1 Chronicles 2:53
and the clans of Kiriath-jearim--the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites, and Mishraites. From these descended the Zorathites and Eshtaolites.
The clans of Kiriath-jearim
This phrase refers to the families or groups originating from Kiriath-jearim, a significant city in the tribal territory of Judah. The name "Kiriath-jearim" means "City of Forests" in Hebrew, indicating its lush surroundings. Historically, Kiriath-jearim is notable for being a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David (1 Samuel 7:1-2). This city represents a place of divine presence and historical significance in Israel's journey, symbolizing God's guidance and the importance of community in worship.

The Ithrites
The Ithrites are one of the clans mentioned, and they are believed to be descendants of Jether, one of David's mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:38). The name "Ithrite" may derive from a root meaning "advantage" or "excellence," suggesting a clan known for its valor or prominence. This highlights the theme of God raising leaders and warriors from among His people to fulfill His purposes.

Puthites
Little is known about the Puthites, as they are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. The name may be related to a root meaning "to scatter" or "to spread," possibly indicating a clan that dispersed or had influence over a wide area. This can inspire reflection on how God's people are called to spread His influence and truth throughout the world.

Shumathites
Like the Puthites, the Shumathites are not widely mentioned in Scripture. The name might be connected to a root meaning "to hear" or "to obey," emphasizing the importance of listening to and following God's commands. This serves as a reminder of the call to obedience and attentiveness to God's voice in our lives.

Mishraites
The Mishraites are another clan with limited biblical mention. The name could be linked to a root meaning "to bind" or "to join," suggesting a people known for unity or strong familial ties. This reflects the biblical value of community and the strength found in unity among God's people.

From these the Zorathites and Eshtaolites descended
The Zorathites and Eshtaolites are descendants of the aforementioned clans, linked to the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol in the territory of Dan. These towns are significant in the account of Samson, the judge of Israel (Judges 13:2, 25). The mention of these descendants underscores the continuity of God's work through generations and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and the impact of godly heritage.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kiriath-jearim
A city in the territory of Judah, significant in biblical history as a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David.

2. Ithrites
A clan mentioned in the genealogies of Judah, possibly indicating a family or group within the tribe.

3. Puthites
Another clan within the genealogical records, though not much is known about them outside of this context.

4. Shumathites
A clan listed among the descendants of Kiriath-jearim, with little additional biblical information.

5. Mishraites
A clan from which the Zorathites and Eshtaolites descended, indicating a lineage within the tribe of Judah.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
Just as the clans of Kiriath-jearim had a specific role and lineage, Christians are encouraged to understand their spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.

The Importance of Place in God's Plan
Kiriath-jearim's role in housing the Ark reminds us that God uses specific places and times to fulfill His purposes. We should be attentive to where God has placed us and how He might use us there.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogies remind us of God's faithfulness to His people across generations. We can trust that God is working through our family lines and communities.

The Role of Lesser-Known Figures in God's Story
The mention of lesser-known clans like the Ithrites and Puthites shows that every person and group has a role in God's plan, encouraging us to value every member of the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the history of Kiriath-jearim as a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant enhance our understanding of its significance in 1 Chronicles 2:53?

2. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our daily walk with Christ?

3. How can we discern the specific roles and purposes God has for us in the places He has positioned us?

4. Reflect on a time when you saw God's faithfulness in your family or community. How does this encourage you in your current circumstances?

5. How can we ensure that we value and recognize the contributions of all members within our church community, even those who may seem less prominent?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 15:9-10
These verses describe the boundaries of the tribe of Judah, including Kiriath-jearim, providing geographical context to the clans mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:53.

1 Samuel 7:1-2
This passage recounts the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Kiriath-jearim, highlighting the city's spiritual significance.

Judges 13:25
The Spirit of the Lord began to stir Samson in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol, connecting the Zorathites and Eshtaolites to the account of Samson.
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
Descended, Eshtaolites, Esh'taolites, Eshtaulite, Eshtaulites, Families, Ithrite, Ithrites, Jearim, Jithrites, Kiriath, Kiriath-jearim, Kir'iath-je'arim, Kirjathjearim, Kirjath-jearim, Mishraite, Mishraites, Mish'ra-ites, Puhite, Puhites, Puthites, Shumathite, Shumathites, Shu'mathites, Zareathite, Zareathites, Zereathites, Zorathites, Zo'rathites, Zoreathites
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:46-48

     5672   concubines

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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