1 Chronicles 2:4
Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, bore to him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all.
Tamar, his daughter-in-law
The mention of Tamar is significant in the genealogical record. In Hebrew, "Tamar" means "palm tree," symbolizing uprightness and fruitfulness. Tamar's story, found in Genesis 38, is one of courage and determination to secure her place in the lineage of Judah. Her actions, though unconventional, were pivotal in the continuation of Judah's line, which ultimately leads to the lineage of King David and, prophetically, to Jesus Christ. Tamar's inclusion highlights God's grace and the unexpected ways He fulfills His promises.

bore him Perez and Zerah
The birth of Perez and Zerah is a critical moment in biblical history. "Perez" means "breach" or "breakthrough," and "Zerah" means "brightness" or "rising." The twins' birth, with Perez unexpectedly coming out first, symbolizes the theme of divine intervention and reversal of human expectations. Perez's line is particularly important as it leads to King David, emphasizing God's sovereignty in choosing and preserving His covenant people.

Judah had five sons in all
This phrase underscores the completeness of Judah's family. The number five in biblical numerology often represents grace. Judah's five sons, including the offspring from Tamar, reflect the fullness of God's plan despite human failings. Judah, whose name means "praise," is a central figure in Israel's history, and his descendants play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This genealogy serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to work through imperfect people to achieve His divine purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tamar
A Canaanite woman who became the daughter-in-law of Judah. Her account is significant in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as she bore Perez and Zerah to Judah.

2. Judah
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose lineage is central to the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

3. Perez
The son of Judah and Tamar, who is an ancestor of King David and Jesus, highlighting the importance of God's providence in the lineage of Christ.

4. Zerah
The twin brother of Perez, also born to Judah and Tamar. His birth is noted for the unusual circumstances described in Genesis 38.

5. The Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and royal lineage, including King David and Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite human failures and unconventional circumstances, God's plan prevails. The inclusion of Tamar and her sons in the lineage of Christ demonstrates God's ability to use all situations for His purposes.

Redemption and Grace
Tamar's account is one of redemption. Despite her initial deception, she is honored in the genealogy of Christ, illustrating God's grace and redemption.

The Importance of Legacy
The lineage of Judah, through Perez, highlights the importance of legacy and faithfulness. Our actions and faith can have lasting impacts on future generations.

God's Use of Imperfect People
Judah and Tamar's account shows that God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect plan. This encourages believers to trust in God's ability to work through their lives despite their imperfections.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38 provide context for 1 Chronicles 2:4, and what does it teach us about God's providence?

2. In what ways does the inclusion of Perez and Zerah in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1) demonstrate God's grace and redemption?

3. How can understanding the lineage of Judah and its significance in biblical history impact our view of God's faithfulness to His promises?

4. What lessons can we learn from the account of Tamar about the role of women in God's plan, and how does this challenge or affirm our current perspectives?

5. How can the account of Judah and Tamar encourage us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem unfavorable or unconventional?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 38
Provides the detailed account of Tamar and Judah, explaining the circumstances that led to the birth of Perez and Zerah.

Matthew 1:3
Lists Perez and Zerah in the genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through unexpected means.

Ruth 4:18-22
Chronicles the genealogy from Perez to David, showing 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
Bare, Bore, Borne, Daughter, Daughter-in-law, Judah, Judah's, Law, Perez, Pharez, Pherez, Sons, Tamar, Zerah
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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