1 Chronicles 2:34
Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters; but he did have an Egyptian servant named Jarha.
Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters.
In the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, Sheshan is noted for having no male heirs, which was significant in the ancient Near Eastern context where lineage and inheritance were typically passed through sons. This detail highlights the importance of daughters in continuing family lines when no sons were present. The mention of daughters in genealogies is relatively rare, indicating their crucial role in this instance. This situation reflects the broader biblical theme of God working through unexpected means and people, as seen in other instances where women play pivotal roles in biblical narratives, such as Ruth and Esther.

He also had an Egyptian servant named Jarha.
The mention of Jarha, an Egyptian servant, is significant in several ways. First, it underscores the presence and integration of foreigners within Israelite society, which was not uncommon given Israel's geographical location and history. The inclusion of an Egyptian servant in the genealogy suggests a level of acceptance and assimilation, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's plan encompassing all nations. This can be seen in the Abrahamic covenant, where all nations are to be blessed through Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:3). Additionally, the fact that Jarha is named indicates his importance in the narrative, as servants are not always mentioned by name. This could also be seen as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, a theme that is fully realized in the New Testament with the spread of the Gospel to all nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sheshan
A member of the tribe of Judah, specifically from the family of Jerahmeel. He is noted for having no sons, which was significant in the context of inheritance and lineage in ancient Israel.

2. Daughters of Sheshan
Though unnamed in this verse, they play a crucial role in the continuation of Sheshan's lineage, highlighting the importance of women in biblical genealogies.

3. Jarha
An Egyptian servant in Sheshan's household. His mention indicates a cross-cultural interaction and the inclusion of non-Israelites in the lineage of Judah.

4. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its significant role in biblical history, including being the tribe of King David and Jesus Christ.

5. Egypt
A neighboring nation to Israel, often seen as a place of both refuge and bondage in biblical accounts. Jarha's Egyptian origin is noteworthy in the context of Israelite history.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite cultural norms, God uses unexpected means to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Sheshan's lineage through his daughters and an Egyptian servant.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
The mention of Sheshan's daughters highlights the significant role women play in biblical accounts and God's redemptive history.

Inclusion of the Outsider
Jarha's inclusion in the genealogy of Judah points to God's heart for all nations and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.

Cultural and Social Barriers
The account challenges cultural and social barriers, showing that God's purposes transcend human limitations and prejudices.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of Jarha, an Egyptian, in the lineage of Judah reflect God's plan for inclusivity in His kingdom?

2. In what ways does the account of Sheshan's daughters challenge the cultural norms of inheritance and lineage in ancient Israel?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in using unexpected people and circumstances in our own lives?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where women play a crucial role in God's redemptive history, and how does this influence your understanding of their role in the church today?

5. How does the inclusion of non-Israelites in biblical genealogies encourage us to view and interact with people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds in our communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41
Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and his marriage to an Egyptian woman, Asenath, shows another instance of Israelite-Egyptian relations.

Ruth 4
The account of Ruth, a Moabite woman, who becomes part of the lineage of David, illustrating the inclusion of foreigners in God's plan.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus includes several women and non-Israelites, emphasizing God's inclusive plan for salvation.
CompensationsJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 2:34
The Compensations of LifeLeo H. Grindon.1 Chronicles 2:34
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
Daughters, Egyptian, Jarha, Named, Servant, Sheshan, Slave, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:34-35

     5711   marriage, restrictions
     8343   servanthood, in society

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

Links
1 Chronicles 2:34 NIV
1 Chronicles 2:34 NLT
1 Chronicles 2:34 ESV
1 Chronicles 2:34 NASB
1 Chronicles 2:34 KJV

1 Chronicles 2:34 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 2:33
Top of Page
Top of Page