1 Chronicles 2:43
The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.
The sons of Hebron
The mention of "Hebron" here is significant as it refers to a person, not the well-known city. Hebron, the individual, is a descendant of Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah. The name "Hebron" in Hebrew (חֶבְרוֹן) can mean "association" or "alliance," which may reflect the unity and strength within the family lineage. This lineage is crucial in understanding the tribal and familial structures that played a significant role in the history of Israel. The sons of Hebron are part of the genealogical record that underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding his descendants.

Korah
The name "Korah" (קֹרַח) is notable in biblical history, though it is a common name and not necessarily linked to the infamous Korah who led a rebellion against Moses. In this context, Korah is a descendant of Hebron, and his mention here serves to establish the genealogical continuity and the importance of each family member in the broader narrative of Israel's history. The name itself means "baldness" or "ice," which might not have significant theological implications but serves as a marker of identity within the tribe.

Tappuah
The name "Tappuah" (תַּפּוּחַ) means "apple" or "fruit" in Hebrew. This name might symbolize fruitfulness or prosperity, reflecting the blessings and abundance that God promised to the descendants of Abraham. Tappuah's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the diversity and richness of the family lines within the tribe of Judah, each contributing to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Rekem
"Rekem" (רֶקֶם) is a name that appears in various contexts in the Bible, often associated with craftsmanship or embroidery. The root of the name suggests intricacy and skill, which could metaphorically represent the careful and deliberate unfolding of God's plan through the generations. Rekem's place in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the unique contributions of each family member to the history and legacy of Israel.

Shema
The name "Shema" (שֶׁמַע) means "hear" or "listen" in Hebrew, a term that resonates deeply within the biblical narrative. It echoes the Shema prayer, a central declaration of faith in Judaism: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This name underscores the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's word, a theme that runs throughout the Scriptures. Shema's inclusion in the genealogy serves as a spiritual reminder of the call to listen to and follow God's commandments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hebron
Hebron is both a person and a place in the Bible. As a person, Hebron is a descendant of Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah. As a place, Hebron is a significant city in the history of Israel, known for its association with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

2. Korah
Korah is one of the sons of Hebron. It is important to distinguish this Korah from the more infamous Korah who led a rebellion against Moses in the wilderness.

3. Tappuah
Tappuah is another son of Hebron. The name also refers to a city in the territory of Judah, indicating the possible influence or settlement of Hebron's descendants.

4. Rekem
Rekem is listed as a son of Hebron. The name is less prominent in other biblical accounts but contributes to the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah.

5. Shema
Shema is the fourth son of Hebron mentioned in this verse. Like Rekem, Shema's role is primarily genealogical, helping to trace the lineage of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect individuals to God's overarching plan. They remind us of our spiritual heritage and the importance of passing down faith through generations.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of Hebron and his sons can inspire us to consider how our faithfulness can impact future generations. Just as Caleb's faithfulness led to blessings for his descendants, our faith can have a lasting legacy.

Understanding Our Spiritual Inheritance
Just as Hebron was a significant inheritance for Caleb, we have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Reflect on what it means to live in the fullness of that inheritance today.

The Role of Lesser-Known Figures
While some biblical figures are well-known, others like Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema play quieter roles. This teaches us that every person has a place in God's account, even if their role seems small.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy of Hebron and his sons reflect the faithfulness of God to the tribe of Judah?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith is passed down to future generations, as seen in the lineage of Hebron?

3. How does the inheritance of Hebron by Caleb inspire us to claim our spiritual inheritance in Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the lesser-known figures in the Bible, such as the sons of Hebron, about our own roles in God's plan?

5. How can the account of Caleb and his descendants encourage us to remain faithful in challenging circumstances, trusting in God's promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13-14
The connection to Caleb, Hebron's ancestor, is significant. Caleb was one of the faithful spies who trusted in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan. This connection highlights the faithfulness and heritage of the tribe of Judah.

Joshua 14:6-15
This passage recounts Caleb's inheritance of Hebron as a reward for his faithfulness. It underscores the importance of Hebron as a place and its association with God's promises.

1 Chronicles 6:54-57
This passage details the Levitical cities, including Hebron, emphasizing its religious and cultural significance in Israel.
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
Hebron, Korah, Rekem, Shema, Sons, Tappuah, Tap'puah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:34-35

     5711   marriage, restrictions

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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