1 Chronicles 2:50
These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim,
These were the descendants of Caleb
The name "Caleb" in Hebrew is "כָּלֵב" (Kaleb), which can mean "dog" or "faithful, devoted." Caleb is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and loyalty to God. He was one of the two spies, along with Joshua, who brought back a positive report about the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). His descendants are mentioned here to highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to those who are faithful. Caleb's lineage is a testament to the blessings that come from steadfast faith and obedience to God.

The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah
"Hur" is a name that appears several times in the Bible, and in this context, it refers to a prominent family line within the tribe of Judah. The mention of "the firstborn of Ephrathah" connects this lineage to Bethlehem, as Ephrathah is often associated with this region (Micah 5:2). This connection is significant because it ties the lineage of Caleb to the birthplace of King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. The term "firstborn" signifies preeminence and importance, indicating that Hur's lineage held a special place in the history of Israel.

Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim
"Shobal" is identified as a leader or chief, and his role as "the father of Kiriath-jearim" suggests he was a founder or significant figure in this city. Kiriath-jearim was an important location in Israel's history, known for being a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David (1 Samuel 7:1-2). The name "Kiriath-jearim" means "City of Forests," indicating a lush, wooded area. This phrase highlights the continuity of God's plan through generations, as Shobal's leadership contributed to the establishment of a city that played a crucial role in Israel's spiritual journey.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Caleb
A prominent figure in the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage. He was one of the two spies who brought back a positive report from the Promised Land.

2. Hur
The firstborn of Ephrathah, often associated with leadership and strength. He is mentioned in the context of supporting Moses during the battle against the Amalekites.

3. Ephrathah
A region or clan within Judah, often associated with Bethlehem. It is significant in biblical history as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ.

4. Shobal
A descendant of Hur, recognized as the father of Kiriath-jearim, a city with historical and religious significance in Israel.

5. Kiriath-jearim
A city in Judah, known for being a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Leadership
Caleb's lineage reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and courage in leadership. As believers, we are called to lead with integrity and trust in God's promises.

Supporting God's Work
Hur's support of Moses illustrates the importance of standing by God's appointed leaders and being active participants in His work.

Significance of Heritage
The mention of Ephrathah and its connection to Bethlehem underscores the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and its impact on our faith journey.

God's Presence in Our Lives
Kiriath-jearim's role as a resting place for the Ark symbolizes the need to make room for God's presence in our lives, ensuring that He is at the center of our decisions and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Caleb's example of faithfulness inspire you in your current leadership roles or responsibilities?

2. In what ways can you support the leaders in your church or community, similar to how Hur supported Moses?

3. How does understanding your spiritual heritage help you in your walk with Christ?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that God's presence is central in your daily life, as symbolized by the Ark's presence in Kiriath-jearim?

5. How can the connections between these historical figures and places deepen your understanding of God's overarching plan in the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13-14
Caleb's faithfulness is highlighted when he, along with Joshua, encourages the Israelites to trust in God's promise to give them the land of Canaan.

Exodus 17:10-12
Hur's role in supporting Moses during the battle against the Amalekites demonstrates his leadership and support for God's chosen leader.

Ruth 4:11
Ephrathah is mentioned in the blessing given to Ruth, connecting the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus to this region.

1 Samuel 7:1-2
Kiriath-jearim is where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for 20 years, highlighting its religious significance.
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
Caleb, Descendants, Ephratah, Ephrath, Ephrathah, Eph'rathah, Firstborn, First-born, Hur, Jearim, Kiriath, Kiriath-jearim, Kir'iath-je'arim, Kirjathjearim, Kirjath-jearim, Oldest, Shobal, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:46-48

     5672   concubines

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

Links
1 Chronicles 2:50 NIV
1 Chronicles 2:50 NLT
1 Chronicles 2:50 ESV
1 Chronicles 2:50 NASB
1 Chronicles 2:50 KJV

1 Chronicles 2:50 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 2:49
Top of Page
Top of Page