1 Chronicles 4:18
These were the children of Pharaoh's daughter Bithiah. Mered also took a Judean wife, who gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.
These were the sons
This phrase introduces a genealogical record, a common feature in the Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "sons" is "בָּנִים" (banim), which can also imply descendants or members of a family, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant through generations.

of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah
Bithiah, meaning "daughter of Yahweh," is a unique figure as she is identified as an Egyptian, yet her name reflects a Hebrew influence, suggesting her conversion or acceptance into the Israelite faith. This highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant, extending beyond ethnic boundaries. Historically, this reflects the complex interactions between Israel and Egypt, with marriages often serving as political alliances.

whom Mered had married
Mered, whose name means "rebellion," is a lesser-known figure, yet his marriage to Bithiah signifies a union that transcends cultural and national barriers. This marriage illustrates the theme of redemption and acceptance, as even those with names suggesting rebellion can be part of God's plan. It also reflects the historical practice of intermarriage among different tribes and nations in the ancient Near East.

She bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah
The mention of these children signifies the continuation of a family line. "Miriam" is a name shared with Moses' sister, suggesting a legacy of leadership and faith. "Shammai" means "astonishment" or "desolation," possibly reflecting the challenges faced by the family. "Ishbah" means "he will praise," indicating a hopeful future. These names collectively suggest a narrative of struggle, faith, and hope.

the father of Eshtemoa
Eshtemoa is a town in the territory of Judah, known for its priestly connections (Joshua 21:14). The phrase "father of" can imply a founder or leader, indicating that Ishbah or his descendants played a significant role in the establishment or leadership of this community. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the establishment of communities centered around worship and service to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh’s Daughter Bithiah
A significant figure, Bithiah is noted for her marriage to Mered, an Israelite. Her name means "daughter of Yahweh," indicating a possible conversion or reverence for the God of Israel.

2. Mered
An Israelite who married Bithiah. His name means "rebellion," which may reflect a personal or familial history.

3. Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah
Children of Bithiah and Mered. Ishbah is noted as the father of Eshtemoa, a place of significance in Judah.

4. Eshtemoa
A town in the territory of Judah, known for its priestly connections and later as a Levitical city.
Teaching Points
God’s Inclusive Plan
God’s plan often includes those from outside the traditional boundaries of Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace.

Significance of Names
Names in the Bible often carry deep meanings and reflect character or destiny. Understanding these can provide insight into the account.

Intermarriage and Faith
The marriage of Mered and Bithiah illustrates the potential for faith to transcend cultural and national boundaries.

Legacy and Influence
The mention of Eshtemoa highlights the importance of legacy and the lasting impact of our actions and relationships.

God’s Use of the Unlikely
God frequently uses unexpected people and situations to accomplish His purposes, encouraging us to remain open to His leading.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of Bithiah, an Egyptian, in the genealogy of Judah reflect God’s broader plan for humanity?

2. In what ways can the account of Mered and Bithiah encourage us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ?

3. How do the names and roles of individuals in this passage inform our understanding of their significance in biblical history?

4. What parallels can we draw between the account of Bithiah and other biblical figures who were outsiders but played crucial roles in God’s plan?

5. How can we apply the lesson of God using unlikely individuals to our own lives and communities today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 2
The mention of Pharaoh’s daughter connects to the account of Moses, who was adopted by a different Pharaoh’s daughter. This highlights the recurring theme of God using unexpected individuals from outside Israel to fulfill His purposes.

1 Chronicles 2:21-23
Provides additional genealogical context, showing the interconnectedness of Israelite families and the inclusion of non-Israelites into the community.

Ruth 1-4
The account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes part of the lineage of David, parallels Bithiah’s integration into Israel, emphasizing God’s inclusive plan.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
Craftsmen, Potters, EtcBishop Hall.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
Origin and Use of Arts and InventionsJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
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
Birth, Bithiah, Bore, Daughter, Gedor, Heber, Jekuthiel, Jered, Jewess, Married, Mered, Pharaoh's, Soco, Sons, Wife, Zanoah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:14

     5272   craftsmen

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

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