1 Chronicles 9:6

From the Zerahites: Jeuel and 690 relatives.

Study Bible

From the Zerahites:
The Zerahites were descendants of Zerah, one of the sons of Judah. Zerah was a twin brother to Perez, and their birth is recorded in Genesis 38:27-30. The Zerahites are part of the tribe of Judah, which held a significant position among the tribes of Israel. Judah was the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended, highlighting the importance of this lineage. The mention of the Zerahites here underscores the continuity and preservation of the tribal identities even after the Babylonian exile.

Jeuel:
Jeuel is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible, mentioned here as a leader or representative of the Zerahites. The name Jeuel means "God sweeps away" or "God gathers," which could imply a role in gathering or leading his people. This mention signifies the importance of individual leaders in maintaining the identity and organization of the tribes during the return from exile.

and 690 relatives:
The specific number of 690 relatives indicates a detailed record-keeping and a sense of community among the returning exiles. This number reflects the importance of family and tribal connections in the post-exilic period. The precision of this count suggests a well-organized effort to re-establish the community in Jerusalem. It also highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, as seen in prophecies like Jeremiah 29:10-14. The return of the Zerahites, along with other families, is part of the larger narrative of restoration and rebuilding, which is a recurring theme in the post-exilic books of the Bible.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zerahites
Descendants of Zerah, one of the sons of Judah. The Zerahites are part of the tribe of Judah, which holds significant importance in Israel's history as the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

2. Jeuel
A leader or notable figure among the Zerahites mentioned in this passage. His inclusion signifies the importance of his family line within the tribe of Judah.

3. 690 Relatives
This number indicates the size of the family or clan associated with Jeuel, highlighting the substantial presence of the Zerahites in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
The mention of Jeuel and the Zerahites underscores the value placed on family lineage in biblical times. It reminds us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave for future generations.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the Zerahites to Jerusalem is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. This encourages us to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

Community and Identity
The large number of relatives highlights the strength found in community and shared identity. As believers, we are part of a spiritual family that provides support and accountability.

Leadership and Influence
Jeuel's mention suggests a role of leadership or influence. This challenges us to consider how we can lead and positively impact our communities for God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance does the lineage of the Zerahites hold in the broader account of the Bible, and how does it relate to the promise of the Messiah?

2. How does the return of the Zerahites to Jerusalem after the exile demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journeys?

3. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our identity and actions as Christians today?

4. How can we foster a sense of community and shared identity within our local church or Christian fellowship?

5. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Jeuel's mention, and how can we apply these in our own spheres of influence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 38
This chapter provides the background of Zerah, one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar. Understanding the origins of the Zerahites helps contextualize their role in Israel's history.

1 Chronicles 2
This chapter lists the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, including Zerah, providing a broader understanding of the family lineage and its significance.

Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7
These chapters list the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, including members of the tribe of Judah, showing the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people.