1 Chronicles 1:24
So from Shem came Arphaxad, Shelah,
Shem
The name "Shem" is derived from the Hebrew root "שֵׁם" (Shem), meaning "name" or "renown." Shem is one of the three sons of Noah, and his lineage is significant as it leads to the Semitic peoples, including the Israelites. In a broader theological context, Shem's line is blessed by God, as seen in Genesis 9:26, where Noah declares, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem!" This blessing is foundational for understanding the covenantal relationship God establishes with the descendants of Shem, ultimately leading to the coming of the Messiah. Shem's role in the genealogical record underscores the importance of divine election and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific lineages.

Arphaxad
The name "Arphaxad" is of uncertain etymology, but it is often associated with the Hebrew root "אַרְפַּכְשַׁד" (Arpakhshad). Arphaxad is a descendant of Shem and is significant in the genealogical line leading to Abraham. Historically, Arphaxad is believed to have settled in the region that would later be known as Chaldea, contributing to the development of early Mesopotamian civilizations. The mention of Arphaxad in the genealogical record highlights the continuity of God's promise through successive generations, emphasizing the faithfulness of God in preserving the line through which He would bring about His purposes.

Shelah
The name "Shelah" comes from the Hebrew "שֶׁלַח" (Shelach), which can mean "sent" or "branch." Shelah is the son of Arphaxad and continues the genealogical line that leads to Eber, the ancestor of the Hebrews. The inclusion of Shelah in this lineage is crucial for understanding the development of the Hebrew identity and the eventual emergence of the Israelite nation. In a spiritual sense, Shelah represents the idea of being "sent" as part of God's divine mission, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture as God sends His chosen people to fulfill His purposes on earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shem
Shem is one of Noah's three sons. He is considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples, including the Israelites. His lineage is significant in the biblical account as it leads to Abraham and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

2. Arphaxad
Arphaxad is the son of Shem. His name is often associated with the region of Arpachshad, which some scholars believe to be in northern Mesopotamia. He is an important link in the genealogy leading to Abraham.

3. Shelah
Shelah is the son of Arphaxad. His mention in the genealogies underscores the continuity of God's promise through the generations, leading to the establishment of the Israelite nation.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible are not just lists of names; they are testimonies of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.

God's Sovereignty in History
The lineage from Shem to Shelah demonstrates God's sovereign hand in guiding history according to His purposes, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of these names reminds us of the importance of faithfulness across generations. Each person in the genealogy played a role in God's plan, encouraging us to be faithful in our own time.

Our Place in God's Story
Just as Shem, Arphaxad, and Shelah had their roles, we too have a place in God's ongoing account. We are called to live faithfully, trusting in His promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogy from Shem to Shelah enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout history?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our own family histories or personal lives?

3. How does the inclusion of Shem, Arphaxad, and Shelah in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3) impact our understanding of the fulfillment of God's promises?

4. What lessons can we learn from the faithfulness of those in biblical genealogies that can be applied to our own spiritual journey?

5. How can we ensure that we are faithful stewards of the spiritual legacy we have received, and how can we pass it on to future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:22-24
This passage provides the genealogy of Shem, including Arphaxad and Shelah, highlighting the continuity of God's plan through these generations.

Luke 3:35-36
In the genealogy of Jesus, Shem, Arphaxad, and Shelah are mentioned, showing the fulfillment of God's promise through the lineage of Shem.

Hebrews 11:10
This verse speaks of Abraham's faith and the promise of a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God, connecting back to the lineage of Shem as part of God's unfolding plan.
Natural and Spiritual PaternityW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 1:1-27
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies as Symbols of the Solidarity of Our RaceW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to ChristF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to the Church and the WorldF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Israelite DescentW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
NamesW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Antiquity and Unity of ManJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies and HeredityW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies Indicative of Universal BrotherhoodW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies: What We Owe to the PastW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abida, Abimael, Abram, Achbor, Adam, Adbeel, Aholibamah, Aiah, Ajah, Akan, Aliah, Alian, Almodad, Alvah, Alvan, Amalek, Amorites, Amram, Anah, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Aran, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Arvadites, Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Baalhanan, Bedad, Bela, Beor, Bilhan, Cainan, Caphthorim, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Cheran, Dedan, Diklah, Dishan, Dishon, Dodanim, Dumah, Eber, Elah, Elam, Eldaah, Eliphaz, Elisha, Elishah, Enoch, Enosh, Ephah, Epher, Esau, Eshban, Ezar, Ezer, Gatam, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Gomer, Hadad, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Hanan, Hanoch, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Hemdan, Henoch, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Homam, Hori, Hul, Husham, Iram, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Israelites, Ithran, Jaalam, Jakan, Japheth, Jared, Javan, Jebusites, Jerah, Jered, Jetheth, Jetur, Jeush, Jobab, Jokshan, Joktan, Kedar, Kedemah, Kenan, Kenaz, Keturah, Kittim, Korah, Lamech, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lotan, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magdiel, Magog, Mahalaleel, Manahath, Massa, Matred, Medan, Mehetabel, Meshech, Methuselah, Mezahab, Mibsam, Mibzar, Mishma, Mizraim, Mizzah, Nahath, Nahor, Naphish, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nebaioth, Nimrod, Noah, Omar, Onam, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Pinon, Reu, Reuel, Riphath, Sabta, Sabtecha, Samlah, Saul, Seba, Seir, Serug, Seth, Shammah, Shaul, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Shephi, Shepho, Sheth, Shobal, Shuah, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tema, Teman, Temanites, Terah, Timna, Timnah, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zaavan, Zavan, Zemarite, Zemarites, Zephi, Zepho, Zerah, Zibeon, Zidon, Zimran
Places
Avith, Babylon, Bozrah, Dinhabah, Edom, Euphrates River, Masrekah, Midian, Moab, Pai, Rehoboth
Topics
Arpachshad, Arpach'shad, Arphaxad, Shelah, Shem
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:24-34

     5076   Abraham, life of

Library
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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