1 Chronicles 2:44
Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai.
Shema
The name "Shema" in Hebrew means "hear" or "listen," which is a significant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's word and commandments. In the context of 1 Chronicles, Shema is a descendant of Judah, highlighting the continuity of God's promise to the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come. This lineage underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises through generations.

was the father of Raham
The phrase "was the father of" indicates a genealogical record, which is a common feature in the Chronicles. Genealogies in the Bible serve to establish identity, heritage, and the fulfillment of divine promises. Raham, whose name means "compassion" or "mercy," reflects the character of God, who is compassionate and merciful to His people. This lineage reminds us of the importance of family and heritage in God's plan.

the father of Jorkeam
Jorkeam is a lesser-known figure, and his name means "the people will rise." This can be seen as a prophetic declaration of hope and restoration for God's people. In the broader biblical narrative, the rise of God's people is a recurring theme, pointing to the ultimate victory and establishment of God's kingdom through Christ.

Rekem
Rekem, meaning "variegation" or "embroidered," suggests diversity and intricacy. This name can symbolize the diverse and intricate plan of God in weaving together the history and future of His people. Rekem's place in the genealogy highlights the unique roles individuals play in God's overarching plan.

was the father of Shammai
Shammai, meaning "astonishment" or "desolation," can be seen as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God's works and the desolation that comes from turning away from Him. In the context of Chronicles, this serves as a call to faithfulness and reverence for God, who is both just and merciful.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shema
A descendant of Judah, Shema is noted as the father of Raham. His lineage is part of the genealogical record that traces the tribe of Judah, which is significant in the history of Israel and the lineage of Jesus Christ.

2. Raham
The son of Shema and the father of Jorkeam. His mention in the genealogy highlights the continuity of the family line within the tribe of Judah.

3. Jorkeam
The son of Raham. While not much is known about him, his inclusion in the genealogy underscores the importance of family heritage in biblical history.

4. Rekem
Another descendant of Judah, Rekem is noted as the father of Shammai. His name appears in the genealogical records, emphasizing the detailed lineage of the tribe.

5. Shammai
The son of Rekem. Like others in this passage, Shammai's mention serves to maintain the record of Judah's descendants.
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 and highlight His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies remind us that God is sovereign over history, orchestrating events and lineages to fulfill His divine purposes.

The Value of Heritage and Legacy
Understanding our spiritual heritage can inspire us to live faithfully, knowing we are part of a larger account that God is writing through His people.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary
Many names in genealogies are not associated with grand accounts, yet their faithfulness in their time contributed to God's overarching plan. Our everyday faithfulness matters in God's kingdom.

Continuity of God's Plan
The genealogies demonstrate the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, encouraging us to trust in His unchanging nature and promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our own family histories or spiritual heritage?

3. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles connect to the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, and what does this teach us about God's promises?

4. What can we learn from the fact that many individuals in biblical genealogies are not associated with major events or accounts?

5. How can we apply the lessons of faithfulness and legacy from these genealogies to our daily lives and spiritual walk?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:8-12
This passage contains Jacob's blessing to Judah, prophesying the leadership and royal lineage that would come from his descendants, which is relevant to understanding the significance of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament traces back to Judah, showing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the importance of these genealogical records.

Ruth 4:18-22
This genealogy connects to the lineage of King David, showing the continuity and importance of family lines in God's redemptive plan.
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
Begat, Begot, Jorkeam, Jor'ke-am, Jorkoam, Raham, Rekem, Shammai, Sham'mai, Shema
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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