1 Chronicles 2:51
Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader.
Salma the father of Bethlehem
The name "Salma" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׂלַם" (shalom), meaning peace or completeness. Salma is identified as the progenitor of Bethlehem, a town of immense significance in biblical history. Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread" in Hebrew, is not only the birthplace of King David but also of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Micah 5:2. This connection underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the continuity of His divine plan through generations. The mention of Salma as the "father" of Bethlehem highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's sovereign orchestration of history.

Hareph the father of Beth-gader
The name "Hareph" is less commonly discussed, but it is believed to be derived from the Hebrew root "חָרַף" (charaph), which can mean to pluck or gather. This could symbolize the gathering of people or the establishment of a community. Beth-gader, meaning "house of the wall" or "house of the enclosure," suggests a place of protection and security. The mention of Hareph as the "father" of Beth-gader indicates his foundational role in establishing this community. This reflects the biblical theme of God using individuals to build and protect His people, both physically and spiritually. The reference to Beth-gader, though not as prominent as Bethlehem, reminds us that every place and person has a role in God's overarching narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Salma
Salma is identified as the father of Bethlehem. In the genealogical context of 1 Chronicles, Salma is a descendant of Judah, which highlights the significance of Bethlehem in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

2. Bethlehem
A small town in Judah, Bethlehem is historically significant as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. It is often referred to as the "City of David."

3. Hareph
Hareph is mentioned as the father of Beth-gader. Not much is known about Hareph, but his inclusion in the genealogy underscores the importance of family lineage in the chronicler's account.

4. Beth-gader
This location is less well-known than Bethlehem, but its mention indicates its relevance in the genealogical records of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the importance of heritage and God's faithfulness through generations. They show how God works through families and lineages to fulfill His promises.

Bethlehem's Significance
Bethlehem's mention here foreshadows its critical role in biblical history as the birthplace of both David and Jesus. It serves as a reminder of God's plan and purpose through seemingly small and insignificant places.

God's Sovereignty in History
The inclusion of specific individuals and places in genealogies demonstrates God's sovereign hand in history, orchestrating events and people to accomplish His divine purposes.

Legacy and Influence
Just as Salma and Hareph are remembered for their roles in the lineage of Judah, we are encouraged to consider the legacy we leave behind and how our lives contribute to God's greater plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the mention of Bethlehem in 1 Chronicles 2:51 connect to its significance in the New Testament, particularly in the life of Jesus?

2. What can we learn from the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles about the importance of family and heritage in God's plan?

3. How does understanding the historical and prophetic significance of Bethlehem enhance our appreciation of God's sovereignty?

4. In what ways can we ensure that our own legacy aligns with God's purposes, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Salma and Hareph?

5. How do the genealogies in the Bible encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness across generations, and how can this trust impact our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ruth 4:11
This verse connects to Bethlehem as the elders and people bless Ruth, wishing her to be like Rachel and Leah, who built the house of Israel, and to have a family like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah. This highlights Bethlehem's role in the lineage of David.

Micah 5:2
This prophecy speaks of Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler in Israel, connecting to the messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 2:1
This verse records the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy and connecting the genealogical significance of Bethlehem to the New Testament.
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, Bethelem, Bethgader, Beth-gader, Bethlehem, Beth-lehem, Gader, Hareph, Salma
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

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