1 Chronicles 2:54
The descendants of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites,
The descendants of Salma:
Salma is identified as a son of Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah. This lineage is significant as it connects to the genealogy of David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah's descent from the tribe of Judah. Salma's descendants are associated with key locations in Judah, highlighting the tribe's importance in Israel's history.

Bethlehem:
Bethlehem is a town in Judah, famously known as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. Its mention here underscores its historical and theological significance. Bethlehem is often associated with the prophecy in Micah 5:2, which foretells the birth of a ruler in Israel from this small town, pointing to the messianic lineage.

The Netophathites:
The Netophathites were inhabitants of Netophah, a town near Bethlehem. This group is mentioned in the context of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:28-29) and those who returned from the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:22). Their inclusion highlights the continuity of the community and their role in supporting the Davidic kingdom.

Atroth-beth-joab:
This location is less well-known, but its name suggests a connection to Joab, David's military commander. The prefix "Atroth" means "crowns" or "villages," indicating a settlement or group of settlements. The association with Joab may reflect the military or administrative significance of the area during David's reign.

Half the Manahathites:
The Manahathites are linked to the descendants of Caleb through Manahath, a figure mentioned in genealogies. The reference to "half" suggests a division or specific branch of this group, possibly indicating a distinct settlement or clan within the tribe of Judah. This division may reflect the complex social and familial structures of ancient Israel.

The Zorites:
The Zorites are another group associated with the descendants of Salma. Their specific identity is not well-documented, but they are likely a clan or family within the broader context of Judah's tribal organization. The mention of various groups like the Zorites illustrates the diverse and interconnected nature of the tribes of Israel, each contributing to the nation's history and identity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Salma
A descendant of Judah, Salma is noted as the father of Bethlehem, indicating his significant role in the lineage leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

2. Bethlehem
A town in Judah, Bethlehem is historically significant as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. It is often referred to as the "City of David."

3. Netophathites
Inhabitants of Netophah, a town near Bethlehem. They are mentioned in various genealogies and military contexts in the Old Testament.

4. Atroth-beth-Joab
A location or group associated with Joab, possibly indicating a settlement or clan within the tribe of Judah.

5. Manahathites
A group or clan within the tribe of Judah, possibly linked to the town of Manahath.

6. Zorites
Another clan or group within the tribe of Judah, possibly linked to the town of Zorah.
Teaching Points
Genealogical Importance
Understanding the genealogies in the Bible helps us see God's sovereign plan through history, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Significance of Bethlehem
Bethlehem's role in biblical history as the birthplace of both David and Jesus highlights God's consistent use of humble beginnings for His divine purposes.

Community and Heritage
The mention of various clans and towns reminds us of the importance of community and heritage in our spiritual journey.

God's Faithfulness
The detailed genealogies demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through generations.

Role of Ordinary Places
God often uses ordinary places and people to accomplish extraordinary things, encouraging us to see potential in our own lives and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2:54 connect to the broader account of God's plan for salvation?

2. What is the significance of Bethlehem in both the Old and New Testaments, and how does this impact our understanding of Jesus' birth?

3. How can understanding our own spiritual heritage and community help us in our faith journey?

4. In what ways does God's use of ordinary places and people in the Bible encourage you in your personal walk with Him?

5. How can we see God's faithfulness in the genealogies of the Bible, and how does this encourage us to trust Him with our future?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ruth 4:11
This verse highlights the significance of Bethlehem in the lineage of David, connecting to the genealogical importance of Salma's descendants.

Micah 5:2
This prophecy about Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler in Israel connects to the significance of Bethlehem in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 2:1
The New Testament fulfillment of the prophecy in Micah, where Jesus is born in Bethlehem, ties back to the genealogical roots mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:54.
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
Ataroth, Atroth, Atroth-beth-joab, At'roth-beth-jo'ab, Beth, Beth-joab, Bethlehem, Beth-lehem, Half, Hazi-hammana-hethites, Joab, Manahathites, Man'aha'thites, Manahethites, Menahethites, Menuhothite, Netophathite, Netophathites, Netoph'athites, Salma, Sons, Zorite, Zorites
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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