical narrative, as well as the recurring theme of internal conflict within the house of David.

whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite
Jether, also known as Ithra in some translations, is identified as an Ishmaelite, indicating his descent from Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. This detail is significant as it highlights the intermingling of different ethnic and tribal groups within Israel's history. The Ishmaelites were traditionally seen as outsiders to the covenant community of Israel, yet Jether's inclusion in the genealogy of Judah reflects the broader biblical theme of God's purposes extending beyond ethnic boundaries. This connection also serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between the descendants of Abraham, including both the Israelites and the Ishmaelites, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through diverse lineages.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abigail
A woman mentioned in the genealogy of Judah. She is the mother of Amasa, who becomes a significant military leader.

2. Amasa
The son of Abigail and Jether, Amasa later becomes a commander of the army under Absalom and is eventually appointed by David as commander of his army, replacing Joab.

3. Jether the Ishmaelite
The father of Amasa. His designation as an Ishmaelite indicates a connection to the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar.

4. Judah
The tribe from which this genealogy is derived, highlighting the lineage and connections within the tribe.

5. Genealogy of Judah
This passage is part of the broader genealogical record in 1 Chronicles, which traces the lineage of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the importance of heritage and God's promises to His people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the significance of family heritage and God's faithfulness across generations. Reflect on how your spiritual heritage influences your faith journey.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Amasa's role as a military leader under both Absalom and David illustrates how God can use individuals in various capacities, even amidst political turmoil. Consider how God might be calling you to serve in your community or church.

The Complexity of Human Relationships
The relationships between Abigail, Jether, and Amasa, and their connections to broader biblical accounts, show the complexity of human relationships and God's work through them. Reflect on how God is working through your relationships to fulfill His purposes.

Lessons from History
The genealogies and historical accounts in the Bible provide lessons for us today. Study these accounts to gain wisdom and understanding for your own life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2:17 help us understand the broader account of God's promises to His people?

2. In what ways does Amasa's account illustrate the complexities of leadership and loyalty? How can we apply these lessons to our own roles in leadership?

3. How does understanding the lineage of Jether the Ishmaelite provide insight into the diverse backgrounds of biblical figures? What does this teach us about God's inclusivity?

4. Reflect on the role of Abigail in this passage. How does her mention in the genealogy highlight the importance of women in biblical accounts?

5. How can studying the genealogies in 1 Chronicles deepen our appreciation for God's faithfulness across generations? How can this understanding impact our faith today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 17:25
This verse provides additional context about Amasa, noting his role in Absalom's rebellion and his familial connections, which are significant in understanding the political dynamics of David's reign.

1 Kings 2:5, 32
These verses discuss the eventual fate of Amasa, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the political intrigue during King David's reign.

Genesis 16:15
This verse introduces Ishmael, the ancestor of the Ishmaelites, providing background on Jether's lineage and the broader account of God's promises to Abraham.
The Human FamilyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 2:1-55
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abiah, Abigail, Abihail, Abijah, Abinadab, Abishai, Abishur, Achan, Achar, Achsa, Achsah, Ahban, Ahijah, Ahlai, Amasa, Amminadab, Appaim, Aram, Ardon, Asahel, Asher, Ashur, Atarah, Attai, Azariah, Azubah, Bathshua, Benjamin, Bezaleel, Boaz, Bunah, Calcol, Caleb, Carmi, Chelubai, Dan, Dara, Darda, David, Eker, Elasah, Eleasah, Eliab, Elishama, Ephah, Ephlal, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtaolites, Eshtaulites, Ethan, Gad, Gazez, Gesham, Geshem, Hamul, Haran, Hareph, Haroeh, Hazi-hammana-hethites, Helez, Heman, Hemath, Hezron, Hur, Ishi, Issachar, Ithrites, Jabez, Jada, Jahdai, Jair, Jamin, Jarha, Jehu, Jekamiah, Jerahmeel, Jerioth, Jesher, Jesse, Jether, Jithrites, Joab, Jonathan, Joseph, Jotham, Kenites, Korah, Levi, Maacah, Maachah, Maaz, Machir, Manahathites, Manahethites, Maon, Menahethites, Mesha, Mishraites, Molid, Moza, Nadab, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nathan, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obed, Onam, Onan, Oren, Ozem, Pelet, Peleth, Perez, Pharez, Puhites, Puthites, Raddai, Raham, Rechab, Regem, Rekem, Reuben, Salma, Salmon, Segub, Seled, Shaaph, Shallum, Shammai, Sheber, Shelah, Shema, Sheshan, Sheva, Shimea, Shimeathites, Shimma, Shobab, Shobal, Shua, Shumathites, Simeon, Sisamai, Sucathites, Suchathites, Tamar, Tappuah, Tirathites, Tireathites, Tirhanah, Uri, Zabad, Zareathites, Zaza, Zebulun, Zerah, Zereathites, Zeruiah, Zimri, Zorathites, Zoreathites, Zorites, Zur
Places
Aram, Edom, Geshur, Gilead, Hammath, Havvoth-jair, Jabez, Kenath
Topics
Abigail, Ab'igail, Amasa, Ama'sa, Bare, Bore, Borne, Ishmaelite, Ish'maelite, Ishmeelite, Jether
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:3

     5688   firstborn

Library
Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

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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