1 Chronicles 2:6

The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara--five in all.

Study Bible

The sons of Zerah:
Zerah was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38. His birth is significant because of the unusual circumstances surrounding it, where his brother Perez was born first despite Zerah's hand emerging first. Zerah's lineage is part of the tribe of Judah, which holds a prominent place in Israel's history, being the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The mention of Zerah's sons here highlights the continuation of his line and its importance in the genealogical records of Israel.

Zimri:
Zimri is one of the sons of Zerah, but little is known about him beyond his mention in genealogical records. His name means "my music" or "my praise," which may reflect cultural values or aspirations of his family. The name Zimri also appears elsewhere in the Bible, such as in 1 Kings 16, where a different Zimri becomes king of Israel for a brief period. However, these are distinct individuals, and the Zimri mentioned here is primarily noted for his place in the lineage of Judah.

Ethan:
Ethan is another son of Zerah, and he is often associated with wisdom and music. Ethan the Ezrahite is credited with writing Psalm 89, which is a reflection on God's covenant with David and a plea for God's faithfulness. This connection to wisdom and music suggests that Ethan's family may have been influential in the cultural and religious life of Israel. The name Ethan means "enduring" or "strong," which could indicate the character or reputation of this family line.

Heman:
Heman, like Ethan, is associated with wisdom and music. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as one of the wise men whom Solomon surpassed in wisdom. Heman is also identified as a musician in 1 Chronicles 6:33, where he is listed as a descendant of Levi and a leader in the temple worship. This suggests that the family of Zerah had a significant role in the religious and cultural practices of Israel, contributing to the worship and wisdom traditions.

Calcol:
Calcol is another son of Zerah, and his name means "sustaining" or "nourishing." While there is limited information about Calcol in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogy indicates the importance of maintaining the record of Judah's descendants. The mention of Calcol alongside his brothers may also imply a shared reputation for wisdom or cultural contributions, as suggested by the context of the other names.

and Dara—five in all:
Dara, sometimes spelled Darda, is the final son of Zerah mentioned in this verse. His name means "pearl of wisdom" or "knowledgeable," which aligns with the theme of wisdom associated with this family. The enumeration of five sons emphasizes the completeness and significance of Zerah's lineage within the tribe of Judah. This genealogical record serves to establish the historical and cultural roots of the tribe, highlighting the contributions and legacy of Zerah's descendants in Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zerah
A son of Judah and Tamar, Zerah is one of the twin sons born to Tamar. His lineage is significant in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel.

2. Zimri
One of the sons of Zerah, not much is detailed about him in the Bible, but he is part of the genealogical record.

3. Ethan
Known for his wisdom, Ethan is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, particularly in the Psalms, as a wise man.

4. Heman
Like Ethan, Heman is noted for his wisdom and is also associated with the Psalms, contributing to the worship and musical tradition of Israel.

5. Calcol and Dara
These sons of Zerah are less mentioned in the biblical account, but their inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of family lineage in Israel's history.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy
The genealogies in the Bible, such as the one in 1 Chronicles 2:6, remind us of the importance of family heritage and God's faithfulness through generations.

Wisdom and Legacy
The mention of Ethan and Heman in connection with wisdom encourages us to seek wisdom and leave a legacy of faith and understanding for future generations.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The inclusion of Zerah's sons in the biblical record demonstrates God's sovereignty in using various family lines to fulfill His purposes, encouraging us to trust in His plan for our own families.

The Role of Music and Worship
The association of Ethan and Heman with the Psalms highlights the role of music and worship in expressing faith and wisdom, encouraging us to incorporate worship into our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the genealogy of Zerah's sons in 1 Chronicles 2:6 reflect the broader theme of God's faithfulness in the Bible?

2. In what ways can the wisdom of Ethan and Heman inspire us to seek wisdom in our own lives?

3. How does understanding the background of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38 enhance our appreciation of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles?

4. What role does music and worship play in your personal faith journey, and how can the example of Ethan and Heman encourage you in this area?

5. How can we apply the concept of leaving a legacy of faith and wisdom to our own families and communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 4:31
This verse highlights the wisdom of Solomon, comparing it to the wisdom of Ethan and Heman, showing their esteemed status in Israel's history.

Genesis 38
The account of Judah and Tamar provides the background for the birth of Zerah and his twin brother Perez, setting the stage for the genealogical records in Chronicles.

Psalm 89
Attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, this Psalm reflects the wisdom and musical contributions of Ethan, one of Zerah's sons.