1 Chronicles 4:5
Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.
And Ashhur
The name "Ashhur" is derived from the Hebrew root "אָשׁוּר" (Ashur), which can mean "step" or "going." In the context of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, Ashhur is identified as a descendant of Judah, emphasizing the continuity and expansion of the tribe. Historically, the tribe of Judah held significant importance as it was the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. Ashhur's mention here underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative.

the father of Tekoa
Tekoa is a town in the hill country of Judah, known for its strategic location and its association with the prophet Amos, who hailed from there (Amos 1:1). The phrase "father of Tekoa" indicates Ashhur's role as a progenitor or founder of this town, highlighting the importance of establishing settlements and communities in ancient Israel. Tekoa's mention in the genealogies serves to connect the historical and geographical dots within the narrative of Israel's history.

had two wives
The practice of polygamy, as seen in Ashhur having two wives, was not uncommon in the Old Testament period. It reflects the cultural and societal norms of the time, where having multiple wives could be associated with wealth, status, or the desire for numerous offspring. From a conservative Christian perspective, while polygamy is recorded in the Bible, it is not prescribed as God's ideal for marriage, which is seen as a union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6).

Helah and Naarah
The names of Ashhur's wives, Helah and Naarah, are significant in understanding the familial and social structures of the time. "Helah" may be derived from a root meaning "rust" or "disease," though the exact meaning is uncertain. "Naarah" means "young girl" or "maiden" in Hebrew, suggesting youth or beauty. The mention of these women by name in the genealogical record highlights their importance in the lineage and the role of women in the continuation of family lines. In the broader biblical narrative, women often play crucial roles in God's unfolding plan, despite the patriarchal context of the times.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ashhur
A descendant of Judah, Ashhur is noted as the father of Tekoa. His lineage is part of the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, which trace the tribes of Israel.

2. Tekoa
A town in Judah, Tekoa is significant in biblical history. It is the birthplace of the prophet Amos and is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

3. Helah
One of Ashhur's wives, Helah is mentioned briefly in this genealogical account. Her role is primarily as a mother within the lineage.

4. Naarah
The second wife of Ashhur, Naarah is similarly noted for her place in the genealogy. Her name means "maiden" or "young woman" in Hebrew.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's people to His promises. They remind us of our spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's plan through generations.

The Role of Women in Scripture
Helah and Naarah, though briefly mentioned, are integral to the lineage of Judah. This highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in biblical accounts.

Understanding Our Spiritual Lineage
Just as the Israelites traced their physical lineage, Christians are encouraged to understand their spiritual lineage through faith in Christ, connecting us to the promises of God.

The Significance of Place
Tekoa's mention reminds us that God uses specific places for His purposes. Our own "places" can be significant in God's plan for our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's promises throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can the brief mention of women like Helah and Naarah inspire us to recognize the contributions of women in our own faith communities?

3. How does the town of Tekoa's connection to the prophet Amos enhance our understanding of its significance in biblical history?

4. What can we learn from the genealogical records about the importance of spiritual heritage and identity in our own lives?

5. How can we apply the concept of "place" in our spiritual journey, recognizing that God may have specific purposes for us in our current locations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 35:22-26
This passage lists the sons of Jacob, providing a broader context for understanding the tribal divisions and genealogies that are further detailed in 1 Chronicles.

Amos 1:1
Amos, a prophet from Tekoa, provides a connection to the significance of Tekoa as a place of prophetic voice and divine message.

1 Samuel 25:1-5
This passage mentions Tekoa in the context of David's interactions, highlighting its strategic and historical importance.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
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
Ashhur, Ashur, Helah, Naarah, Na'arah, Tekoa, Teko'a, Wives
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:5

     5732   polygamy

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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