1 Chronicles 2:40
Elasah was the father of Sismai, Sismai was the father of Shallum,
Elasah was the father of Sismai
Elasah is a name that appears in various genealogies in the Old Testament, indicating its common use among the Israelites. 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. Elasah's mention here, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of God's covenantal promises being fulfilled through specific family lines. The name Elasah means "God has made," reflecting the theocentric worldview of the Israelites, where names often carried theological significance.

Sismai was the father of Shallum
Sismai, like many names in the genealogies, is not widely mentioned outside of these records, yet his inclusion is crucial for maintaining the continuity of the genealogical record. The genealogies in Chronicles are not merely historical records but are theological affirmations of God's faithfulness to His people. The name Sismai may derive from a root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," which could reflect the aspirations or the perceived status of the family within the community. Shallum, the son of Sismai, is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with figures of leadership or transition. The name Shallum means "retribution" or "recompense," which could imply a role or characteristic attributed to him or his descendants. This genealogical link underscores the importance of family heritage and the transmission of faith and covenantal identity through generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eleasah
Eleasah is a descendant of Judah, part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Judah. His name means "God has made" or "God has done."

2. Sismai
Sismai is the son of Eleasah and the father of Shallum. His name is less common in the biblical record, but he is part of the lineage that leads to the tribe of Judah.

3. Shallum
Shallum is the son of Sismai. The name Shallum appears multiple times in the Bible, but in this context, he is part of the genealogical record of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect historical events and people to God's overarching plan. They remind us of God's faithfulness through generations.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The lineage of Judah, including Eleasah, Sismai, and Shallum, demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises.

Our Spiritual Heritage
Just as the Israelites valued their physical lineage, Christians are encouraged to value their spiritual heritage, understanding their place in God's family through faith in Christ.

The Role of Ordinary People in God's Plan
Many names in biblical genealogies are not well-known, yet they played a crucial role in God's redemptive history. This teaches us that every believer has a part to play in God's plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our own family histories or spiritual journeys?

3. How does the genealogy of Judah connect to the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ?

4. What can we learn from the fact that many individuals in biblical genealogies are not well-known or prominent figures?

5. How can we apply the concept of spiritual heritage in our daily lives and in our communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 4:1-23
This passage provides further genealogical details of the tribe of Judah, showing the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical account.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which also traces back to the tribe of Judah, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through this lineage.

Ruth 4:18-22
The genealogy of David, which is significant as it connects to the lineage of Judah and ultimately to Jesus Christ.
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, Elasah, Eleasah, Ele-a'sah, Shallum, Sisamai, Sismai
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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