1 Chronicles 4:7
The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan,
The sons of Helah
This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Helah, a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. The genealogies in Chronicles serve to establish the historical and covenantal continuity of God's people. Helah, being mentioned here, signifies her importance in the tribal and familial structure of Judah. The Hebrew root for "sons" (בָּנִים, banim) often implies not just biological offspring but also descendants or members of a household, emphasizing the broader family and community ties in ancient Israelite society.

Zereth
The name Zereth is not widely mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, which suggests that he may not have been a prominent figure in Israel's history. However, the inclusion of his name in the genealogical record underscores the value of every individual in God's plan. The Hebrew root of Zereth (צֶרֶת) may be related to the idea of "splendor" or "brightness," which can be seen as a reminder of the inherent worth and potential for glory in each person, as they reflect the image of God.

Zohar
Zohar, another son of Helah, shares his name with a few other biblical figures, indicating that it was a relatively common name. The Hebrew root (זֹהַר) means "brightness" or "shining," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the light of God's presence and truth in the lives of His people. In a spiritual sense, Zohar's name can inspire believers to live as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), reflecting God's glory in a world often shrouded in darkness.

Ethnan
The name Ethnan is unique in the biblical record, and its meaning is somewhat uncertain. However, it may be derived from the Hebrew root (אֶתְנָן), which can mean "gift" or "reward." This interpretation aligns with the biblical theme that children are a heritage and reward from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Ethnan's inclusion in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities that come with family and community, as well as the divine gifts bestowed upon God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Helah
A woman mentioned in the genealogy of Judah. Her name appears in the context of the descendants of Judah, indicating her role in the lineage.

2. Zereth
One of the sons of Helah. His name is listed among the descendants of Judah, though little else is known about him.

3. Zohar
Another son of Helah. Like Zereth, his mention is brief, serving primarily to establish genealogical connections.

4. Ethnan
The third son of Helah mentioned in this verse. His inclusion in the genealogy underscores the importance of family lineage in the biblical account.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible, such as the one in 1 Chronicles 4:7, serve to connect individuals to God's larger redemptive plan. They remind us that every person has a place in God's account, even if their role seems minor.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The inclusion of seemingly obscure names like Zereth, Zohar, and Ethnan highlights God's sovereignty in history. He orchestrates events and lineages to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Valuing Every Role in God's Plan
While some biblical figures are well-known, others are mentioned only briefly. This teaches us to value every role in God's kingdom, recognizing that each person contributes to His divine plan.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary
The lives of Helah's sons, though not detailed, encourage us to be faithful in our everyday lives. God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in the Bible enhance our appreciation of God's plan for humanity?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our own family histories or personal lives?

3. How can we apply the lesson of valuing every role in God's kingdom to our church or community involvement?

4. What are some ways we can remain faithful in the "ordinary" aspects of our lives, trusting that God can use them for His purposes?

5. How does the genealogy of Judah, including Helah's sons, connect to the broader account of redemption found in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 2:3-4
This passage provides a broader context for the genealogy of Judah, to which Helah and her sons belong. It highlights the importance of lineage in the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

Genesis 38
This chapter details the account of Judah and Tamar, providing background on the family line that Helah's sons are part of. It emphasizes the complexities and divine providence in the lineage of Judah.

Matthew 1:1-17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament connects back to the tribe of Judah, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promises through this lineage.
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
Ethnan, Helah, Izhar, Jezoar, Sons, Zereth, Zohar
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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