1 Chronicles 4:21
The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea,
The sons of Shelah son of Judah
This phrase introduces us to the descendants of Shelah, one of the sons of Judah. In the Hebrew context, "Shelah" (שֵׁלָה) is significant as he represents a continuation of the tribe of Judah, one of the most prominent tribes in Israel's history. Judah is the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended, highlighting the importance of this lineage. The mention of Shelah here underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Judah, ensuring his lineage would continue and prosper.

Er the father of Lecah
"Er" (עֵר) is a name that appears elsewhere in the Bible, notably as the firstborn of Judah who was struck down by God for his wickedness (Genesis 38:7). However, this Er is a different individual, a descendant of Shelah. The term "father" in this context is often used to denote a founder or leader of a family or town, suggesting that Er was a significant figure in the establishment or leadership of Lecah. "Lecah" (לֵכָה) is not widely known outside of this reference, but its inclusion indicates its importance in the genealogical record, emphasizing the spread and influence of Judah's descendants.

Laadah the father of Mareshah
"Laadah" (לַעְדָּה) is another descendant of Shelah, and like Er, he is noted as a "father," or leader, of a place called Mareshah. "Mareshah" (מָרֵשָׁה) is a historically significant city in the Shephelah region of Judah. Archaeological findings have uncovered its role as a fortified city, which played a part in various biblical narratives. The mention of Mareshah here highlights the strategic and cultural influence of Judah's descendants in the region, fulfilling the tribe's prophesied prominence.

the clans of the linen workers at Beth Ashbea
This phrase provides insight into the economic activities of Shelah's descendants. "Clans" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת) refers to extended family groups, indicating a well-organized community structure. The "linen workers" (עֹבְדֵי הַבּוּץ) were skilled artisans, suggesting that the descendants of Shelah were not only leaders but also contributors to the economic and cultural fabric of their society. Linen was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for clothing and religious garments, signifying purity and status. "Beth Ashbea" (בֵּית עַשְׁבֵּעַ) is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, but its inclusion here suggests it was a notable location for these artisans. This highlights the diverse roles and contributions of Judah's lineage, from leadership to craftsmanship, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God's people and their impact on the world around them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shelah
A son of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Shelah's descendants are mentioned here, highlighting their roles and contributions.

2. Er
Identified as the father of Lecah. This Er is distinct from the Er mentioned in Genesis 38, who was the son of Judah and died young.

3. Lecah
A place or possibly a clan associated with Er, indicating a familial or geographical significance.

4. Laadah
The father of Mareshah, another significant figure in the lineage of Shelah.

5. Beth Ashbea
A location associated with the linen workers, indicating a place of industry and craftsmanship.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can provide insight into our identity and purpose. Just as the descendants of Shelah had specific roles, we too have a place in God's plan.

Valuing Work and Craftsmanship
The mention of linen workers underscores the value of skill and diligence in our work. As Christians, we are called to work heartily as for the Lord.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogies remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises through generations. We can trust in His continued faithfulness in our lives.

The Role of Community and Family
The clans and families mentioned highlight the importance of community and family in God's design. We are encouraged to foster strong, godly relationships.

Legacy and Influence
Our actions and faith can leave a lasting legacy, much like the descendants of Shelah. We should strive to impact future generations positively.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of Judah and his descendants enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness in the Bible?

2. In what ways can we apply the diligence and skill of the linen workers in our own work and daily lives?

3. How does the concept of spiritual heritage influence your identity and purpose as a Christian?

4. What are some practical ways to strengthen community and family relationships in light of biblical teachings?

5. Reflect on your own legacy. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith and actions positively influence future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 38
Provides background on Judah and his family, including the account of Tamar and the birth of Perez and Zerah, which sets the stage for the lineage of Shelah.

1 Chronicles 2
Offers a broader genealogical context for the tribe of Judah, showing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israel's history.

Proverbs 31
While not directly related, it highlights the value of industriousness and skill, akin to the linen workers mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:21.
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
The Dignity of All WorkR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 4:21-23
Weavers, Husbandmen, and PottersJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 4:21, 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
Ashbea, Beth, Beth-ashbea, Beth-ashbe'a, Byssus-workers, Clans, Delicate, Er, Families, Family, Fine, Judah, Laadah, La'adah, Ladah, Lecah, Lechah, Linen, Mareshah, Mare'shah, Service, Shelah, Sons, Worked, Workers, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:21

     5392   linen
     5433   occupations

1 Chronicles 4:21-23

     5212   arts and crafts

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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