Zimri:
Zimri is one of the sons of Zerah, but little is known about him beyond his mention in genealogical records. His name means "my music" or "my praise," which may reflect cultural values or aspirations of his family. The name Zimri also appears elsewhere in the Bible, such as in 1 Kings 16, where a different Zimri becomes king of Israel for a brief period. However, these are distinct individuals, and the Zimri mentioned here is primarily noted for his place in the lineage of Judah.

Ethan:
Ethan is another son of Zerah, and he is often associated with wisdom and music. Ethan the Ezrahite is credited with writing Psalm 89, which is a reflection on God's covenant with David and a plea for God's faithfulness. This connection to wisdom and music suggests that Ethan's family may have been influential in the cultural and religious life of Israel. The name Ethan means "enduring" or "strong," which could indicate the character or reputation of this family line.

Heman:
Heman, like Ethan, is associated with wisdom and music. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as one of the wise men whom Solomon surpassed in wisdom. Heman is also identified as a musician in 1 Chronicles 6:33, where he is listed as a descendant of Levi and a leader in the temple worship. This suggests that the family of Zerah had a significant role in the religious and cultural practices of Israel, contributing to the worship and wisdom traditions.

Calcol:
Calcol is another son of Zerah, and his name means "sustaining" or "nourishing." While there is limited information about Calcol in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogy indicates the importance of maintaining the record of Judah's descendants. The mention of Calcol alongside his brothers may also imply a shared reputation for wisdom or cultural contributions, as suggested by the context of the other names.

and Dara—five in all:
Dara, sometimes spelled Darda, is the final son of Zerah mentioned in this verse. His name means "pearl of wisdom" or "knowledgeable," which aligns with the theme of wisdom associated with this family. The enumeration of five sons emphasizes the completeness and significance of Zerah's lineage within the tribe of Judah. This genealogical record serves to establish the historical and cultural roots of the tribe, highlighting the contributions and legacy of Zerah's descendants in Israel's history.

• 1 Chronicles 2:4-6 places Zerah alongside his twin Perez as literal sons of Judah and Tamar (see Genesis 38:27-30; Genesis 46:12).

• God preserved this genealogy so every link in Judah’s family line could be traced without error, underscoring both historical reliability and the unfolding promise that would culminate in the Messiah (Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:3).

• Zerah’s branch receives its own brief spotlight here, reminding us that every family and name matters to the Lord.

• Zimri (called “Zabdi” in Joshua 7:1 footnote) became forefather to Achan, whose disobedience at Jericho brought judgment on Israel (Joshua 7:1-26).

• This connection highlights how choices reverberate through generations—an encouragement to walk faithfully so our legacy honors the Lord.

• Ethan the Ezrahite was famed for wisdom; Solomon’s insight “surpassed the wisdom of Ethan” (1 Kings 4:31).

• Psalm 89’s superscription credits Ethan, showing that poetic worship can flow from any tribe, not only Levi.

• His inclusion assures us that God raises wise, worshipful voices from unexpected places.

• Like Ethan, Heman the Ezrahite’s wisdom served as a benchmark for Solomon (1 Kings 4:31).

• Psalm 88 bears his name, conveying raw lament that still trusts God—proof that candid prayer has a place in worship.

• This Heman is distinct from the Kohathite musician (1 Chronicles 6:33), reminding us similar names can belong to separate individuals in Scripture’s precise records.

• Calcol is listed among the wise men eclipsed by Solomon (1 Kings 4:31).

• Though Scripture gives no further detail, his presence testifies that God endowed Judah’s line with notable intellect, anticipating the greater wisdom of Christ (Colossians 2:3).

• Also called “Darda” (1 Kings 4:31), he rounds out the quartet of sages.

• His mention, though brief, reinforces that the Lord keeps track of every servant and gift, even when human history quickly forgets.

• The closing count emphasizes the exactness of God’s record-keeping (cf. Numbers 26:20).

• It quietly showcases God’s orderliness: He knows every person, every tribe, every role, calling each by name (Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3).

• For us, this phrase is a gentle nudge to value accuracy in handling Scripture and to remember that none of God’s children slip through the cracks.

1 Chronicles 2:6 is more than a roll call. It grounds Judah’s lineage in verifiable history, introduces a line marked by both wisdom and warning, and affirms that God’s eye rests on every individual. From Zimri’s sober lesson to Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara’s celebrated insight, the verse assures us that the Lord both records and redeems our stories, weaving them into His larger redemptive plan with perfect precision.

(6) Zimri.--This name is probably a merely accidental variant of Zabdi. Both are genuine Hebrew names occurring elsewhere. But the fact that Zimri here, and Zabdi at Joshua 7:1, are both called sons of Zerah, seems to prove their identity; especially as m is often confused with b, and d with r.

Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara.--It is stated (1Kings 4:31) that Solomon was "wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol." It will be seen that the first three names coincide with those of our text, and that Dara is only one letter different from Darda. Further, many MSS. of Chronicles, as well as the Svriac and Arabic versions and the Targum, actually have Darda. The Yatic. LXX. reads Darad. There is thus a virtual repetition of these four names in the passage of Kings, and it is difficult to suppose that the persons intended are not the same there and here. Ethan is called an Ezrahite in Kings, but Ezrah and Zerah are equivalent forms in Hebrew; and the Yatic. LXX. actually calls Ethan a Zarhite--i.e., a descendant of Zerah (Numbers 26:13). The designation of the four as "sons of Mahol" presents no difficulty. Mahol is a usual word for the sacred dance (Psalm 149:3; Psalm 150:4), and the four Zarhites are thus described as "sons of dancing"--that is, sacred musicians. It is likely, therefore, that these famous minstrels of Judah were adopted into the Levitical clans in which sacred music was the hereditary profession. (See Psalms 88, 89., titles.) Whether Ethan and Heman are the persons mentioned in 1Chronicles 6:33; 1Chronicles 6:44; 1Chronicles 15:17; 1Chronicles 15:19 as the recognised heads of two of the great guilds of temple musicians is not clear. The Levitical ancestry ascribed to them in 1 Chronicles 6 would not be opposed to this assumption, as adoption would involve it. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...