1 Chronicles 4:15
The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.
The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh
This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Caleb, a significant figure in the history of Israel. Caleb, son of Jephunneh, is renowned for his faithfulness and courage, particularly as one of the two spies (alongside Joshua) who trusted in God's promise to deliver the Promised Land to Israel (Numbers 13-14). The Hebrew root for "Caleb" (כָּלֵב) can mean "dog," symbolizing loyalty and devotion, which is fitting given Caleb's unwavering faith. Jephunneh, Caleb's father, is identified as a Kenizzite, indicating a non-Israelite origin, yet Caleb is fully integrated into the tribe of Judah, demonstrating the inclusivity of God's covenant community.

Iru, Elah, and Naam
These names represent the next generation of Caleb's lineage. Each name carries its own significance. "Iru" may derive from a root meaning "watchful" or "vigilant," suggesting a legacy of spiritual alertness. "Elah" can mean "oak" or "terebinth," trees known for their strength and endurance, symbolizing stability and resilience in faith. "Naam" means "pleasant" or "sweetness," reflecting the joy and grace that can be found in a life lived in accordance with God's will. These names collectively highlight the virtues that Caleb's descendants were expected to embody.

The son of Elah Kenaz
Kenaz is a name that appears multiple times in the genealogies of Judah, and it is associated with leadership and strength. The name "Kenaz" (קְנַז) may mean "hunter" or "possessor," indicating a person of action and capability. In the broader biblical narrative, Kenaz is linked to the Kenizzites, a group that was absorbed into the tribe of Judah, illustrating the theme of God's people being a diverse yet unified community. This inclusion underscores the idea that faithfulness to God transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Caleb son of Jephunneh
A prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness and courage. He was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan and, along with Joshua, gave a positive report.

2. Azubah
One of Caleb's wives, mentioned in this verse as the mother of his children.

3. Jerioth
Another wife of Caleb, though less is known about her. The verse suggests she also bore children for Caleb.

4. Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon
Sons of Caleb, mentioned in this genealogical record. Their specific roles or accounts are not detailed in the Bible, but they are part of the lineage of Judah.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness and Legacy
Caleb's life exemplifies the importance of faithfulness to God. His legacy, as seen through his descendants, is a testament to the blessings that come from trusting in God's promises.

The Role of Family in God's Plan
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us that each family plays a part in God's overarching plan. Our own families can be instruments of God's work when we live faithfully.

The Importance of Names and Lineage
In biblical times, names and lineage were significant. They often reflected character and destiny. Understanding our spiritual heritage can inspire us to live in a way that honors God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Caleb's faithfulness in the face of adversity inspire you in your own walk with God?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your family is part of God's plan, as Caleb's was?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to stand firm in your faith like Caleb. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it?

4. How can understanding your spiritual heritage and lineage impact your daily life and decisions?

5. What other biblical figures can you think of who, like Caleb, left a legacy of faithfulness? How can their accounts encourage you today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13-14
These chapters provide the background of Caleb's faithfulness when he, along with Joshua, encouraged the Israelites to trust in God's promise to give them the land of Canaan.

Joshua 14:6-15
This passage highlights Caleb's inheritance of Hebron as a reward for his unwavering faith and dedication to God.

1 Chronicles 2:18-19
These verses also mention Caleb and his family, providing additional context to his lineage and connections.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
Craftsmen, Potters, EtcBishop Hall.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
Origin and Use of Arts and InventionsJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Adiel, Aharhel, Ahumai, Ahuzam, Allon, Amalek, Amalekites, Amaziah, Amnon, Anub, Asaiah, Asareel, Ashur, Asiel, Ben, Benaiah, Benhanan, Benzoheth, Bethrapha, Bethuel, Bilhah, Bithiah, Caleb, Carmi, Chelub, Coz, David, Elah, Elioenai, Epher, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtemoa, Eshton, Ethnan, Ezer, Ezra, Garmite, Gedor, Haahashtari, Hakkoz, Ham, Hamites, Hamuel, Hanan, Harum, Hathath, Hazelelponi, Heber, Helah, Hepher, Hezekiah, Hezron, Hodiah, Hodijah, Hur, Idbash, Iru, Ishbah, Ishi, Ishma, Izhar, Jaakobah, Jabez, Jahath, Jalon, Jamin, Jamlech, Jarib, Jedaiah, Jehaleleel, Jehu, Jekuthiel, Jephunneh, Jered, Jeshohaiah, Jesimiel, Jether, Jezoar, Jezreel, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jokim, Joshah, Josibiah, Kenaz, Koz, Laadah, Lahad, Mehir, Meonothai, Mered, Meshobab, Meunim, Meunites, Mibsam, Miriam, Mishma, Naam, Naarah, Naham, Nahash, Neariah, Nemuel, Ophrah, Othniel, Paseah, Pelatiah, Penuel, Perez, Pharaoh, Pharez, Rapha, Reaiah, Rechah, Rephaiah, Rinnah, Saraph, Saul, Seir, Seraiah, Shallum, Shammai, Shaul, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimon, Shimri, Shiphi, Shobal, Shuah, Shual, Simeon, Simeonites, Tehinnah, Temeni, Tilon, Tiria, Uzziel, Zacchur, Zaccur, Zerah, Zereth, Ziphah, Ziza, Zobebah, Zohar, Zoheth, Zorathites, Zoreathites
Places
Ain, Ashan, Baal, Beersheba, Beth-biri, Beth-marcaboth, Bethuel, Bilhah, Cozeba, Etam, Ezem, Gederah, Gedor, Hazar-shual, Hazar-susim, Hormah, Jerusalem, Lehem, Moab, Moladah, Mount Seir, Netaim, Recah, Rimmon, Shaaraim, Tochen, Tolad, Ziklag
Topics
Caleb, Elah, Iru, Jephunneh, Jephun'neh, Kenaz, Naam, Na'am, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:14

     5272   craftsmen

Library
The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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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