1 Chronicles 4:5

Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

Study Bible

Ashhur the father of Tekoa
Ashhur is identified as the father of Tekoa, a town in the territory of Judah. Tekoa is historically significant as the hometown of the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1). It was strategically located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem, providing a vantage point over the surrounding wilderness. The mention of Ashhur as the father of Tekoa suggests his prominence or leadership in establishing or developing the town. This reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in the tribal structure of Israel, where family heads often played crucial roles in the settlement and governance of regions.

had two wives, Helah and Naarah
The practice of polygamy, as seen with Ashhur having two wives, was not uncommon in the Old Testament period. It often reflected social and economic considerations, such as the need for a larger family workforce or alliances between families. Helah and Naarah are mentioned without further detail, indicating that their primary significance in this context is their relationship to Ashhur and their role in the genealogy. The mention of multiple wives can also highlight the complexities and challenges within family dynamics, as seen in other biblical narratives involving polygamous relationships, such as those of Jacob with Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ashhur
A descendant of Judah, Ashhur is noted as the father of Tekoa. His lineage is part of the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, which trace the tribes of Israel.

2. Tekoa
A town in Judah, Tekoa is significant in biblical history. It is the birthplace of the prophet Amos and is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

3. Helah
One of Ashhur's wives, Helah is mentioned briefly in this genealogical account. Her role is primarily as a mother within the lineage.

4. Naarah
The second wife of Ashhur, Naarah is similarly noted for her place in the genealogy. Her name means "maiden" or "young woman" in Hebrew.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's people to His promises. They remind us of our spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's plan through generations.

The Role of Women in Scripture
Helah and Naarah, though briefly mentioned, are integral to the lineage of Judah. This highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in biblical accounts.

Understanding Our Spiritual Lineage
Just as the Israelites traced their physical lineage, Christians are encouraged to understand their spiritual lineage through faith in Christ, connecting us to the promises of God.

The Significance of Place
Tekoa's mention reminds us that God uses specific places for His purposes. Our own "places" can be significant in God's plan for our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's promises throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can the brief mention of women like Helah and Naarah inspire us to recognize the contributions of women in our own faith communities?

3. How does the town of Tekoa's connection to the prophet Amos enhance our understanding of its significance in biblical history?

4. What can we learn from the genealogical records about the importance of spiritual heritage and identity in our own lives?

5. How can we apply the concept of "place" in our spiritual journey, recognizing that God may have specific purposes for us in our current locations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 35:22-26
This passage lists the sons of Jacob, providing a broader context for understanding the tribal divisions and genealogies that are further detailed in 1 Chronicles.

Amos 1:1
Amos, a prophet from Tekoa, provides a connection to the significance of Tekoa as a place of prophetic voice and divine message.

1 Samuel 25:1-5
This passage mentions Tekoa in the context of David's interactions, highlighting its strategic and historical importance.