Ahlai is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. The name Ahlai appears in two distinct contexts, both related to the lineage of King David, and is associated with the tribe of Judah. The name Ahlai is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is often interpreted as "ornamental" or "adorned."

1. Ahlai, the Daughter of Sheshan:

Ahlai is first mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 2:31, Ahlai is identified as the daughter of Sheshan. The passage states, "The son of Appaim was Ishi, and the son of Ishi was Sheshan, and the son of Sheshan was Ahlai." This reference is part of a broader genealogical record that traces the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and highlights the lineage leading to King David.

Sheshan, Ahlai's father, is noted for having no sons, only daughters. In a unique arrangement, Sheshan gave his daughter Ahlai in marriage to his Egyptian servant, Jarha, to continue his lineage. This is further elaborated in 1 Chronicles 2:34-35: "Now Sheshan had no sons, only daughters. But he had an Egyptian servant named Jarha. So Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore him Attai." This arrangement underscores the importance of maintaining family lineage and inheritance within the tribal structure of ancient Israel.

2. Ahlai, the Mother of Zabad:

Ahlai is also mentioned in the context of King David's mighty warriors. In 1 Chronicles 11:41, Zabad, one of David's valiant men, is identified as "the son of Ahlai." The passage reads, "Zabad son of Ahlai, Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him." This reference places Ahlai within the narrative of David's reign and highlights her connection to the elite group of warriors who supported David during his military campaigns.

The mention of Ahlai in this context suggests her significance in the lineage of those who played a crucial role in establishing and defending the kingdom of Israel under David's leadership. The inclusion of her son Zabad among David's mighty men indicates the honor and recognition bestowed upon her family.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The references to Ahlai in the genealogical and military records of the Old Testament reflect the broader themes of family, inheritance, and loyalty within the biblical narrative. Ahlai's account illustrates the importance of lineage and the continuation of family heritage, even through unconventional means, such as the marriage of a daughter to a servant.

From a theological perspective, Ahlai's inclusion in the biblical record underscores the providence of God in preserving the line of Judah, from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would eventually come. Her account is a testament to the intricate and often unexpected ways in which God's purposes are fulfilled through the lives of individuals and families in the biblical narrative.Ahlai

beseeching; sorrowing; expecting

AHLAI

a'-li ('achlay "O would that!"):

(1) A Son of Sheshan (1 Chronicles 2:31) or according to 1 Chronicles 2:34 a daughter of Sheshan, for here we read: "Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters."

(2) The father of Zabad, a soldier in David's army (1 Chronicles 11:41).

304. Achlay -- an Israelite name
... Achlay. 305 . an Israelite name. Transliteration: Achlay Phonetic Spelling:
(akh-lah'ee) Short Definition: Ahlai. ... name NASB Word Usage Ahlai (2). Ahlai. ...
/hebrew/304.htm - 6kAhlai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AHLAI. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ahlai (2 Occurrences).
1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. ...
/a/ahlai.htm - 7k

Zabad (8 Occurrences)
... Gift. (1.) One of David's valiant men (1 Chronicles 11:41), the descendant of Ahlai,
of the "children of Sheshan" (2:31). (2.) A descendant of Tahath (7:21). ...
/z/zabad.htm - 11k

Jishi (4 Occurrences)
... Jishi (4 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:31 And the sons of Appaim: Jishi; and the
sons of Jishi: Sheshan; and the sons of Sheshan: Ahlai. (DBY). ...
/j/jishi.htm - 7k

Ishi (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons
of Sheshan: Ahlai. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/ishi.htm - 9k

Ahlab (1 Occurrence)

/a/ahlab.htm - 7k

Ahmetha (1 Occurrence)

/a/ahmetha.htm - 6k

Appaim (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons
of Sheshan: Ahlai. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/appaim.htm - 7k

Ap'pa-im (2 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan.
The sons of Sheshan: Ahlai. (See RSV). Appaim, Ap'pa-im. Appalled . ...
/a/ap'pa-im.htm - 6k

Sheshan (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons
of Sheshan: Ahlai. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sheshan.htm - 7k

Uri'ah (32 Occurrences)
... all that king Ahaz commanded. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:41 Uriah the Hittite,
Zabad the son of Ahlai; (See RSV). Ezra 8:33 And on ...
/u/uri'ah.htm - 15k

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