What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 3:22? The six descendants of Shecaniah 1 Chronicles 3:22 states, “The descendants of Shecaniah: Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat—six in all.” • God preserves a precise, numbered record so Israel can trace the royal line from David through the exile and back again (1 Chron 3:17–24; Ezra 8:2–3). • The total of “six” underscores that every individual counts in God’s plan; none are forgotten (Isaiah 49:15–16). • This meticulous listing demonstrates the reliability of Scripture and safeguards the Messianic promise fulfilled in Christ (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Matthew 1:1). were Shemaiah and his sons • Shemaiah is the direct son of Shecaniah, bridging one generation to the next. His name appears again in v. 23 as the starting point for further descendants, showing God’s ongoing faithfulness. • Including “his sons” highlights the biblical pattern of covenant blessing moving through families (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 103:17). • Each son’s placement within the Davidic line reinforces that God’s purposes unfold through real families in real history (Luke 3:31). Hattush • Hattush resurfaces generations later as a leader who returns from Babylon with Ezra (Ezra 8:2), confirming the accuracy of the genealogical record across centuries. • His willingness to leave exile and journey home mirrors the call to obedient faith today (Hebrews 11:8–10). • The link between 1 Chronicles and Ezra shows God keeping the Davidic branch alive despite national upheaval (Jeremiah 33:17). Igal • While this Igal is distinct from the spy of Numbers 13:7 or David’s warrior in 2 Samuel 23:36, his shared name reminds us that God works through many ordinary individuals. • Nothing more is recorded about him, yet his inclusion testifies that even seemingly “hidden” believers are part of God’s unfolding story (1 Corinthians 12:22). • The verse stresses presence, not prominence; faithfulness matters more than fame (Colossians 3:23–24). Bariah • Bariah appears only here, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Scripture’s genealogies. • His silent story invites reflection on the countless believers whose quiet fidelity advances God’s kingdom (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12). • By naming him, Scripture validates every life and affirms that God’s records are complete (Malachi 3:16). Neariah • Neariah’s own sons are listed in 1 Chron 3:23 (“Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam—three in all”), proving the continual flow of the Davidic line. • His name, meaning “lamp of the LORD,” fits the prophetic promise that David would never lack “a lamp” before God (1 Kings 11:36). • Neariah’s line demonstrates that divine promises persist through successive generations (Psalm 89:3–4). Shaphat • A later Shaphat is father to the prophet Elisha (1 Kings 19:16), showing the recurrence of this name among faithful Israelites. • “Shaphat” means “he has judged,” echoing God’s sovereign oversight of His covenant people (Deuteronomy 32:4). • His inclusion assures readers that God’s righteous judgments secure the lineage leading to the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1–4). summary 1 Chronicles 3:22 records six named descendants of Shecaniah—Shemaiah plus Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat—to demonstrate God’s unbroken preservation of David’s royal house. Each name affirms the historical precision of Scripture, the value God places on every individual, and the steadfast advance of the Messianic promise from David to Christ. |
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