Genesis 38:5

Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him.

Study Bible

Then she gave birth to another son
This phrase indicates the continuation of Judah's lineage through his wife, the daughter of Shua. The birth of another son signifies the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the tribes of Israel. The birth of sons was often seen as a blessing and a means of ensuring the continuation of one's family line, which was crucial in the ancient Near Eastern culture.

and named him Shelah;
The naming of Shelah is significant as names in the Bible often carry deep meanings or reflect circumstances surrounding the birth. Shelah would become the progenitor of the Shelanites, a clan within the tribe of Judah. The name Shelah may be related to the Hebrew word for "petition" or "request," possibly indicating a prayer or hope associated with his birth. This highlights the cultural importance of names and their meanings in biblical times.

it was at Chezib
Chezib, also known as Achzib, is a location in the territory of Judah. It is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as in Micah 1:14, where it is referred to as a place of deception. The mention of Chezib provides geographical context and situates the narrative within the land that would later be part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. Archaeological evidence suggests that Chezib was a significant settlement during the time of the patriarchs.

that she gave birth to him.
This final phrase emphasizes the specific location of Shelah's birth, which may have implications for his identity and future role within the tribe of Judah. The mention of the place of birth can also be seen as a way to authenticate the historical and geographical accuracy of the biblical narrative. The birth of Shelah at Chezib ties into the broader theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His plan through the lineage of Judah, which ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, as prophesied in Revelation 5:5.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shelah
The third son of Judah and his wife, the daughter of Shua. His birth is significant in the lineage of Judah, which is a key tribe in Israel's history.

2. Judah
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose lineage is crucial in the biblical account, leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

3. Kezib
The place where Shelah was born. Its mention highlights the geographical and historical context of the account.

4. Judah's Wife (Daughter of Shua)
Although not named in this verse, she is the mother of Shelah and plays a role in the continuation of Judah's lineage.

5. Birth of Shelah
This event is part of the broader account of Judah's family, which has implications for the Messianic line.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Lineage
Understanding the genealogies in the Bible helps us see God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through specific family lines.

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite human failures and complexities, God's purposes prevail, as seen in the continuation of Judah's line through Shelah.

The Role of Places in God's Plan
Kezib, though a minor detail, reminds us that God uses specific places and events to accomplish His divine purposes.

Faithfulness in the Midst of Imperfection
Judah's family account is marked by imperfection, yet God remains faithful, encouraging us to trust Him despite our own shortcomings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the birth of Shelah contribute to the overall account of Judah's family and its significance in biblical history?

2. In what ways does the mention of Kezib enhance our understanding of the historical and geographical context of this passage?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the family dynamics of Judah, and how does this encourage us in our own family situations?

4. What lessons can we learn from the genealogies in the Bible, particularly in relation to God's faithfulness and promises?

5. How does the account of Judah and his descendants, including Shelah, connect to the broader theme of redemption found in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:10
This verse speaks of the scepter not departing from Judah, indicating the significance of Judah's lineage, which includes Shelah.

Matthew 1:3
The genealogy of Jesus includes Judah and his descendants, showing the fulfillment of God's promises through this line.

1 Chronicles 4:21
This passage lists the descendants of Shelah, indicating his role in the broader account of Israel's tribes.