1 Chronicles 2:37
Zabad was the father of Ephlal, Ephlal was the father of Obed,
Zabad was the father of Ephlal
Zabad is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, often associated with the tribe of Judah. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage of the tribes of Israel, particularly focusing on the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The name Zabad means "gift" or "endowment," which may reflect the cultural importance of children as blessings from God. This lineage highlights the continuity of God's promises through generations. Zabad's mention here connects to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Ephlal was the father of Obed
Ephlal is a less commonly mentioned figure, and his name means "judge" or "intercessor." This name may suggest a role or characteristic valued in the community, such as wisdom or leadership. The genealogical record continues to trace the line through which God's purposes unfold. Obed, the son of Ephlal, shares a name with a more prominent biblical figure, Obed, the grandfather of King David, though they are not the same individual. The name Obed means "servant" or "worshiper," reflecting a life dedicated to serving God. This connection to service and worship is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and devotion to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zabad
A descendant of Judah, Zabad is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Judah. His name means "gift" in Hebrew, which can symbolize the blessings and heritage passed down through generations.

2. Ephlal
The son of Zabad, Ephlal continues the genealogical line. His name is less common, and not much is known about him outside of this genealogical context.

3. Obed
The son of Ephlal, Obed is another link in the chain of Judah's descendants. The name Obed means "servant" or "worshiper," which can reflect a life dedicated to serving God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible are not just lists of names; they demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through generations. They remind us of the importance of heritage and legacy in our spiritual lives.

God's Sovereignty in History
The inclusion of specific individuals in biblical genealogies shows that God is sovereign over history. Each person, no matter how obscure, plays a role in God's redemptive plan.

Legacy of Faith
Just as Zabad, Ephlal, and Obed are part of a lineage that leads to Christ, we are called to consider the legacy of faith we are building for future generations. Our lives can impact others in ways we may not immediately see.

Names and Identity
In biblical times, names often reflected character or destiny. Understanding the meanings of names like Zabad ("gift") and Obed ("servant") can inspire us to live lives that reflect our identity in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in the Bible enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout history?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a legacy of faith for future generations?

3. How does the sovereignty of God, as seen in the genealogies, provide comfort and assurance in our personal lives?

4. What can we learn from the meanings of biblical names, and how can this understanding influence our identity in Christ?

5. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles connect to the broader account of redemption found in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ruth 4:17-22
This passage also includes a genealogy that mentions Obed, who is the grandfather of King David. This connection highlights the importance of genealogies in tracing the lineage of significant biblical figures, including Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:1-16
The genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament traces His lineage back to Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the continuity of God's plan through generations.
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
Begat, Begot, Ephlal, Obed, 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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