What does 1 Chronicles 2:6 mean?
What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 2:6?

The sons of Zerah

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

• 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

• 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.


Heman

• 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

• 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).


Dara

• 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.


Five in all

• 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.


summary

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.

Why are genealogies important in the Bible, as seen in 1 Chronicles 2:5?
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