1 Chronicles 9:44

And Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

Study Bible

And Azel had six sons,
Azel is a descendant of Saul, the first king of Israel, highlighting the continuation of Saul's lineage despite his fall from grace. The mention of six sons signifies a complete family unit, which in biblical numerology, the number six often represents human effort or imperfection, contrasting with the divine perfection symbolized by the number seven.

and these were their names:
Naming in the Bible often carries significant meaning, reflecting character, destiny, or divine intervention. The listing of names here serves to preserve the genealogical record and honor the legacy of Saul's family.

Azrikam,
Azrikam means "help against the enemy" or "my help has risen." This name may reflect the hope for divine assistance or strength in times of conflict, a common theme in Israel's history.

Bocheru,
Bocheru means "firstborn" or "youthful." This name could indicate his position in the family or a characteristic of vitality and potential, emphasizing the importance of the firstborn in biblical tradition.

Ishmael,
Ishmael means "God hears." This name is shared with the son of Abraham and Hagar, suggesting themes of divine attention and intervention. It may also reflect a hope for reconciliation and blessing, as Ishmael was also blessed by God despite being outside the covenant line.

Sheariah,
Sheariah means "valued by the Lord" or "kinsman of the Lord." This name underscores a relationship with God, suggesting a life dedicated to divine service or favor.

Obadiah,
Obadiah means "servant of the Lord." This name is common in the Old Testament, reflecting a life of devotion and service to God. It is also the name of a minor prophet, emphasizing themes of faithfulness and prophecy.

and Hanan.
Hanan means "gracious" or "merciful." This name highlights the attributes of grace and mercy, which are central to God's character and actions throughout the Bible.

These were the sons of Azel.
The repetition of Azel's name and his sons reinforces the importance of family lineage and heritage in Israelite culture. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, preserving their history and identity through generations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Azel
A descendant of King Saul, Azel is noted for having six sons. His lineage is part of the genealogical records that emphasize the continuity of the Israelite tribes.

2. Azrikam
One of Azel's sons, his name means "help against the enemy" in Hebrew, reflecting a possible role or characteristic.

3. Bocheru
Another son of Azel, his name means "firstborn" or "youthful," indicating a position or trait within the family.

4. Ishmael
A common name in the Bible, meaning "God hears," suggesting a spiritual or prophetic significance.

5. Sheariah
His name means "valued by the Lord," indicating a divine favor or blessing.

6. Obadiah
Meaning "servant of the Lord," this name is shared with other notable biblical figures, suggesting a life dedicated to God's service.

7. Hanan
Meaning "gracious" or "merciful," this name reflects a characteristic of God’s nature.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Legacy
Our spiritual and familial legacies are significant. Just as Azel's lineage is recorded, our lives and actions contribute to the legacy we leave behind.

Names Reflecting Character
The meanings of names in the Bible often reflect God's purpose or character traits. Consider how our names or reputations reflect our identity in Christ.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogies remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises across generations. We can trust in His continued faithfulness in our lives and families.

The Role of Family in Faith
Families play a crucial role in nurturing faith. Like Azel's sons, we are called to be part of a spiritual family that supports and grows together in faith.

Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
Recognizing our spiritual heritage helps us understand our place in God's plan. We are part of a larger account that God is writing through history.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the genealogies in the Bible help us appreciate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can the meanings of biblical names inspire us to live out our faith more fully?

3. How can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations?

4. What role does family play in your spiritual journey, and how can you strengthen this aspect of your life?

5. How can recognizing our spiritual heritage encourage us in our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genealogies in the Bible
The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 9 are paralleled in other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis and Matthew, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in God's plan.

Names and Meanings
The significance of names in the Bible often reflects character or destiny, as seen in other scriptures where names are given by God or changed to reflect a new mission or identity (e.g., Abram to Abraham).

Legacy and Heritage
The importance of family lineage and the passing down of faith is echoed in scriptures like Deuteronomy 6, which emphasizes teaching the next generation.