1 Chronicles 3:7

Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,

Study Bible

Elishama
The name "Elishama" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard." This name reflects a deep-seated belief in the responsiveness of God to the prayers and cries of His people. In the context of the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, Elishama is listed as one of the sons of David, a king whose life was marked by both triumph and tribulation. The inclusion of Elishama in this lineage underscores the importance of divine communication and the assurance that God is attentive to the needs and petitions of His followers. Historically, names like Elishama would have been a constant reminder to the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God, who hears and responds to His chosen people.

Eliada
"Eliada" means "God knows" or "God has known." This name signifies the omniscience of God, a central tenet in conservative Christian theology. The acknowledgment that God knows all things, past, present, and future, provides comfort and assurance to believers. In the historical context of David's reign, the name Eliada would have been a testament to the belief that God was intimately aware of the struggles and victories of His people. It also serves as a reminder of the personal relationship between God and His followers, where nothing is hidden from His sight, and all is within His divine plan.

Eliphelet
The name "Eliphelet" translates to "God is deliverance" or "God is my deliverance." This name encapsulates the hope and trust in God's power to save and deliver His people from their adversities. In the broader narrative of the Bible, deliverance is a recurring theme, from the Israelites' exodus from Egypt to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. For the Israelites, and particularly in the lineage of David, the name Eliphelet would have been a powerful reminder of God's saving grace and His ability to rescue His people from both physical and spiritual bondage. It highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the assurance of salvation for those who trust in Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nogah
One of the sons of David, mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. His name means "brightness" or "splendor" in Hebrew.

2. Nepheg
Another son of David, listed among his children. The name Nepheg is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "sprout" or "bud."

3. Japhia
Also a son of David, his name means "shining" or "splendid" in Hebrew. Japhia is part of the lineage that highlights the royal family of Judah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect historical events and people to God's overarching plan. They remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through generations.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
The inclusion of David's sons, even those less known, highlights God's sovereign choice in using families to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to see our own family histories as part of God's plan.

The Value of Every Individual
Though some of David's sons are not as prominent in biblical accounts, their mention signifies that every person has value and purpose in God's eyes. This teaches us to appreciate the roles we and others play in God's account.

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, similar to how He worked through David's lineage?

3. How do the meanings of the names Nogah, Nepheg, and Japhia reflect aspects of God's character or His work in our lives?

4. What can we learn from the fact that even lesser-known figures in the Bible, like some of David's sons, are recorded in Scripture?

5. How does the genealogy of David's sons connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to David?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 5:14-16
This passage lists the sons of David born in Jerusalem, providing a parallel account to the genealogies found in 1 Chronicles.

1 Chronicles 14:4-7
Another genealogical record of David's sons, offering additional context and confirmation of the family lineage.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which traces His lineage back to David, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through David's line.