1 Chronicles 2:36
Attai was the father of Nathan, Nathan was the father of Zabad,
Attai was the father of Nathan
Attai is a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, which trace the lineage of the tribe of Judah. The genealogies serve to establish the historical and covenantal continuity of God's people. Attai's mention highlights the importance of every link in the chain of ancestry leading to the Davidic line. The name Attai means "timely" or "my time," which may reflect the providential timing of his role in the lineage. This phrase underscores the biblical theme that God uses ordinary people to fulfill His divine purposes.

Nathan was the father of Zabad
Nathan, in this context, is not to be confused with the prophet Nathan who advised King David. This Nathan is part of the genealogical record that connects to the broader narrative of Israel's history. The name Nathan means "he gave" or "gift," which can symbolize the blessings and gifts of God passed through generations. Zabad, meaning "endowed" or "gift," continues this theme of divine provision and blessing. This lineage, while not directly linked to the messianic line, reflects the broader tapestry of God's work through His people. The genealogies in Chronicles often emphasize the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, even through seemingly obscure individuals.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Attai
A descendant of Judah, Attai is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Judah. His name means "timely" or "my time" in Hebrew.

2. Nathan
The son of Attai, Nathan is another link in the genealogical chain. His name means "He gave" or "Gift" in Hebrew, which can remind us of God's providence and blessings.

3. Zabad
The son of Nathan, Zabad's name means "endowment" or "gift" in Hebrew. He continues the lineage that is significant in the history of Israel.

4. Tribe of Judah
This tribe is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and royal lineage, including King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

5. Genealogical Record
The chronicling of family lines in 1 Chronicles serves to establish the historical and theological roots of the Israelite people, emphasizing God's faithfulness through generations.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogies in the Bible are not just historical records; they demonstrate God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through generations.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
Each name in a genealogy represents a life and a account. God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Legacy and Faithfulness
Our lives are part of a larger account. We are called to be faithful in our generation, leaving a legacy of faith for those who come after us.

The Significance of Names
In Hebrew culture, names often reflect character or destiny. Understanding the meaning of names can provide insight into God's purposes.

Continuity of God's Promises
The genealogies remind us that God's promises are sure and that He is working through history to bring about His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout history?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our own family lines or personal histories?

3. How can the meaning of names in the Bible, such as Nathan and Zabad, deepen our understanding of God's character and promises?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that we leave a legacy of faithfulness for future generations?

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 continuity of God's redemptive plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament connects back to the tribe of Judah, showing the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of David.

Ruth 4
The genealogy at the end of Ruth also highlights the importance of family lines and God's providence in bringing about His purposes through seemingly ordinary lives.

Genesis 49
Jacob's blessing over Judah foreshadows the leadership and royal lineage that would come from this tribe, connecting to the genealogies in Chronicles.
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
Attai, Begat, Begot, Nathan, Zabad
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:34-35

     5711   marriage, restrictions

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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