1 Chronicles 2:18
Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah and by Jerioth. These were the sons of Azubah: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
Caleb son of Hezron
Caleb, mentioned here, is distinct from the more famous Caleb, son of Jephunneh, who was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses. This Caleb is a descendant of Hezron, a grandson of Judah, placing him within the tribe of Judah. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles emphasize the importance of lineage and heritage, particularly in the context of the Davidic line, which is central to the Chronicler's purpose. Hezron's lineage is significant as it connects to the promises made to Abraham and the establishment of Israel.

had children by his wife Azubah and by Jerioth.
Azubah and Jerioth are mentioned as Caleb's wives, though little else is known about them. The mention of multiple wives reflects the cultural practices of the time, where polygamy was common among the Israelites, especially for those of significant status or wealth. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, with figures like Jacob, David, and Solomon. The genealogical records often highlight the importance of family and progeny in fulfilling God's promises to His people.

These were the sons of Azubah: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
The sons of Azubah—Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon—are listed, though they are not prominent figures elsewhere in the biblical narrative. The inclusion of their names serves to preserve the family lineage and maintain the historical record of the tribe of Judah. This genealogical detail underscores the Chronicler's focus on continuity and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises through specific family lines. The preservation of these names also reflects the importance of each individual in the unfolding story of God's people, even if their roles are not elaborated upon in the biblical text.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Caleb
A descendant of Hezron, Caleb is a significant figure in the genealogies of Judah. He is distinct from Caleb son of Jephunneh, the spy sent by Moses.

2. Hezron
Hezron is a grandson of Judah, making him a key figure in the lineage of the tribe of Judah.

3. Azubah
Azubah is one of Caleb's wives, mentioned here as the mother of his children.

4. Jerioth
Another wife of Caleb, though less is known about her, she is mentioned in the context of Caleb's family.

5. Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon
These are the sons of Caleb and Azubah, indicating the continuation of Caleb's lineage.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogies in the Bible are not just historical records; they demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through generations. They remind us of our place in God's ongoing account.

Family Legacy
The mention of Caleb's descendants encourages us to consider the legacy we are building. Are we investing in the spiritual growth and development of our families?

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies show that God is sovereign over history. He orchestrates events and lineages to fulfill His divine purposes, reminding us to trust His plan for our lives.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The faithfulness of individuals like Caleb (son of Jephunneh) in other parts of Scripture serves as a model for us to remain steadfast in our faith, impacting future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for our descendants?

3. How does the account of Caleb (son of Jephunneh) in Numbers 13-14 inspire us to live faithfully today?

4. What can we learn from the genealogies about God's faithfulness and sovereignty in our personal lives?

5. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles connect to the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, and what does this teach us about God's redemptive plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13-14
While this passage refers to a different Caleb (son of Jephunneh), the name Caleb is significant in the context of faithfulness and courage, as seen in the account of the spies.

Ruth 4:18-22
This genealogy connects to the lineage of David, showing the importance of family lines in the history of Israel.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ includes the tribe of Judah, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through these lineages.
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
Ardon, Azubah, Azu'bah, Begat, Begot, Begotten, Caleb, Daughter, Hezron, Isshah, Jerioth, Jer'ioth, Jesher, Shobab, Sons, Wife
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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