1 Chronicles 2:31
The son of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Ahlai.
The son of Appaim: Ishi.
Appaim is a descendant of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This lineage is significant as it traces the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ are descended. The name "Ishi" means "my husband" or "my salvation," reflecting a common practice in Hebrew culture of naming children with meanings that express faith or hope. This genealogical record emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant with His people through the generations.

The son of Ishi: Sheshan.
Sheshan is noted in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles as a descendant of Judah. The name "Sheshan" may mean "noble" or "joyful," which could reflect the character or the aspirations of the family. In the broader biblical context, genealogies like this one serve to establish the historical and theological foundations of Israel's identity. They also highlight the importance of family lineage in maintaining the covenantal promises given to the patriarchs.

The son of Sheshan: Ahlai.
Ahlai is a unique entry in the genealogical record, as Sheshan is noted elsewhere in 1 Chronicles 2:34-35 for having no sons, only daughters. This suggests that Ahlai may have been a daughter or a son-in-law, which was a common practice in ancient genealogies to continue the family line. The name "Ahlai" means "ornament" or "adornment," indicating the value placed on this individual within the family. This entry underscores the flexibility and inclusivity of biblical genealogies, which sometimes include women or sons-in-law to ensure the continuation of a family line, reflecting the broader theme of God's providence and faithfulness in preserving His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Appaim
A descendant of Judah, Appaim is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Judah. His name means "nostrils" or "anger" in Hebrew, which may reflect a characteristic or notable event in his life.

2. Ishi
The son of Appaim, Ishi's name means "my husband" or "salvation" in Hebrew. He is a link in the genealogical chain leading to Sheshan.

3. Sheshan
A descendant of Ishi, Sheshan is notable for having no sons, only daughters, which was significant in the context of inheritance and lineage in ancient Israel.

4. Ahlai
A descendant of Sheshan, Ahlai is mentioned in the genealogical record, though the specifics of his or her life are not detailed in this passage.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect historical events and people, demonstrating God's faithfulness through generations. They remind us of the continuity of God's plan and His involvement in human history.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite human limitations, such as Sheshan having no sons, God's purposes are fulfilled. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected circumstances.

The Role of Women in Biblical Lineage
Sheshan's decision to give his daughter in marriage to Jarha highlights the role women played in preserving family lines. This can encourage us to value the contributions of all individuals in God's plan.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogical records encourage us to consider our own legacy and the impact of our faithfulness on future generations. We are called to live in a way that honors God and influences those who come after us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2:31 reflect the broader theme of God's faithfulness throughout generations?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the genealogical records, especially when human circumstances seem limiting?

3. How does the inclusion of women in biblical genealogies, such as Sheshan's daughter, challenge or affirm our understanding of their role in God's plan?

4. What lessons can we learn from the genealogies in 1 Chronicles about the importance of our own family history and spiritual legacy?

5. How do the genealogies in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament, particularly in the lineage of Jesus Christ, and what does this teach us about the fulfillment of God's promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 2:34-35
These verses provide further details about Sheshan, who had no sons but gave his daughter in marriage to an Egyptian servant named Jarha. This connection highlights the importance of maintaining lineage and inheritance within the tribe of Judah.

Ruth 4:18-22
This passage lists the genealogy of David, which also traces back to Judah, showing the importance of genealogical records in establishing the lineage of significant biblical figures.

Matthew 1:1-16
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is presented, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the importance of lineage in the context of salvation history.
The Human FamilyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 2:1-55
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
Ahlai, Appaim, Ap'pa-im, Ishi, Jishi, Sheshan, Sons
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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