1 Chronicles 4:16
The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.
The sons of Jehallelel
This phrase introduces us to the descendants of Jehallelel, a figure whose name means "God praises" or "God is to be praised" in Hebrew. The mention of Jehallelel here, though brief, serves as a reminder of the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. In the context of 1 Chronicles, which often focuses on genealogies, this phrase underscores the continuity of God's people and His faithfulness through generations. It invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual heritage and the legacy they are building for future generations.

Ziph
The name Ziph is significant in biblical history, as it is also associated with a region in Judah. The Hebrew root of Ziph can mean "flowing" or "overflowing," suggesting abundance or prosperity. This name might reflect the hope or prayer of Jehallelel for his descendants to experience God's overflowing blessings. In a broader sense, it encourages believers to seek the spiritual abundance that comes from a life rooted in God's promises.

Ziphah
Similar to Ziph, Ziphah may be a variant or diminutive form, emphasizing the familial connection. The repetition of a similar name could indicate the importance of the qualities associated with the name Ziph, such as prosperity and blessing. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God desires to bless His people abundantly, as seen throughout Scripture.

Tiria
The name Tiria is less common, and its exact meaning is not well-documented. However, it can be associated with the idea of searching or seeking. This name might symbolize a spiritual journey or quest for understanding and closeness to God. It encourages believers to be diligent in their pursuit of God, seeking His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life.

Asarel
The name Asarel means "God has bound" or "God has tied" in Hebrew. This name reflects the idea of being bound or connected to God, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the security and identity found in being part of God's family. For believers, it is an encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that they are securely held by God's unchanging promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehallelel
A lesser-known figure in the genealogies of Judah, Jehallelel is noted as the father of four sons. His name means "God praises" or "praising God," reflecting a spiritual heritage.

2. Ziph
One of Jehallelel's sons, Ziph may be associated with a location in Judah, known for its wilderness where David hid from Saul. The name means "flowing" or "battlement."

3. Ziphah
Another son of Jehallelel, Ziphah's name is similar to Ziph, possibly indicating a close relationship or shared characteristics. The name means "overflowing."

4. Tiria
A son of Jehallelel, Tiria's name is less common, and its meaning is uncertain, though it may relate to "fear" or "reverence."

5. Asarel
The last son mentioned, Asarel's name means "God has bound" or "God has tied," suggesting a divine connection or covenant.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Names and Heritage
Names in the Bible often carry significant meanings and reflect the character or destiny of individuals. Understanding the meanings can deepen our appreciation of biblical accounts.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The genealogies remind us of God's sovereign plan throughout history. Each person, even those less known, plays a role in God's redemptive account.

Trusting God in Difficult Places
The mention of Ziph connects to David's experiences in the wilderness, teaching us to trust God in our own "wilderness" moments.

The Role of Family in Faith
Jehallelel's family, though briefly mentioned, is part of the larger account of Judah. Our families, too, are part of God's unfolding plan, and we are called to nurture faith within them.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the meanings of the names of Jehallelel's sons about their potential roles or characteristics?

2. How does the mention of Ziph in 1 Chronicles 4:16 connect to David's experiences in 1 Samuel 23, and what does this teach us about God's protection?

3. In what ways do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles and the Gospels demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

4. How can understanding our own family heritage and history help us appreciate our place in God's plan?

5. Reflect on a time when you were in a "wilderness" situation. How did you experience God's guidance and protection, similar to David in the wilderness of Ziph?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3
These genealogies highlight the importance of lineage in biblical history, connecting the Old Testament to the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

1 Samuel 23
The wilderness of Ziph is a significant location where David sought refuge, illustrating God's protection and guidance.

Psalm 54
A psalm attributed to David when the Ziphites betrayed him to Saul, emphasizing reliance on God amidst betrayal.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
Craftsmen, Potters, EtcBishop Hall.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
Origin and Use of Arts and InventionsJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Adiel, Aharhel, Ahumai, Ahuzam, Allon, Amalek, Amalekites, Amaziah, Amnon, Anub, Asaiah, Asareel, Ashur, Asiel, Ben, Benaiah, Benhanan, Benzoheth, Bethrapha, Bethuel, Bilhah, Bithiah, Caleb, Carmi, Chelub, Coz, David, Elah, Elioenai, Epher, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtemoa, Eshton, Ethnan, Ezer, Ezra, Garmite, Gedor, Haahashtari, Hakkoz, Ham, Hamites, Hamuel, Hanan, Harum, Hathath, Hazelelponi, Heber, Helah, Hepher, Hezekiah, Hezron, Hodiah, Hodijah, Hur, Idbash, Iru, Ishbah, Ishi, Ishma, Izhar, Jaakobah, Jabez, Jahath, Jalon, Jamin, Jamlech, Jarib, Jedaiah, Jehaleleel, Jehu, Jekuthiel, Jephunneh, Jered, Jeshohaiah, Jesimiel, Jether, Jezoar, Jezreel, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jokim, Joshah, Josibiah, Kenaz, Koz, Laadah, Lahad, Mehir, Meonothai, Mered, Meshobab, Meunim, Meunites, Mibsam, Miriam, Mishma, Naam, Naarah, Naham, Nahash, Neariah, Nemuel, Ophrah, Othniel, Paseah, Pelatiah, Penuel, Perez, Pharaoh, Pharez, Rapha, Reaiah, Rechah, Rephaiah, Rinnah, Saraph, Saul, Seir, Seraiah, Shallum, Shammai, Shaul, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimon, Shimri, Shiphi, Shobal, Shuah, Shual, Simeon, Simeonites, Tehinnah, Temeni, Tilon, Tiria, Uzziel, Zacchur, Zaccur, Zerah, Zereth, Ziphah, Ziza, Zobebah, Zohar, Zoheth, Zorathites, Zoreathites
Places
Ain, Ashan, Baal, Beersheba, Beth-biri, Beth-marcaboth, Bethuel, Bilhah, Cozeba, Etam, Ezem, Gederah, Gedor, Hazar-shual, Hazar-susim, Hormah, Jerusalem, Lehem, Moab, Moladah, Mount Seir, Netaim, Recah, Rimmon, Shaaraim, Tochen, Tolad, Ziklag
Topics
Asareel, Asarel, As'arel, Jehaleleel, Jehalleleel, Jehallelel, Jehal'lelel, Sons, Tiria, Tir'i-a, Ziph, Ziphah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:14

     5272   craftsmen

Library
The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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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