1 Chronicles 3:22

The six descendants of Shecaniah were Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat.

Study Bible

The descendants of Shecaniah
The name "Shecaniah" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׁכַן" (shakan), meaning "to dwell" or "to reside." This name reflects a sense of God's presence and dwelling among His people, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Shecaniah's lineage is significant as it represents continuity and faithfulness in the post-exilic community, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage in maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

Shemaiah and his sons
"Shemaiah" means "heard by Yahweh" in Hebrew, from the root "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning "to hear." This name underscores the belief that God listens to His people, a comforting assurance for the Israelites. The mention of "his sons" indicates the continuation of Shemaiah's legacy, highlighting the biblical emphasis on generational blessings and responsibilities.

Hattush
The name "Hattush" is believed to mean "assembled" or "gathered," possibly from the root "חָתַשׁ" (chathash). This name may symbolize the gathering of God's people, a recurring theme in the restoration narratives of the Old Testament. Hattush is also mentioned in Ezra 8:2, indicating his role in the return from Babylonian exile, thus linking him to the fulfillment of God's promises.

Igal
"Igal" means "He redeems" or "He avenges" in Hebrew, from the root "גָּאַל" (ga'al). This name reflects the redemptive nature of God, who acts on behalf of His people. The presence of such a name in the genealogy serves as a reminder of God's ongoing work of redemption throughout Israel's history.

Bariah
The name "Bariah" is less common and its meaning is uncertain, but it may be related to the root "בָּרַע" (bara), meaning "to create" or "to bring forth." This could signify the creative power of God in establishing and sustaining His people. The inclusion of Bariah in the genealogy highlights the diversity and richness of Israel's heritage.

Neariah
"Neariah" means "servant of Yahweh" or "lamp of Yahweh," from the roots "נֵר" (ner), meaning "lamp," and "יָה" (Yah), a shortened form of Yahweh. This name emphasizes the role of God's people as His servants and light-bearers in the world, a calling that extends to all believers.

Shaphat—six in all
"Shaphat" means "he has judged" or "he has vindicated," from the root "שָׁפַט" (shaphat). This name reflects God's justice and His role as the ultimate judge. The phrase "six in all" indicates the completeness of Shemaiah's family, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises to multiply and bless His people. The number six, while not as symbolically significant as seven, still represents a sense of order and structure within the family unit.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shecaniah
A descendant of David, Shecaniah is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the royal family of Judah. His name means "the Lord has dwelt" or "the Lord has been gracious."

2. Shemaiah
The son of Shecaniah, his name means "heard by the Lord." He is listed as the father of several sons, indicating his role in continuing the Davidic line.

3. Hattush
One of Shemaiah's sons, Hattush is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible as a descendant of David who returned from Babylonian exile, highlighting the restoration of the Davidic line.

4. Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat
These are the other sons of Shemaiah. Their inclusion in the genealogical record underscores the importance of family lineage in maintaining the heritage and promises given to David.

5. The Davidic Lineage
This passage is part of a larger genealogical record that emphasizes the continuity of the Davidic line, which is significant for the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the Messiah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible are not mere lists of names; they serve to connect God's promises across generations. They remind us of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The preservation of the Davidic line, even through exile and return, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives.

The Role of Individuals in God's Plan
Each person listed, though seemingly minor, plays a part in the grand account of God's salvation history. This teaches us that every believer has a role in God's kingdom work, no matter how small it may seem.

The Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan
The genealogical records highlight the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in Christ. This continuity assures us of the reliability and coherence of Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 3:22 contribute to our understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we see the importance of family and heritage in the biblical account, and how does this apply to our lives today?

3. How does the mention of Hattush in both 1 Chronicles and Ezra illustrate the theme of restoration in the Bible?

4. What can we learn from the fact that seemingly minor figures in the Bible are part of God's larger plan?

5. How does the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 connect to the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, and what does this teach us about the fulfillment of God's promises?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 8:2-3
Hattush is mentioned as one of the leaders returning from exile, connecting the genealogical record to the historical restoration of Israel.

2 Samuel 7:12-16
God's covenant with David promises an everlasting kingdom through his descendants, which is foundational to understanding the significance of these genealogies.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ traces back to David, showing the fulfillment of the promises made to David through his lineage.