1 Chronicles 2:54
The descendants of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites,
The descendants of Salma
This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Salma, a significant figure in the genealogies of Judah. Salma is often associated with the founding of Bethlehem, a town of profound biblical importance as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. The Hebrew root for "Salma" can be linked to peace or garment, suggesting a role of covering or protection, which is fitting given Bethlehem's future significance in biblical history.

Bethlehem
This small town holds a monumental place in biblical history. The Hebrew name "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread," which prophetically aligns with Jesus, the Bread of Life, being born there. Archaeological evidence supports Bethlehem's ancient existence, and its mention here underscores its foundational role in the lineage of Judah and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

the Netophathites
This group is associated with Netophah, a town near Bethlehem. The Netophathites are mentioned in various contexts, including as warriors in David's army. The name "Netophah" may derive from a root meaning "to drip" or "distill," possibly indicating a place of abundance or fertility, which complements the agricultural richness of the region.

Atroth-beth-Joab
This location, whose name means "Crowns of the House of Joab," suggests a place of significance, possibly a settlement or a district. The mention of "Joab" connects to the prominent military leader under King David, indicating a lineage or territory associated with leadership and strength.

half the Manahathites
The Manahathites are linked to Manahath, a place or clan within Judah. The term "half" may indicate a division or a specific branch of this group. The root of "Manahath" suggests rest or settlement, reflecting the stability and establishment of the tribe within the Promised Land.

the Zorites
This group is less frequently mentioned, but their inclusion highlights the diversity and complexity of Judah's descendants. The name "Zorites" may be related to "Zorah," a town in the Shephelah of Judah, known for its strategic location and historical significance. The Zorites' mention here emphasizes the interconnectedness of various clans within the tribe of Judah.

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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