1 Chronicles 3:23
The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam--three in all.
The sons of Neariah
This phrase introduces us to the descendants of Neariah, a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. The name "Neariah" means "servant of Yahweh" or "lamp of Yahweh" in Hebrew, reflecting a deep connection to God. This highlights the importance of maintaining a godly heritage and the role of family in the transmission of faith. In the broader context of Chronicles, genealogies serve to connect the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots, emphasizing continuity and divine faithfulness.

Elioenai
The name "Elioenai" means "my eyes look to God" or "God is my eyes" in Hebrew. This name suggests a posture of dependence and trust in God, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. It reminds us of the importance of keeping our focus on God, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge. Elioenai's inclusion in the genealogy underscores the value of individuals who embody faith and reliance on God.

Hizkiah
Hizkiah, or Hezekiah, means "Yahweh strengthens" in Hebrew. This name is a testament to the strength and support that God provides to His people. It serves as a reminder of the divine empowerment available to believers, encouraging them to rely on God's strength rather than their own. The name also evokes the memory of King Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah who trusted in God during times of national crisis.

Azrikam
The name "Azrikam" means "my help has risen" or "help has arisen" in Hebrew. This name reflects the theme of divine assistance and intervention. It is a reminder that God is an ever-present help in times of trouble, ready to rise to the aid of His people. The inclusion of Azrikam in the genealogy highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God's help in our lives.

three in all
This phrase emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of Neariah's lineage. The number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in biblical literature. It suggests that Neariah's family, though small, is whole and significant in God's eyes. This serves as an encouragement that every family, regardless of size or prominence, has a place in God's plan and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Neariah
A descendant of David, Neariah is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the royal family of Judah. His name means "servant of Yah" or "lamp of Yah," indicating a connection to God.

2. Elioenai
One of the sons of Neariah, his name means "my eyes look to God." This name reflects a posture of dependence and trust in God.

3. Hizkiah
Another son of Neariah, his name is a variant of Hezekiah, meaning "Yahweh strengthens." This name suggests reliance on God's strength.

4. Azrikam
The third son of Neariah, his name means "help against the enemy" or "my help has risen." This name implies divine assistance and protection.

5. Genealogical Record
This passage is part of the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, which serve to establish the continuity of God's promises through the lineage of David.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Generations
The genealogies remind us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises across generations. We can trust that God is working through our family lines and histories.

Significance of Names
The meanings of the names in this passage reflect attributes of God and His relationship with His people. Consider the significance of your own name and how it might reflect your identity in Christ.

Legacy and Heritage
Just as Neariah's sons are recorded in Scripture, we are encouraged to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations. Are we living in a way that honors God and reflects His promises?

Dependence on God
The names Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam each point to a reliance on God. In our daily lives, we should cultivate a posture of looking to God for strength, guidance, and help.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 3:23 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with David?

2. What can we learn from the meanings of the names Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam about our relationship with God?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a godly legacy for future generations?

4. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles connect to the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, and what does this reveal about God's plan of salvation?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to rely on God's strength and help. How does this passage encourage you to continue trusting in Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 3:10-24
This broader passage provides the genealogical context, tracing the descendants of Solomon and the royal line of Judah, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant with David.

2 Samuel 7:12-16
God's promise to David about establishing his throne forever is foundational to understanding the significance of these genealogies.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament connects back to these Old Testament records, showing the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of David.
Genealogy of Israel's Royal HouseholdF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 3:1-24
Kings of the Royal Line - Zedekiah: the Lesson of His LifeF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 3:10-24
The Best Rewards of Piety, EtcW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 3:10-24
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abia, Abigail, Abijah, Abital, Absalom, Adonijah, Ahaz, Ahaziah, Ahinoam, Akkub, Amaziah, Ammiel, Amnon, Amon, Anani, Arnan, Asa, Assir, Azariah, Azrikam, Bariah, Bathsheba, Bathshua, Berechiah, Carmelitess, Dalaiah, Daniel, David, Delaiah, Eglah, Eliada, Eliashib, Elioenai, Eliphelet, Elishama, Elishua, Haggith, Hananiah, Hasadiah, Hashubah, Hattush, Hesed, Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hodaiah, Hodaviah, Hoshama, Ibhar, Igal, Igeal, Isaiah, Ithream, Japhia, Jecamiah, Jeconiah, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jehoshaphat, Jekamiah, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Joash, Johanan, Joram, Josiah, Jotham, Jushabhesed, Maacah, Maachah, Malchiram, Manasseh, Meshullam, Nathan, Neariah, Nedabiah, Nepheg, Nogah, Obadiah, Ohel, Pedaiah, Pelaiah, Pelatiah, Rehoboam, Rephaiah, Salathiel, Shallum, Shammua, Shaphat, Shealtiel, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shelomith, Shemaiah, Shenazar, Shephatiah, Shimea, Shimei, Shobab, Solomon, Talmai, Tamar, Zedekiah, Zerubbabel
Places
Geshur, Hebron, Jerusalem
Topics
Azrikam, Azri'kam, Elioenai, Eli-o-e'nai, Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizki'ah, Neariah, Neari'ah, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 3:10-19

     2540   Christ, genealogy

Library
Altar and Temple
'And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2. Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3. And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration:
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9

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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