1 Chronicles 4:12
Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, of Paseah, and of Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These were the men of Recah.
Eshton
The name "Eshton" is derived from the Hebrew root "עֶשְׁתּוֹן" (Eshton), which means "effort" or "labor." This name may reflect the industrious nature or the significant achievements of this individual. In the context of genealogies, names often carry meanings that reflect the character or destiny of the person, suggesting that Eshton was a man of notable effort or accomplishment.

was the father of
This phrase indicates lineage and heritage, a crucial aspect of Hebrew culture. The genealogical records in Chronicles emphasize the importance of family lines and the fulfillment of God's promises through generations. Being a "father" in this context not only refers to biological parentage but also to the establishment of a family line that contributes to the unfolding of God's plan.

Beth-rapha
The name "Beth-rapha" can be translated as "house of healing" or "house of the giant," derived from the Hebrew "בֵּית רָפָא" (Beth Rapha). This could indicate a place known for healing or a lineage associated with strength and might. The mention of "Beth-rapha" highlights the significance of places and names in biblical narratives, often pointing to divine intervention or historical events.

Paseah
"Paseah" comes from the Hebrew "פַּסֵחַ" (Paseach), meaning "limping" or "lame." This name might reflect a physical characteristic or a metaphorical state of the individual or family. In biblical times, names often carried prophetic or descriptive meanings, and the mention of Paseah could imply a account of overcoming adversity or a reminder of human frailty.

Tehinnah
The name "Tehinnah" is derived from the Hebrew "תְּחִנָּה" (Tehinnah), meaning "supplication" or "prayer." This name suggests a person characterized by prayerfulness or a life marked by seeking God's favor. In the biblical context, names like Tehinnah remind readers of the importance of a life devoted to prayer and dependence on God.

the father of Ir-nahash
"Ir-nahash" translates to "city of the serpent" from the Hebrew "עִיר נָחָשׁ" (Ir Nahash). This name could indicate a location known for serpents or a symbolic reference to wisdom or danger. The mention of Ir-nahash may carry historical or spiritual significance, pointing to a place of strategic importance or a narrative involving conflict and resolution.

These were the men of Recah
"Recah" is a place or clan name, possibly derived from the Hebrew "רֵכָה" (Rekah), meaning "soft" or "tender." The phrase "men of Recah" suggests a group or community known for specific traits or achievements. In the genealogical context, such references highlight the interconnectedness of families and the collective identity of tribes and clans in Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eshton
A descendant of Judah, Eshton is noted as the father of Beth-rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah. His lineage is part of the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, which trace the heritage of the tribes of Israel.

2. Beth-rapha
A son of Eshton, though little is known about him, his mention signifies the importance of family lineage in the chronicling of Israel's history.

3. Paseah
Another son of Eshton, Paseah's name appears in the genealogical records, emphasizing the continuity of the family line.

4. Tehinnah
The father of Ir-nahash, Tehinnah is another descendant of Eshton. His mention highlights the significance of his offspring, Ir-nahash.

5. Ir-nahash
Meaning "city of the serpent," this place or person is associated with Tehinnah. The name may suggest a location or a notable event related to the family.

6. Recah
The men of Recah are mentioned as part of this genealogical record, indicating a group or family associated with Eshton's descendants.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the importance of our spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave for future generations. Understanding our spiritual lineage can inspire us to live faithfully.

God's Faithfulness Through Generations
The detailed genealogies demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises through generations. We can trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives.

Significance of Every Individual
Even seemingly obscure names in genealogies have significance in God's plan. This teaches us that every person has value and purpose in God's kingdom.

The Role of Family in Faith
The passage highlights the role of family in the transmission of faith and values. We are encouraged to nurture and pass on our faith to our children and communities.
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 or spiritual journeys?

3. How can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations?

4. What does the mention of seemingly obscure individuals in the Bible teach us about our own significance in God's eyes?

5. How can we actively participate in the transmission of faith within our families and communities, as seen in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 2:3-4
This passage provides context for the genealogies of Judah, to which Eshton belongs, highlighting the importance of lineage in the chronicling of Israel's history.

Genesis 49:8-12
The blessings of Judah by Jacob can be connected to the genealogies in Chronicles, as they trace the fulfillment of these blessings through the descendants.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament connects back to the genealogies in Chronicles, showing the fulfillment of God's promises through the line of Judah.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Adiel, Aharhel, Ahumai, Ahuzam, Allon, Amalek, Amalekites, Amaziah, Amnon, Anub, Asaiah, Asareel, Ashur, Asiel, Ben, Benaiah, Benhanan, Benzoheth, Bethrapha, Bethuel, Bilhah, Bithiah, Caleb, Carmi, Chelub, Coz, David, Elah, Elioenai, Epher, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtemoa, Eshton, Ethnan, Ezer, Ezra, Garmite, Gedor, Haahashtari, Hakkoz, Ham, Hamites, Hamuel, Hanan, Harum, Hathath, Hazelelponi, Heber, Helah, Hepher, Hezekiah, Hezron, Hodiah, Hodijah, Hur, Idbash, Iru, Ishbah, Ishi, Ishma, Izhar, Jaakobah, Jabez, Jahath, Jalon, Jamin, Jamlech, Jarib, Jedaiah, Jehaleleel, Jehu, Jekuthiel, Jephunneh, Jered, Jeshohaiah, Jesimiel, Jether, Jezoar, Jezreel, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jokim, Joshah, Josibiah, Kenaz, Koz, Laadah, Lahad, Mehir, Meonothai, Mered, Meshobab, Meunim, Meunites, Mibsam, Miriam, Mishma, Naam, Naarah, Naham, Nahash, Neariah, Nemuel, Ophrah, Othniel, Paseah, Pelatiah, Penuel, Perez, Pharaoh, Pharez, Rapha, Reaiah, Rechah, Rephaiah, Rinnah, Saraph, Saul, Seir, Seraiah, Shallum, Shammai, Shaul, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimon, Shimri, Shiphi, Shobal, Shuah, Shual, Simeon, Simeonites, Tehinnah, Temeni, Tilon, Tiria, Uzziel, Zacchur, Zaccur, Zerah, Zereth, Ziphah, Ziza, Zobebah, Zohar, Zoheth, Zorathites, Zoreathites
Places
Ain, Ashan, Baal, Beersheba, Beth-biri, Beth-marcaboth, Bethuel, Bilhah, Cozeba, Etam, Ezem, Gederah, Gedor, Hazar-shual, Hazar-susim, Hormah, Jerusalem, Lehem, Moab, Moladah, Mount Seir, Netaim, Recah, Rimmon, Shaaraim, Tochen, Tolad, Ziklag
Topics
Begat, Begot, Beth, Bethrapha, Beth-rapha, Bethra'pha, Eshton, Ir, Irnahash, Ir-nahash, Irna'hash, Nahash, Paseah, Pase'ah, Rapha, Recah, Rechah, Tehinnah, Tehin'nah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:10

     1265   hand of God
     1335   blessing
     5934   restraint
     5960   success

Library
The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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

Links
1 Chronicles 4:12 NIV
1 Chronicles 4:12 NLT
1 Chronicles 4:12 ESV
1 Chronicles 4:12 NASB
1 Chronicles 4:12 KJV

1 Chronicles 4:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 4:11
Top of Page
Top of Page