📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 2:37
What does 1 Chronicles 2:37 mean?
"and Zabad became the father of Ephlal, and Ephlal became the father of Obed,"
— 1 Chronicles 2:37 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.
Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant as wife; and she bore him Attai.
Attai became the father of Nathan, and Nathan became the father of Zabad,
and Zabad became the father of Ephlal, and Ephlal became the father of Obed,
and Obed became the father of Jehu, and Jehu became the father of Azariah,
and Azariah became the father of Helez, and Helez became the father of Eleasah,
and Eleasah became the father of Sismai, and Sismai became the father of Shallum,
Explanation
This verse comes from one of the long genealogical lists in 1 Chronicles, a book that opens with roughly nine chapters tracing lineages from Adam down through the tribes of Israel, with special attention to Judah, Levi, and the royal line of David. In plain language, this particular verse simply records a father-son succession: Zabad had a son named Ephlal, and Ephlal in turn had a son named Obed. It is part of a chain within the tribe of Judah, specifically within the family line descending from Jerahmeel, one of Judah's descendants (see the surrounding verses in 1 Chronicles 2).
The book of Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, addressed to the Jewish community returning to the land of Judah. Its author (traditionally associated with Ezra or a similar priestly figure) wanted to reconnect a scattered, discouraged people with their history, their tribal identity, and especially their covenant relationship with God. Genealogies like this one served a very practical purpose: they established legal and tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and, in the case of Levites and priests, eligibility for temple service. They also
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