What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 4:21? The sons of Shelah son of Judah • This brief phrase anchors the verse in Judah’s genealogy, reminding us that God preserved the tribe’s record with precision (Genesis 38:5; 1 Chronicles 2:3; Numbers 26:20). • Shelah, Judah’s third surviving son, represents a fresh start for the family line after the loss of his brothers (Genesis 38:7, 10). The Chronicler highlights him to show how God faithfully carried Judah’s lineage forward toward Messiah promises (Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:3). Er the father of Lecah • “Er” here is a different man from Judah’s earlier son who died young (Genesis 38:7). This Er becomes a “father,” meaning founder or chief, of the town Lecah. • Scripture often calls community founders “fathers” (Genesis 4:20-21; 1 Chronicles 2:50-52), underscoring covenant responsibility to shape culture for God’s glory. • Lecah’s inclusion testifies that even smaller settlements mattered to the Lord, fulfilling the promise that Judah would grow “like a lion’s cub” (Genesis 49:9). Laadah the father of Mareshah • Laadah establishes Mareshah, a fortified city later bordering Philistine territory (2 Chronicles 14:9-10; 20:37). • By linking Laadah to Mareshah, the text shows how Judah’s reach extended into strategic areas, foreshadowing future victories under kings like Asa. • God’s sovereignty over geography appears again: He plants His people where they can influence and defend (Deuteronomy 11:24; Acts 17:26). and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea • These families specialized in fine linen, a skill prized for priestly garments and tabernacle service (Exodus 28:6; 35:35). • Their mention reveals that Judah’s heritage embraced both warriors and artisans, reflecting the Body’s many gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • Beth-ashbea’s craft recalls Proverbs 31:13, 22 and Isaiah 19:9, where diligent workmanship glorifies God. Even vocational details are sacred in His record. summary 1 Chronicles 4:21 showcases God’s meticulous care for every branch of Judah’s line—from city founders to textile workers. He records names, places, and vocations to affirm that all labor done within His covenant family carries purpose. Whether defending borders like Mareshah or weaving linen at Beth-ashbea, Judah’s descendants display the varied yet unified service that glorifies the Lord and advances His redemptive plan. |
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