1 Chronicles 2:23
But Geshur and Aram captured Havvoth-jair, along with Kenath and its sixty surrounding villages. All these were descendants of Machir the father of Gilead.
But Geshur and Aram
The mention of "Geshur and Aram" refers to two distinct regions or peoples. Geshur was a small Aramean kingdom located in the region of Bashan, northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Aram, often associated with the Arameans, was a larger region that included parts of modern-day Syria. Historically, these regions were known for their interactions and conflicts with Israel. The capture by Geshur and Aram signifies a period of territorial loss for the Israelites, highlighting the constant struggle for land and dominance in the ancient Near East.

captured Havvoth-jair
"Havvoth-jair" translates to "villages of Jair." Jair was a descendant of Manasseh, and he had previously captured these towns, naming them after himself (Numbers 32:41). The capture of these villages by Geshur and Aram indicates a reversal of fortune and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human achievements. It underscores the biblical theme that earthly possessions and victories are temporary and subject to change.

from them
This phrase indicates that the territories were taken from the Israelites, specifically from the descendants of Machir. It reflects the ongoing conflict and the shifting control of land in the biblical narrative. The loss serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.

along with Kenath and its surrounding villages
"Kenath" was another city in the region of Bashan. The inclusion of Kenath and its surrounding villages in the capture highlights the extent of the loss. Historically, Kenath was a significant city, and its capture would have been a considerable blow to the Israelites. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the defeat and the strategic importance of these locations.

sixty towns in all
The number "sixty" signifies the totality of the loss. In biblical numerology, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. Sixty, being a multiple of six, can represent completeness in terms of human effort or achievement. The mention of sixty towns underscores the magnitude of the loss and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

All these were descendants of Machir
Machir was the firstborn son of Manasseh, Joseph's son. The descendants of Machir were known as warriors and were given the land of Gilead (Numbers 32:39-40). This phrase highlights the heritage and legacy of Machir's lineage, emphasizing the loss of land that was once a divine inheritance. It serves as a call to remember the faithfulness of previous generations and the importance of maintaining that legacy.

the father of Gilead
"Gilead" refers to both a person and a region east of the Jordan River. As the "father of Gilead," Machir is recognized as the progenitor of a significant clan within the tribe of Manasseh. The mention of Gilead ties the narrative to the broader history of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God's promises and the responsibility of each generation to uphold their covenant relationship with Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Geshur
A region or people group located in the northeastern part of Bashan, often associated with Aram. They were known for their interactions and conflicts with Israel.

2. Aram
A region and people group located in modern-day Syria. Aram had frequent interactions with Israel, sometimes as allies and often as adversaries.

3. Havvoth-jair
A group of villages or settlements named after Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, who captured these towns. The name means "villages of Jair."

4. Kenath
A city in Bashan, which was part of the territory east of the Jordan River. It was captured by Nobah, a descendant of Manasseh, and renamed after him.

5. Machir
The firstborn son of Manasseh, who was a grandson of Joseph. Machir's descendants were significant in the settlement and defense of the Transjordan region.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Territorial Boundaries
The capture and loss of territories like Havvoth-jair remind us of God's sovereignty over nations and lands. Believers can trust that God is in control of geopolitical events.

The Importance of Heritage and Legacy
The mention of Machir and his descendants highlights the importance of family heritage and legacy. Christians are encouraged to consider the spiritual legacy they are leaving for future generations.

The Consequences of Incomplete Obedience
The ongoing presence of Geshur and Aram in the land serves as a reminder of the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to fully obey God's Word to avoid future conflicts.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite the challenges and conflicts, God's promises to the tribes of Israel were fulfilled. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness to His promises in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the capture of Havvoth-jair by Geshur and Aram illustrate the consequences of Israel's incomplete obedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the shifting of territorial boundaries in the Old Testament, and how does this apply to our understanding of current world events?

3. What lessons can we learn from the legacy of Machir and his descendants regarding the spiritual heritage we leave for future generations?

4. How does the account of Havvoth-jair and Kenath connect to the broader account of Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. How can this encourage you in your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 32:39-42
This passage provides background on the conquest of the region by the descendants of Machir, including the capture of Gilead and its surrounding areas.

Deuteronomy 3:14
This verse mentions Jair, who took the region of Argob and named it after himself, connecting to the Havvoth-jair mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:23.

Joshua 13:13
This verse highlights the incomplete conquest of the land, where the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites and Maacathites, leading to ongoing conflicts.
The Human FamilyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 2:1-55
The Prowess of JairR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 2:22, 23
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abiah, Abigail, Abihail, Abijah, Abinadab, Abishai, Abishur, Achan, Achar, Achsa, Achsah, Ahban, Ahijah, Ahlai, Amasa, Amminadab, Appaim, Aram, Ardon, Asahel, Asher, Ashur, Atarah, Attai, Azariah, Azubah, Bathshua, Benjamin, Bezaleel, Boaz, Bunah, Calcol, Caleb, Carmi, Chelubai, Dan, Dara, Darda, David, Eker, Elasah, Eleasah, Eliab, Elishama, Ephah, Ephlal, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtaolites, Eshtaulites, Ethan, Gad, Gazez, Gesham, Geshem, Hamul, Haran, Hareph, Haroeh, Hazi-hammana-hethites, Helez, Heman, Hemath, Hezron, Hur, Ishi, Issachar, Ithrites, Jabez, Jada, Jahdai, Jair, Jamin, Jarha, Jehu, Jekamiah, Jerahmeel, Jerioth, Jesher, Jesse, Jether, Jithrites, Joab, Jonathan, Joseph, Jotham, Kenites, Korah, Levi, Maacah, Maachah, Maaz, Machir, Manahathites, Manahethites, Maon, Menahethites, Mesha, Mishraites, Molid, Moza, Nadab, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nathan, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obed, Onam, Onan, Oren, Ozem, Pelet, Peleth, Perez, Pharez, Puhites, Puthites, Raddai, Raham, Rechab, Regem, Rekem, Reuben, Salma, Salmon, Segub, Seled, Shaaph, Shallum, Shammai, Sheber, Shelah, Shema, Sheshan, Sheva, Shimea, Shimeathites, Shimma, Shobab, Shobal, Shua, Shumathites, Simeon, Sisamai, Sucathites, Suchathites, Tamar, Tappuah, Tirathites, Tireathites, Tirhanah, Uri, Zabad, Zareathites, Zaza, Zebulun, Zerah, Zereathites, Zeruiah, Zimri, Zorathites, Zoreathites, Zorites, Zur
Places
Aram, Edom, Geshur, Gilead, Hammath, Havvoth-jair, Jabez, Kenath
Topics
Aram, Belonged, Captured, Cities, Dependent, Descendants, Geshur, Gilead, Havvoth, Havvoth-jair, Havvoth-ja'ir, Jair, Kenath, Machir, Makir, Places, Round, Settlements, Sixty, Sons, Surrounding, Taketh, Tent-towns, Thereof, Threescore, Towns, Villages
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:3

     5688   firstborn

Library
Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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