1 Chronicles 2:32
The sons of Jada the brother of Shammai: Jether and Jonathan. Jether died without children.
The sons of Jada
The name "Jada" is derived from the Hebrew root "yada," meaning "to know." This suggests a familial line that is known or recognized within the tribe of Judah. Jada is identified as the brother of Shammai, indicating a close kinship and shared heritage. In the broader context of 1 Chronicles, which traces the genealogies of Israel, this mention underscores the importance of family lineage and the preservation of tribal identity.

the brother of Shammai
Shammai, whose name means "astonishment" or "desolation," is a figure whose familial connections are significant in the chronicling of Judah's descendants. The mention of Jada as his brother highlights the interconnectedness of these family lines and the importance of each member in the continuation of the tribe's legacy. This reflects the biblical emphasis on community and the collective identity of God's people.

Jether and Jonathan
These names are significant in their meanings and implications. "Jether" means "abundance" or "excellence," suggesting a person of notable qualities or potential. "Jonathan," meaning "Yahweh has given," reflects a divine blessing or gift. The inclusion of these names in the genealogy serves as a reminder of God's providence and the blessings bestowed upon His people through their descendants.

Jether died without children
This phrase carries a poignant note within the genealogical record. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dying without children was often seen as a misfortune, as it meant the end of one's lineage and the loss of one's name from future generations. This highlights the fragility of human plans and the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of history. It serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that while humans may plan their ways, it is ultimately God who directs their steps.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jada
A member of the tribe of Judah, Jada is noted as the brother of Shammai. His lineage is part of the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, which trace the descendants of Judah.

2. Shammai
Jada's brother, also a descendant of Judah. The genealogies in Chronicles often highlight family connections to emphasize the continuity of God's people.

3. Jether
One of Jada's sons, who is noted for having died without children. This detail is significant in the context of Hebrew culture, where lineage and inheritance were important.

4. Jonathan
Another son of Jada, whose lineage is not detailed in this verse but is part of the broader genealogical record.

5. Tribe of Judah
The tribe from which these individuals descend. Judah is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and its lineage is significant in biblical history, particularly in relation to King David and Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's promises across generations. They remind us of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.

The Significance of Legacy
Jether's death without children highlights the cultural importance of legacy and inheritance in biblical times. It prompts us to consider the spiritual legacy we are leaving behind.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
Despite human circumstances, God's purposes prevail. The genealogies show that God works through families, even when situations seem bleak or insignificant.

The Role of Individuals in God's Plan
Each person in the genealogy, whether prominent or obscure, plays a part in God's overarching plan. This encourages us to see our own lives as part of God's account.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2:32 connect to the broader account of God's promises to the tribe of Judah?

2. What can we learn from the fact that Jether died without children, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual legacy in our own lives?

3. In what ways do the genealogies in the Bible, such as those in 1 Chronicles, demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations?

4. How can understanding our own family history and spiritual heritage impact our faith and actions today?

5. Reflect on the role of seemingly minor characters in the Bible. How does this encourage you to view your own significance in God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 38
The account of Judah and Tamar provides background on the importance of lineage and inheritance in the tribe of Judah.

Ruth 4
The genealogy of David, which also highlights the importance of family lines and God's providence in preserving them.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which traces His lineage back to Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through this tribe.
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
Brother, Childless, Died, Dieth, Jada, Jether, Jonathan, Shammai, Shammai's, Sham'mai's, 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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