What does 1 Chronicles 14:5 teach about the importance of family in God's plan? Verse in Focus “Ibhar, Elishua, and Elpelet.” (1 Chronicles 14:5) Why a Line of Names Matters - Scripture never wastes words; each name records a real child, a real link in God’s story. - By preserving these sons of David, the Spirit underscores the value the Lord places on every member of the family unit. Key Lessons Drawn from the Verse • God values every child. – Personal mention conveys individual worth (cf. Psalm 139:13-16). • Family lines are woven into covenant history. – The promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) centers on offspring; Chronicles pauses to show those offspring beginning to appear. • Parenting partners with God’s purposes. – David’s household becomes the lineage of Messiah (Luke 3:31). – Raising children is stewardship of lives God intends to use. • Faith is meant to be generational. – Recording names signals a baton pass; the father’s faith must take root in the sons (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). – When families fail, a culture forgets God (Judges 2:10). The Wider Biblical Pattern - Genesis traces redemption through family lines (Genesis 5; 10). - Exodus begins by listing “the sons of Israel” (Exodus 1:1-7). - Matthew opens the New Testament with a genealogy anchored in “David the king” (Matthew 1:1-17). Names connect the dots of salvation history. Practical Takeaways • Celebrate the children God gives; speak their names in blessing. • See parenting and grand-parenting as ministry, not mere biology. • Guard family time—God often advances His kingdom around the table before the sanctuary. • Invest in family discipleship so the next link in the line is strong. Supporting Scriptures Psalm 127:3 — “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Proverbs 17:6 — “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and parents are the pride of children.” Ephesians 6:4 — “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Malachi 2:15 — “Has not the LORD made them one? … And what was the one seeking? Godly offspring.” |