What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:28? The sons of Samuel • In 1 Chronicles 6 the chronicler is tracing the Levitical line, and when he reaches Samuel he writes, “The sons of Samuel”. This simple phrase roots Samuel firmly in the tribe of Levi (compare 1 Chronicles 6:27) and links his household to the priestly and worship responsibilities God assigned to Levi (Numbers 3:5–10; Deuteronomy 33:8–11). • The wording is factual and literal: Samuel really did have sons, and their names preserve a historical record. • The mention of Samuel’s sons also reminds readers of Samuel’s unique role as prophet, judge, and priest (1 Samuel 3:20; 7:15–17), underscoring how his family line would naturally draw attention in any Levitical genealogy. Joel his firstborn • “Joel his firstborn” identifies the elder son by name. Being firstborn carried weight in inheritance and leadership among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 21:17), and the chronicler faithfully records this order. • Cross-references show Joel’s later life: when Samuel grew old, “he appointed his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel” (1 Samuel 8:1–2). Sadly, Joel did not walk in his father’s integrity (1 Samuel 8:3). • The chronicler does not elaborate on Joel’s failings; he simply states the fact, emphasizing the impartial nature of Scripture’s genealogies—recording both honor and, by silence elsewhere, implied shortcomings (compare 1 Chronicles 5:1–2 concerning Reuben). • Even with Joel’s missteps, the inclusion of his name testifies to God’s commitment to record every link in the covenant line (Exodus 28:29; Malachi 3:16). Abijah his second son • “And Abijah his second son” notes the younger brother. Second-born status typically brought fewer privileges, yet God often elevates the unexpected (Genesis 48:14; Judges 6:15). • While 1 Samuel 8:2 mentions Abijah serving as judge in Beer-sheba, it also notes that he “turned aside after dishonest gain.” The chronicler again neither hides nor highlights this; he simply lists the name, letting other passages fill in the character details. • Abijah’s presence in the genealogy underscores two truths: – God records people as they are, not as we wish them to be. – A flawed individual does not negate God’s broader redemptive plan; Samuel’s faithful legacy still stands (Jeremiah 15:1; Hebrews 11:32–33). Summary 1 Chronicles 6:28 serves as a straightforward historical entry: “The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn and Abijah his second son.” By placing Samuel’s boys within the Levitical genealogy, the chronicler affirms that God knows every generation, honors each covenant link, and records names whether they rise to faithfulness or fall to failure. The verse quietly reminds us that lineage carries both privilege and responsibility, and that God’s unfolding story is larger than any one individual—even the sons of a prophet as great as Samuel. |
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