1 Chronicles 3:3

the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital; and the sixth was Ithream by his wife Eglah.

Study Bible

the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital;
Shephatiah, the fifth son of David, is mentioned here as being born to Abital. The name Shephatiah means "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh is a judge," reflecting a common practice of naming children with theophoric elements, which are names that include the name of God. Abital, whose name means "my father is dew," is one of David's lesser-known wives, and little is mentioned about her elsewhere in the Bible. This phrase highlights the polygamous nature of David's household, which was typical for kings of that era, as it was a means of forming political alliances and ensuring a large progeny. The mention of Shephatiah and Abital in the genealogical record underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Davidic line, which is significant for the messianic prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David."

and the sixth was Ithream by his wife Eglah.
Ithream, the sixth son of David, is noted as being born to Eglah. The name Ithream means "abundance of people" or "advantage of the people," which may reflect a hope or prophecy concerning his future or the future of his descendants. Eglah is referred to as David's wife, and some Jewish traditions suggest she may have been his favorite, though the biblical text does not provide further details about her. The inclusion of Ithream and Eglah in this genealogical list serves to document the full scope of David's family, which is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics within his household and the subsequent history of Israel. This genealogical record is part of the Chronicler's broader purpose to trace the lineage of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant promises through the line of David, which ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises made to David regarding an everlasting kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shephatiah
The fifth son of King David, born to him by Abital. His name means "Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew, reflecting a common practice of naming children with a reference to God.

2. Abital
One of King David's wives, the mother of Shephatiah. Her name means "my father is dew," which can symbolize blessing and renewal.

3. Ithream
The sixth son of King David, born to him by Eglah. His name means "abundance of people" or "profit of the people," indicating a hope for prosperity or growth.

4. Eglah
Another wife of King David, the mother of Ithream. Her name means "heifer," which in biblical times could symbolize fertility and strength.

5. King David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his complex family dynamics, which are detailed in the genealogies and accounts of the Old Testament.

Teaching Points

The Complexity of Family Dynamics
David's family, with multiple wives and children, reflects the complexity and challenges of family life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's wisdom in family relationships.

The Significance of Names
The names of David's sons and wives often carry meanings that reflect their parents' hopes or God's attributes. This highlights the importance of considering the spiritual significance in our own naming and identity.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite the complexities and imperfections in David's family, God sovereignly worked through his lineage to fulfill His promises, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. This encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when our circumstances seem complicated.

The Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
The mention of David's wives, though brief, acknowledges their role in the unfolding of God's plan. It reminds us to value and recognize the contributions of women in our own faith communities.

The Consequences of Disobedience
David's multiple marriages, contrary to God's design for marriage, led to family strife and conflict. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the names of David's sons and wives reflect their cultural and spiritual significance, and what can we learn from this about the importance of names today?

2. In what ways do the family dynamics of David's household illustrate the challenges of living in a fallen world, and how can we apply these lessons to our own family relationships?

3. How does the account of David's family in 1 Chronicles 3:3 connect to the broader account of God's promise to establish David's lineage, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

4. Considering Deuteronomy 17:17, what lessons can we learn from David's life about the importance of obedience to God's commands, especially in leadership roles?

5. How can we recognize and appreciate the roles of women in biblical accounts, and how does this influence our understanding of gender roles in the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 3:2-5
This passage provides a parallel account of the sons born to David in Hebron, offering additional context to the family dynamics and the political implications of his marriages.

1 Chronicles 14:3-7
Chronicles David's family expansion in Jerusalem, showing the continuation of his lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to establish his house.

Deuteronomy 17:17
This verse warns against kings taking many wives, which can lead to their hearts being led astray. David's multiple marriages and the resulting family complexities can be seen in light of this warning.