1 Chronicles 3:3
The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
David reigned in Hebron 1010-1003 BC before capturing Jerusalem and establishing it as capital. His multiple marriages during this period followed ancient Near Eastern royal practice of cementing political alliances, though they created household tensions that plagued his reign (2 Samuel 13-18, 1 Kings 1-2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice of Solomon over David's earlier sons encourage you if you feel like a 'late arrival' in faith?
- What does the obscurity of most of David's sons teach about finding significance in God's particular calling rather than prominence?
Analysis & Commentary
The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife—these were David's sons born in Hebron during his seven-year reign over Judah (2 Samuel 3:2-5). שְׁפַטְיָה (Shephatyah) means 'Yahweh has judged,' while יִתְרְעָם (Ithream) means 'remainder of the people' or 'excellence of the people.' Abital (אֲבִיטָל, 'my father is dew') and Eglah (עֶגְלָה, 'heifer' or 'young cow') remain obscure, mentioned only in genealogies.
Significantly, none of David's Hebron-born sons succeeded him; Solomon, born later in Jerusalem to Bathsheba, inherited the throne. This demonstrates God's sovereign election transcends birth order and human expectations—the eighth son of Jesse's eighth son became king, and the scandal-born son (Solomon) inherited instead of firstborns. Grace operates independently of human merit or natural advantage.