1 Chronicles 3:5

and these sons were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. These four were born to him by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel.

Study Bible

and these sons were born to him in Jerusalem:
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds significant importance as the political and spiritual center of Israel. It became the capital after David conquered it from the Jebusites. The mention of Jerusalem here emphasizes the establishment of David's dynasty in the city that would later become the site of the Temple, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon:
These sons of David are significant for various reasons. Solomon is the most well-known, as he succeeded David as king and built the Temple. Nathan, though less prominent, is noteworthy because the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke traces through Nathan, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his lineage would endure forever. Shimea and Shobab are less mentioned in the biblical narrative, but their inclusion here underscores the importance of David's family line.

These four were born to him by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel:
Bathsheba's story is complex, involving her initial relationship with David, which began in sin, yet she became a pivotal figure in the Davidic line. Her father, Ammiel, is also known as Eliam, one of David's mighty men, indicating her noble heritage. Bathsheba's role in the royal lineage is crucial, as she is the mother of Solomon, through whom the Davidic covenant is continued. Her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew highlights God's grace and redemption, as well as the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah's lineage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his complex personal life, including his relationship with Bathsheba.

2. Bathsheba
The daughter of Ammiel, she became the wife of David after a controversial beginning to their relationship. She is the mother of Solomon, one of Israel's greatest kings.

3. Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon
The sons of David and Bathsheba born in Jerusalem. Solomon is particularly significant as he succeeded David as king and built the Temple.

4. Jerusalem
The city of David, which became the political and spiritual center of Israel. It is significant as the birthplace of these sons.

5. Ammiel
The father of Bathsheba, mentioned here to provide her lineage and background.

Teaching Points

The Complexity of God's Grace
Despite the sinful beginnings of David and Bathsheba's relationship, God brought forth Solomon, a key figure in Israel's history and the lineage of Christ. This illustrates God's ability to redeem and use imperfect situations for His purposes.

The Importance of Legacy
David's legacy is carried on through his sons, particularly Solomon. This emphasizes the importance of raising children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord, as they carry forward the family’s spiritual heritage.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The mention of these sons, especially Solomon, highlights God's sovereign plan in establishing the Davidic line, which ultimately leads to Jesus Christ. It reminds us that God’s plans are often beyond our understanding but always purposeful.

The Role of Jerusalem
As the birthplace of these sons, Jerusalem is not just a physical location but a symbol of God's chosen place for His people. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of places dedicated to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of David and Bathsheba illustrate the concept of redemption in the Bible, and what can we learn from it about God's grace?

2. In what ways does the legacy of David's sons, particularly Solomon, challenge us to consider the spiritual heritage we are leaving for future generations?

3. How does the inclusion of Solomon in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1) enhance our understanding of God's promises to David?

4. What lessons can we draw from the fact that God used a city like Jerusalem as a central place for His people, and how can we apply this to our own communities?

5. Considering the background of David and Bathsheba's relationship, how can we apply the principles of repentance and restoration in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 11-12
These chapters provide the background of David and Bathsheba's relationship, including the sin of adultery and the subsequent events leading to their marriage.

1 Kings 1-2
These chapters detail Solomon's rise to the throne, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his lineage.

Matthew 1:6
This verse in the genealogy of Jesus Christ mentions Solomon, connecting the lineage of David to the Messiah.