HarperCollins Study Bible
Page 160
25.22 Gedaliah’s grandfather, Shaphan, had been the scribe during the reign of Josiah (22.3). Gedaliah’s father, Ahikam, was part of the delegation sent to Huldah (22.12) and was later a supporter of Jeremiah (Jer 26.24).
25.23 Several Israelite towns bore the name Mizpah. The one mentioned here probably lay on the border between Israel and Judah, about eight miles north of Jerusalem. Mizpah may have been one of the few sites left standing after the Babylonian invasion.
25.24 Gedaliah’s pro-Babylonian stance was also shared by Jeremiah, who received special treatment from the Babylonians after the fall of Jerusalem (Jer 27.1–22; 39.13–14; 40.1–6).
25.26 This verse seems to imply that the remaining inhabitants fled to Egypt (cf. v. 21).
25.27–30 This brief epilogue recounting Jehoiachin’s release from prison introduces a note of hope that the Davidic monarchy might not be finally destroyed. A parallel account is found in Jer 52.31–34.
25.27 Evil-merodach ruled Babylon ca. 562–560 BCE.
1 CHRONICLES
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
IN THE HEBREW BIBLE 1 and 2 Chronicles are called “The Events of the Days.” The title Chronicles can be traced back to Jerome in the fifth century CE. 1 and 2 Chronicles were written after the exile and in Jerusalem, probably in the fourth century BCE. The author is conventionally called the Chronicler. Although these books share many themes with the nearly contemporaneous books of Ezra and Nehemiah, a growing number of scholars believe they are separate compositions. Note, however, that the first verses of Ezra (1.1–3a) are identical to the last verses of Chronicles (2 Chr 36.22–23).
Structure and Sources
THE BOOKS OF CHRONICLES consist of four sections: genealogies and lists that trace a historical story from Adam to the community after the exile (1 Chr 1–9); the reign of David (1 Chr 10–29); the reign of Solomon (2 Chr 1–9); and the history of the Davidic monarchy until the Babylonian captivity (2 Chr 10–36).
The books are largely parallel to the books of Samuel and Kings, which are part of the Deuteronomistic History, a portion of the Hebrew Bible running from Deuteronomy to 2 Kings and edited in its final form in the mid-sixth century BCE (2 Sam 9–20 is passed over, and the material on the Northern Kingdom is largely omitted). In fact, Samuel and Kings served as the major source for the Chronicler, though his copy of these books differed in significant ways from the text as we now have it in the Hebrew Bible. Especially useful in establishing the earlier text of Samuel and Kings are the Greek translation of the Bible (the Septuagint, including the recensions known as proto-Lucianic and kaige) and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The genealogical notices of 1 Chr 1–8 show strong ties to Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Samuel, and Ruth, although they also contain much unique genealogical material. Pss 96; 105; and 106 are cited in 1 Chr 16. The Chronicler also used the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah. The Chronicler refers readers to additional sources at the end of every king’s history, though most of these references are taken over or revised from the Deuteronomistic History. The genealogies in 1 Chr 1–9 came to the Chronicler from a variety of sources, as did a number of other lists of names (1 Chr 12; 23–27). Material that appears to come from other nonbiblical sources includes the description of the fortifications of Rehoboam (2 Chr 11.5–10), the descriptions of armies (2 Chr 14.8; 17.14–19; 25.5; 26.11–15), and the reference to Hezekiah’s tunnel (2 Chr 32.30). Because of their importance, parallels in Samuel and Kings are cited at the beginning of notes wherever appropriate.
Theology
WHEREAS PAST SCHOLARSHIP OFTEN DEBATED the historical value of the Chronicler’s additional material, there is a greater interest today in the theological point the author was making. At the same time archaeological and form-critical judgments are reaching new levels of sophistication. Occasionally no hard data justify a historical judgment. The Chronicler’s magnification of an account, often for theological reasons, can be seen in his use of large numbers: Abijah, for example, accompanied by an army of 400,000, attacked the army of Jeroboam, which was 800,000 strong, and inflicted 500,000 casualties (2 Chr 13).
The author frequently expresses his own views in royal speeches and prayers that appeal to an authoritative scriptural text. These compositions play a significant role in the structuring of Chronicles. The speeches (1 Chr 22; 28; 29) and a prayer of David (1 Chr 29.10–19) link David closely with Solomon and place great emphasis on the temple. The period of the Divided Monarchy is framed with speeches calling for repentance by Abijah (2 Chr 13.4–12) and by Hezekiah (2 Chr 30.6–9). Both speeches indicate the Chronicler’s openness to the Northern Kingdom’s participation in the ritual life of the Jerusalem temple. References to prophets are frequently found in material taken from the parallel accounts in Samuel and Kings, in material added by the Chronicler, and in sources that mention prophets in connection with certain kings (2 Chr 9.29).
Other Matters of Worldview
THE CHRONICLER SHOWS SPECIAL LOYALTY to the Levites and includes in their number singers, gatekeepers, and even bakers (1 Chr 9.31–32). Among the many tasks of the Levites was teaching (2 Chr 17.7–9). They were also in charge of holy objects, prepared the rows of “show” bread (1 Chr 9.28–32; 23.29–31; 2 Chr 29.18), and served as judges and scribes. In addition, they led in singing and praise (1 Chr 15.16–24; 16.4–42).
The author devotes extraordinary attention to David and Solomon and treats them as equals, often omitting negative information contained in his sources. In his presentation, the work of David and Solomon centered on the building of the temple and the installation of its personnel. The Chronicler calls on all Israel of his day, especially people in the area of the former Northern Kingdom, to join in recognizing the Second Temple and its ritual life in Jerusalem.
The Chronicler interprets divine punishments or blessings as retribution for a king’s behavior. Such retribution is immediate, with the consequences befalling the evil or righteous king during his own lifetime. Faithful royal behavior is accompanied by many children, building projects, a well-equipped army, victory in war, cultic reforms, or tribute from the nations. A wicked king experiences God’s wrath, war, defeat in battle, disease, or conspiracy.
Interpreters of Chronicles now find a far more open attitude to people from the North than was previously recognized. Those willing to return to the Lord and come to his sanctuary were to be welcomed (2 Chr 30.7–8). Hezekiah’s Passover celebration was unique in its inclusion of the North, and both he and Josiah conducted reforming activities in the North. The Chronicler seems to be inviting Northerners to acknowledge the claims of the temple in Jerusalem and to participate in its ritual life. [RALPH W. KLEIN]
1 CHRONICLES 1
From Adam to Abraham
1Adam, Seth, Enosh; 2Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; 3Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech; 4Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
5The descendants of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 6The descendants of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Diphath,a and Togarmah. 7The descendants of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.b
8The descendants of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. 9The descendants of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raama, and Sabteca. The descendants of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 10Cush became the father of Nimrod; he was the first to be a mighty one on the earth.
11Egypt became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 12Pathrusim, Casluhim, and Caphtorim, from whom the Philistines come.c
13Canaan became the father of Sidon his firstborn, and Heth, 14and the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, 15the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, 16the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites.
17The descendants of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech.d 18Arpachshad became the father of Shelah; and Shelah became the father of Eber. 19To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg (for in his days the earth was divided), and the n
ame of his brother Joktan. 20Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 21Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 22Ebal, Abimael, Sheba, 23Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the descendants of Joktan.
24Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah; 25Eber, Peleg, Reu; 26Serug, Nahor, Terah; 27Abram, that is, Abraham.
From Abraham to Jacob
28The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. 29These are their genealogies: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 30Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, 31Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael. 32The sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: she bore Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan. 33The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the descendants of Keturah.
34Abraham became the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel. 35The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. 36The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, and Amalek. 37The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
38The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. 39The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam; and Lotan’s sister was Timna. 40The sons of Shobal: Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. 41The sons of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 42The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan.e The sons of Dishan:f Uz and Aran.
43These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor, whose city was called Dinhabah. 44When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah of Bozrah succeeded him. 45When Jobab died, Husham of the land of the Temanites succeeded him. 46When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, succeeded him; and the name of his city was Avith. 47When Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah succeeded him. 48When Samlah died, Shaulg of Rehoboth on the Euphrates succeeded him. 49When Shaulh died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor succeeded him. 50When Baal-hanan died, Hadad succeeded him; the name of his city was Pai, and his wife’s name Mehetabel daughter of Matred, daughter of Me-zahab. 51And Hadad died.
The clansi of Edom were: clansj Timna, Aliah,k Jetheth, 52Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 53Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 54Magdiel, and Iram; these are the clansl of Edom.
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a Gen 10.3 Ripath; See Gk Vg
b Gen 10.4 Dodanim; See Syr Vg
c Heb Casluhim, from which the Philistines come, Caphtorim; See Am 9.7, Jer 47.4
d Mash in Gen 10.23
e Or and Akan; See Gen 36.27
f See 1.38: Heb Dishon
g Or Saul
h Or Saul
i Or chiefs
j Or chiefs
k Or Alvah; See Gen 36.40
l Or chiefs
1.1–2.2 The real goal of the genealogy in ch. 1 is reached with Israel (2.1–2). God’s purpose for Israel began at creation. The genealogical materials in 1.1–2.2 relate Israel to the panoply of the nations of the world. Israel understood its role within the family of nations and as a witness to all humanity. One may detect here testimony to Israel’s God, who governs the whole world, but focuses attention on Israel—even though there is no mention of God at all in this opening unit.
1.1–27 Cf. Gen 5.1–32; 10.1–29; 11.10–26. The author traces human history from Adam, the first ancestor of humankind, to Abraham, the ancestor of the faithful. Nearly all the genealogies of Genesis are included except Gen 4.17–22 (the genealogy of Cain) and 19.30–38 (the births of Moab and Ben-ammi [Ammonites]).
1.1–4 The list of names is derived from Gen 5, but other details of that genealogy are omitted.
1.5–23 The Table of Nations in Gen 10 divides the then known world into geographical/cultural groups roughly as follows: the children of Shem are in Mesopotamia and Arabia; the children of Ham are in northeast Africa and Syro-Palestine; the children of Japheth are in Europe and Asia. Nations are assigned to eponymous ancestors who fit into a genealogical tree (e.g., Egypt in vv. 8, 11).
1.7 Rodanim, the inhabitants of Rhodes.
1.8 Canaan, considered a son of Ham, as in Gen 9.22. In modern discussions, Canaan and the Amorites (v. 14) are considered Semites.
1.10 Nimrod. Much additional information about this hunter is provided in Gen 10.8–12.
1.12 Caphtorim, the people of Crete (cf. Jer 47.4; Am 9.7).
1.24–27 This genealogical list is derived from Gen 11.10–26, with the omission of the details, as in vv. 1–4. There is some overlap with the materials in vv. 17–23.
1.25 Eber. Cf. Gen 10.24–25; 11.14–17. The root of this name is a wordplay on the name “Hebrew” and thus portrays Eber as the eponymous ancestor, the namesake, of the Hebrew people.
1.27 Abram, changed to Abraham in Gen 17.5.
1.28–54 Cf. Gen 25.1–4, 13–16, 19–26; 36.1–5, 10–13, 20–28, 31–43. Abraham’s descendants through three separate women (only Keturah is mentioned by name, v. 32), with the subsidiary, nonelect lines reported first.
1.29–31 Ishmael, the son of Abraham and his Egyptian slave-girl Hagar (Gen 16; 21).
1.32–33 Perhaps a later addition to the Chronicler’s account; note the summary in v. 28. Keturah, a concubine Abraham took after the death of Sarah.
1.34 Israel, the standard name for Jacob in Chronicles (except for 1 Chr 16.13, 17, where both occurrences are in quotations from Ps 105).
1.35–54 Esau/Edom, the brother of Israel, is given lengthy attention.
1.36 Timna, in Gen 36.12 a concubine of Eliphaz and mother of Amalek.
1.38–42 The sons of Seir inhabited the same territory as Edom (cf. Gen 36.8).
1.43–51a List of Edomite kings.
1.43 This verse presupposes the existence of the monarchy in Israel. The corresponding verse in Gen 36.31 is used to show that the Pentateuch comes from a time considerably later than Moses.
1.51 Hadad ’s death is not recorded in Genesis. This addition makes the chiefs clearly subsequent to the list of Edomite kings. Clans, preferably chiefs (see text note d).
1 CHRONICLES 2
The Sons of Israel and the Descendants of Judah
1These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, 2Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 3The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah; these three the Canaanite woman Bath-shua bore to him. Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and he put him to death. 4His daughter-in-law Tamar also bore him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all.
5The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. 6The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara,a five in all. 7The sons of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the matter of the devoted thing; 8and Ethan’s son was Azariah.
9The sons of Hezron, who were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. 10Ram became the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah. 11Nahshon became the father of Salma, Salma of Boaz, 12Boaz of Obed, Obed of Jesse. 13Jesse became the father of Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third, 14Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 15Ozem the sixth, David the seventh; 16and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three. 17Abigail bore Amasa, and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite.
18Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah, and by Jerioth; these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. 19When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore him Hur. 20Hur became the father of Uri, and Uri became the father of Bezalel.
21Afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir father of Gilead, whom he married when he was sixty years old; and she bore him Segub; 22and Segub became the father of Jair, who had twenty-three towns in the land of Gilead. 23But Geshur and Aram took from them Havvoth-jair, Kenath and its villages, sixty towns. All these were descendants of Machir, father of Gilead. 24After the death of Hezron, in Caleb-ephrathah, Abijah wife of Hezron bore him Ashhur, father of Tekoa.
/> 25The sons of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of Hezron: Ram his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. 26Jerahmeel also had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. 27The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. 28The sons of Onam: Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur. 29The name of Abishur’s wife was Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid. 30The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim; and Seled died childless. 31The sonb of Appaim: Ishi. The sonc of Ishi: Sheshan. The sond of Sheshan: Ahlai. 32The sons of Jada, Shammai’s brother: Jether and Jonathan; and Jether died childless. 33The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the descendants of Jerahmeel. 34Now Sheshan had no sons, only daughters; but Sheshan had an Egyptian slave, whose name was Jarha. 35So Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his slave Jarha; and she bore him Attai. 36Attai became the father of Nathan, and Nathan of Zabad. 37Zabad became the father of Ephlal, and Ephlal of Obed. 38Obed became the father of Jehu, and Jehu of Azariah. 39Azariah became the father of Helez, and Helez of Eleasah. 40Eleasah became the father of Sismai, and Sismai of Shallum. 41Shallum became the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah of Elishama.
42The sons of Caleb brother of Jerahmeel: Meshae his firstborn, who was father of Ziph. The sons of Mareshah father of Hebron. 43The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. 44Shema became father of Raham, father of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai. 45The son of Shammai: Maon; and Maon was the father of Beth-zur. 46Ephah also, Caleb’s concubine, bore Haran, Moza, and Gazez; and Haran became the father of Gazez. 47The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. 48Maacah, Caleb’s concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah. 49She also bore Shaaph father of Madmannah, Sheva father of Machbenah and father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. 50These were the descendants of Caleb.