1 Chronicles 2:44

Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai.

Study Bible

Shema was the father of Raham
Shema is a name that appears in various contexts in the Bible, often associated with the tribe of Judah. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel, particularly focusing on Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The mention of Shema highlights the importance of family lineage in maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights. Raham, as his son, continues this lineage, emphasizing the continuity of the family line.

the father of Jorkeam
Jorkeam is a lesser-known figure, and his mention here serves to fill out the genealogical record. The chronicler's purpose in listing these names is to provide a comprehensive account of the descendants of Judah, ensuring that the historical and familial connections are preserved. This reflects the importance of ancestry in Israelite society, where family ties were crucial for social and religious identity.

and Rekem was the father of Shammai
Rekem and Shammai are also part of the genealogical record, contributing to the broader narrative of Judah's descendants. The chronicler's inclusion of these names, even when little else is known about them, underscores the meticulous nature of these records. It also highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes and families within Israel. The genealogies serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises through specific family lines, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shema
A descendant of Judah, Shema is noted as the father of Raham. His lineage is part of the genealogical record that traces the tribe of Judah, which is significant in the history of Israel and the lineage of Jesus Christ.

2. Raham
The son of Shema and the father of Jorkeam. His mention in the genealogy highlights the continuity of the family line within the tribe of Judah.

3. Jorkeam
The son of Raham. While not much is known about him, his inclusion in the genealogy underscores the importance of family heritage in biblical history.

4. Rekem
Another descendant of Judah, Rekem is noted as the father of Shammai. His name appears in the genealogical records, emphasizing the detailed lineage of the tribe.

5. Shammai
The son of Rekem. Like others in this passage, Shammai's mention serves to maintain the record of Judah's descendants.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible are not mere lists of names; they serve to connect God's promises across generations and highlight His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies remind us that God is sovereign over history, orchestrating events and lineages to fulfill His divine purposes.

The Value of Heritage and Legacy
Understanding our spiritual heritage can inspire us to live faithfully, knowing we are part of a larger account that God is writing through His people.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary
Many names in genealogies are not associated with grand accounts, yet their faithfulness in their time contributed to God's overarching plan. Our everyday faithfulness matters in God's kingdom.

Continuity of God's Plan
The genealogies demonstrate the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, encouraging us to trust in His unchanging nature and promises.

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 heritage?

3. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles connect to the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, and what does this teach us about God's promises?

4. What can we learn from the fact that many individuals in biblical genealogies are not associated with major events or accounts?

5. How can we apply the lessons of faithfulness and legacy from these genealogies to our daily lives and spiritual walk?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:8-12
This passage contains Jacob's blessing to Judah, prophesying the leadership and royal lineage that would come from his descendants, which is relevant to understanding the significance of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament traces back to Judah, showing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the importance of these genealogical records.

Ruth 4:18-22
This genealogy connects to the lineage of King David, showing the continuity and importance of family lines in God's redemptive plan.