1 Chronicles 2:45
The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.
The son of Shammai
This phrase introduces us to the genealogical record, a common feature in the Chronicles, which serves to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel. The name "Shammai" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning "to hear" or "to listen." This suggests a person who is attentive or obedient, possibly reflecting the character or reputation of Shammai within his community. In the broader biblical context, genealogies are crucial for understanding the fulfillment of God's promises to His people, tracing the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

was Maon
Maon, the son of Shammai, is a name that appears in various contexts within the Old Testament. The name "Maon" is associated with a place in the hill country of Judah, suggesting that this individual may have had some connection to that region. The Hebrew root "מָעוֹן" (ma'on) means "dwelling" or "habitation," which could imply a sense of stability or permanence. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a reminder of God's promise to provide a dwelling place for His people, both physically in the land of Israel and spiritually in His presence.

and Maon was the father of Beth Zur
The phrase highlights the continuation of the genealogical line through Maon to Beth Zur. "Beth Zur" means "house of rock" or "house of strength," derived from the Hebrew "בֵּית צוּר" (beth tsur). This name is significant as it denotes a place of fortification and defense, reflecting the strategic importance of the location in the ancient world. Historically, Beth Zur was a fortified city in Judah, mentioned in the context of battles and conquests. Spiritually, the concept of a "house of rock" resonates with the biblical theme of God as a fortress and refuge for His people, emphasizing the security and protection found in Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shammai
A descendant of Caleb, Shammai is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Judah. His mention highlights the importance of family heritage and legacy in the biblical account.

2. Maon
The son of Shammai, Maon is noted for being the father of Beth Zur. His name is associated with a location in Judah, which suggests his influence or the establishment of a settlement.

3. Beth Zur
A town in the hill country of Judah, Beth Zur is historically significant as a fortified city. It played a role in various military campaigns and is mentioned in other biblical contexts as a place of strategic importance.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the value of understanding our spiritual heritage. Just as the Israelites traced their lineage, Christians are encouraged to recognize their spiritual ancestry in the faith.

Legacy and Influence
Maon's role as the father of Beth Zur highlights the impact one can have on future generations. Believers are called to consider the legacy they are building and how it will influence others.

Strategic Places in God's Plan
Beth Zur's mention as a fortified city underscores the idea that God uses specific places and people for His purposes. Christians are encouraged to see their own lives and locations as strategically placed for God's work.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The inclusion of seemingly minor figures and places in Scripture teaches us that God values every detail of our lives. We are called to be faithful in the small things, trusting that God sees and uses them for His glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout history?

2. In what ways can we build a spiritual legacy that impacts future generations, similar to how Maon influenced the establishment of Beth Zur?

3. How can we identify and utilize the strategic places and opportunities God has given us in our own lives for His purposes?

4. Reflect on a time when a seemingly small detail in your life had a significant impact. How does this encourage you to be faithful in the little things?

5. How can the account of Nabal and Abigail in the region of Maon (1 Samuel 25) provide insights into the character and challenges of the people from this area? How can we apply these insights to our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 15:58
This verse lists Beth Zur among the towns in the hill country of Judah, providing geographical context and emphasizing its significance within the tribal allotment of Judah.

Nehemiah 3:16
Beth Zur is mentioned in the context of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, indicating its continued importance and the involvement of its people in the restoration efforts.

1 Samuel 25:2
The region of Maon is associated with the account of Nabal and Abigail, providing a account connection to the area and its inhabitants.
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
Beth, Bethzur, Beth-zur, Maon, Ma'on, Shammai, Sham'mai, Zur
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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