1 Chronicles 4:17
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered's wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
The sons of Ezrah
The name "Ezrah" is derived from the Hebrew root "עֶזְרָה" (Ezrah), meaning "help" or "aid." This name reflects a common theme in the Bible where names often signify the character or destiny of individuals. In the context of 1 Chronicles, the genealogies serve to establish the identity and heritage of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people. Ezrah's lineage is part of the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises.

Jether
The name "Jether" comes from the Hebrew "יֶתֶר" (Yether), meaning "abundance" or "excellence." This name suggests a person of notable qualities or potential. In the genealogical records, each name carries significance, often pointing to the roles these individuals or their descendants played in the unfolding account of Israel. Jether's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of each family line in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan.

Mered
"Mered" is derived from the Hebrew "מֶרֶד" (Mered), meaning "rebellion" or "to rebel." This name might seem negative, yet it serves as a reminder of the complex nature of human character and the grace of God that works through imperfect people. The mention of Mered in the genealogy underscores the reality that God's purposes are fulfilled through both the faithful and the flawed.

Epher
The name "Epher" comes from the Hebrew "עֵפֶר" (Epher), meaning "a calf" or "young deer." This name may symbolize strength and vitality, attributes valued in the ancient Near Eastern culture. Epher's presence in the genealogy reflects the diversity of gifts and characteristics within the community of God's people, each contributing uniquely to the nation's history.

Jalon
"Jalon" is derived from the Hebrew "יָלוֹן" (Yalon), meaning "to tarry" or "to dwell." This name suggests a sense of stability or permanence. In the context of the genealogies, it may indicate the enduring legacy of the family line. Jalon's mention serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises and the lasting impact of faithfulness across generations.

And Mered’s wife gave birth
This phrase highlights the role of women in the genealogical records, often overlooked in ancient texts. The mention of Mered's wife emphasizes the importance of women in the continuation of family lines and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. It serves as a testament to the integral role women played in the history of Israel.

Miriam
The name "Miriam" is derived from the Hebrew "מִרְיָם" (Miryam), meaning "bitterness" or "rebellion." Miriam is a significant biblical name, most famously borne by the sister of Moses and Aaron. Her inclusion here may suggest a connection to the broader narrative of Israel's deliverance and journey to the Promised Land, symbolizing hope and redemption even in times of hardship.

Shammai
"Shammai" comes from the Hebrew "שַׁמַּי" (Shammai), meaning "desolate" or "astonishment." This name may reflect the challenges and trials faced by the people of Israel. Shammai's inclusion in the genealogy serves as a reminder of God's presence and provision even in desolate times, offering hope and assurance of His faithfulness.

Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa
"Ishbah" is derived from the Hebrew "יִשְׁבָּח" (Yishbah), meaning "he will praise." This name signifies a life dedicated to worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. "Eshtemoa" is a location in Judah, known for its Levitical connections. The mention of Ishbah as the father of Eshtemoa highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the role of worship in the life of the community, pointing to the centrality of God in the identity and mission of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezrah
A lesser-known figure in the genealogies of Judah, mentioned as the father of Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon.

2. Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon
Sons of Ezrah, with Mered being highlighted for his wife and children.

3. Mered's Wife
Not named in this verse, but significant for her children, including Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah.

4. Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah
Children of Mered's wife, with Ishbah noted as the father of Eshtemoa.

5. Eshtemoa
A place or possibly a person, known from other biblical references as a town in the territory of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect individuals to the larger account of God's people. They remind us of our place in God's plan and the continuity of His promises through generations.

Significance of Names
Names in the Bible often carry deep meanings and connections. Reflect on the names in your own life and their significance in your spiritual journey.

Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
Though often unnamed, women play crucial roles in biblical genealogies and accounts. Recognize and appreciate the contributions of women in your faith community.

Legacy and Influence
Consider the legacy you are building. Like Mered's family, our actions and faith can influence future generations.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies remind us of God's sovereignty and His intricate involvement in human history. Trust in His plan for your life, even when it seems mundane.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the genealogies in 1 Chronicles about God's faithfulness to His people?

2. How does the mention of Eshtemoa in this verse connect to its significance in other parts of the Bible?

3. In what ways do the genealogies in the Bible encourage us to reflect on our own family histories and spiritual legacies?

4. How can understanding the role of women in biblical genealogies enhance our appreciation for their contributions to God's account?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith and values are passed down to future generations, as seen in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15:20
Miriam is a common name in the Bible, most notably the sister of Moses and Aaron, who led the women of Israel in song after crossing the Red Sea. This connection highlights the significance of names and their recurring use in biblical accounts.

Joshua 15:50
Eshtemoa is listed as a town in the hill country of Judah, indicating its geographical and tribal importance.

1 Chronicles 2:50-52
Provides additional genealogical context for the descendants of Judah, showing the interconnectedness of the tribes and families.
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
Bare, Beareth, Birth, Bithia, Bithiah, Bith'i-ah, Bore, Conceived, Daughter, Epher, Eshtemoa, Eshtemo'a, Ezra, Ezrah, Ishbah, Jalon, Jether, Jethur, Jishbah, Married, Mered, Mered's, Miriam, Pharaoh, Shammai, Sham'mai, Sons, Wife, Wives
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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