Caleb's concubine Maacah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah. Caleb’s concubine MaacahIn the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, Caleb is a prominent figure, known for his faithfulness and courage as one of the two spies who trusted in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan (Numbers 13-14). The mention of a concubine, Maacah, reflects the cultural practices of the time, where concubinage was a socially accepted means of expanding one's family line. Maacah, a common name in the Old Testament, may indicate a woman of Aramean or Canaanite origin, as the name appears in various contexts associated with these groups (2 Samuel 3:3, 1 Kings 15:2). This highlights the diverse ethnic backgrounds present in Israel's history. was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah Persons / Places / Events 1. CalebA prominent figure in the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage. He was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan and later received Hebron as his inheritance. 2. Maacah A concubine of Caleb. In the context of ancient Israel, concubines were women who had a recognized relationship with a man but held a lower status than a wife. 3. Sheber A son of Caleb and Maacah. Little is known about him beyond his mention in this genealogical record. 4. Tirhanah Another child of Caleb and Maacah. Like Sheber, Tirhanah is primarily known through this genealogical listing. Teaching Points Faithfulness in the Midst of ChallengesCaleb's life exemplifies steadfast faith and trust in God, even when faced with opposition. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful to God's promises, regardless of circumstances. The Role of Genealogies in Scripture Genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles, serve to connect individuals to God's larger account. They remind us of God's faithfulness across generations and His attention to each person's role in His plan. Understanding Biblical Relationships The mention of concubines in the Bible reflects cultural practices of the time. It's important to understand these relationships within their historical context while recognizing the dignity and value of all individuals in God's eyes. God's Sovereignty in Family Lines The inclusion of various family members, regardless of their status, in biblical genealogies underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to work through all people to accomplish His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Caleb's faithfulness in the face of adversity inspire you in your own walk with God?2. What can we learn from the genealogical records in the Bible about God's faithfulness to His promises? 3. How do the roles and relationships described in the Bible, such as those of concubines, inform our understanding of God's view of human dignity and worth? 4. In what ways can you see God's sovereignty at work in your own family history or personal life? 5. How can the account of Caleb and his descendants encourage you to trust in God's promises, even when the fulfillment seems distant? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 13-14These chapters provide the background of Caleb's faithfulness when he, along with Joshua, brought back a positive report from the land of Canaan, demonstrating his trust in God's promises. Joshua 14:6-15 This passage highlights Caleb's inheritance of Hebron, emphasizing his unwavering faith and the fulfillment of God's promise to him. Genesis 16 The account of Hagar, another concubine, provides context for understanding the role and status of concubines in biblical times.
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, ZurPlaces Aram, Edom, Geshur, Gilead, Hammath, Havvoth-jair, Jabez, KenathTopics Bare, Bore, Caleb, Caleb's, Concubine, Maacah, Ma'acah, Maachah, Servant-wife, Sheber, Tirhanah, Tir'hanahDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 2:46-48Library CanaanCanaan 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. Chronicles Links 1 Chronicles 2:48 NIV1 Chronicles 2:48 NLT 1 Chronicles 2:48 ESV 1 Chronicles 2:48 NASB 1 Chronicles 2:48 KJV 1 Chronicles 2:48 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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