1 Chronicles 4:17
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered's wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon.
Ezrah is a relatively obscure figure in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, and his sons are not widely mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. The listing of these names reflects the chronicler's intent to preserve the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel. Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon are names that do not have significant roles in biblical narratives, but their inclusion highlights the importance of family and tribal connections in Israelite society. Genealogies in the Bible often serve to establish identity and continuity, linking the present community to its ancestral past.

And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
Bithiah is noted as the wife of Mered, and her name is of Egyptian origin, meaning "daughter of Yah." This suggests a possible connection or influence from Egypt, which is significant given Israel's history with Egypt. The mention of Bithiah may indicate a blending of cultures or alliances through marriage. Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah are her children, with Ishbah being identified as the father of Eshtemoa. Eshtemoa is a location in the hill country of Judah, mentioned in Joshua 15:50 and 1 Samuel 30:28, known for its pastoral lands. This connection to a specific place underscores the importance of land and inheritance in Israelite culture. The genealogical record here serves to establish the roots and claims of the people in their God-given land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezrah
A lesser-known figure in the genealogies of Judah, mentioned as the father of Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon.

2. Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon
Sons of Ezrah, with Mered being highlighted for his wife and children.

3. Mered's Wife
Not named in this verse, but significant for her children, including Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah.

4. Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah
Children of Mered's wife, with Ishbah noted as the father of Eshtemoa.

5. Eshtemoa
A place or possibly a person, known from other biblical references as a town in the territory of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect individuals to the larger account of God's people. They remind us of our place in God's plan and the continuity of His promises through generations.

Significance of Names
Names in the Bible often carry deep meanings and connections. Reflect on the names in your own life and their significance in your spiritual journey.

Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
Though often unnamed, women play crucial roles in biblical genealogies and accounts. Recognize and appreciate the contributions of women in your faith community.

Legacy and Influence
Consider the legacy you are building. Like Mered's family, our actions and faith can influence future generations.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies remind us of God's sovereignty and His intricate involvement in human history. Trust in His plan for your life, even when it seems mundane.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the genealogies in 1 Chronicles about God's faithfulness to His people?

2. How does the mention of Eshtemoa in this verse connect to its significance in other parts of the Bible?

3. In what ways do the genealogies in the Bible encourage us to reflect on our own family histories and spiritual legacies?

4. How can understanding the role of women in biblical genealogies enhance our appreciation for their contributions to God's account?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith and values are passed down to future generations, as seen in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15:20
Miriam is a common name in the Bible, most notably the sister of Moses and Aaron, who led the women of Israel in song after crossing the Red Sea. This connection highlights the significance of names and their recurring use in biblical accounts.

Joshua 15:50
Eshtemoa is listed as a town in the hill country of Judah, indicating its geographical and tribal importance.

1 Chronicles 2:50-52
Provides additional genealogical context for the descendants of Judah, showing the interconnectedness of the tribes and families.
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
Bare, Beareth, Birth, Bithia, Bithiah, Bith'i-ah, Bore, Conceived, Daughter, Epher, Eshtemoa, Eshtemo'a, Ezra, Ezrah, Ishbah, Jalon, Jether, Jethur, Jishbah, Married, Mered, Mered's, Miriam, Pharaoh, Shammai, Sham'mai, Sons, Wife, Wives
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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