1 Chronicles 2:19
When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore to him Hur.
When Azubah died
This phrase indicates a transition in Caleb's life, marked by the death of his wife Azubah. In biblical times, the death of a spouse was a significant event, often leading to changes in family dynamics and responsibilities. The mention of Azubah's death highlights the importance of lineage and the continuation of family lines in Israelite culture. The name Azubah means "forsaken" or "desolate," which may reflect her untimely death or a period of barrenness before her passing.

Caleb married Ephrath
Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah, is known for his faithfulness and courage, particularly during the exploration of Canaan (Numbers 13-14). His marriage to Ephrath signifies a new chapter in his life. Ephrath is often associated with Bethlehem, as seen in other biblical references (Ruth 4:11, Micah 5:2), suggesting a connection to this significant location in Israel's history. The name Ephrath means "fruitful," which contrasts with Azubah's name and foreshadows the continuation of Caleb's lineage.

who bore to him Hur
Hur is an important figure in the biblical narrative, often associated with leadership and support roles. He is mentioned alongside Aaron in supporting Moses during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:10-12). This connection to leadership and support roles may indicate the qualities valued in Caleb's family. Hur's lineage is significant, as he is considered an ancestor of Bezalel, the chief artisan of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:2), highlighting the family's contribution to Israel's spiritual heritage.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Azubah
The first wife of Caleb, whose death is mentioned in this verse. Her name means "forsaken" or "deserted" in Hebrew, which may reflect her untimely death.

2. Caleb
A prominent figure in the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage. He is often associated with the conquest of Canaan and is a descendant of Judah.

3. Ephrath
The second wife of Caleb, who bore him a son named Hur. Her name is sometimes associated with Bethlehem, indicating a possible connection to the region.

4. Hur
The son of Caleb and Ephrath. He is an important figure in the lineage of Judah and is often linked to the leadership and craftsmanship in Israel.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Transition
Caleb's life demonstrates faithfulness through transitions, from the death of Azubah to his marriage to Ephrath. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in faith during life's changes.

Legacy and Lineage
The mention of Hur highlights the importance of legacy. Our actions and faith can impact future generations, just as Caleb's faithfulness influenced his descendants.

God's Sovereignty in Relationships
The transition from Azubah to Ephrath in Caleb's life shows God's hand in personal relationships. Trusting God in our relationships can lead to blessings and fulfillment of His purposes.

Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
Azubah and Ephrath, though briefly mentioned, played significant roles in the lineage of Judah. This reminds us of the vital contributions of women in God's plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Caleb's faithfulness in other parts of Scripture (e.g., Numbers 13-14) influence our understanding of his character in 1 Chronicles 2:19?

2. What can we learn from the transition between Azubah and Ephrath in Caleb's life about handling personal loss and new beginnings?

3. How does the lineage of Hur connect to the broader account of God's plan for Israel, and what does this teach us about the importance of family heritage?

4. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty in the relationships and events described in 1 Chronicles 2:19, and how can this encourage us in our own lives?

5. Considering the roles of Azubah and Ephrath, how can we appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of women in biblical history and in our faith communities today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13-14
Caleb's faithfulness as one of the spies sent to Canaan is highlighted, showing his trust in God's promises.

Exodus 17:10-12
Hur is mentioned alongside Aaron, supporting Moses during the battle against the Amalekites, indicating his leadership role.

Ruth 4:11
The mention of Ephrath and Bethlehem connects to the lineage of David and ultimately to Jesus, emphasizing the significance of this family line.
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
Azubah, Azu'bah, Bare, Beareth, Bore, Caleb, Dead, Death, Died, Dieth, Ephrath, Hur, Married, Taketh, 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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