1 Chronicles 2:38
And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,
Original Language Analysis
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
2 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
6 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
Historical Context
Genealogies served multiple purposes: establishing tribal membership, determining inheritance rights, priestly qualification, and maintaining covenant identity. Post-exilic returnees needed documented lineage to reclaim properties under Ezra-Nehemiah's reforms. Names were chosen carefully to express faith, commemorate events, or honor ancestors.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeing your life as one link in God's larger chain of faithfulness across generations affect your sense of purpose?
- What spiritual legacy are you leaving for those who will come after you, even if you never know their names?
Analysis & Commentary
And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah—this genealogical fragment traces Judahite lineage through names rich with theological meaning. עוֹבֵד (Obed) means 'servant' or 'worshiper,' יֵהוּא (Yehu) means 'Yahweh is He,' and עֲזַרְיָה (Azaryah) means 'Yahweh has helped.' These theophoric names (containing God's name) demonstrate covenant consciousness persisting through generations.
While seemingly mundane, such genealogies established legal identity and theological continuity. Every 'begat' represented God's faithfulness across decades, even centuries. The chain from Judah to David to Christ depended on each link holding—one broken generation would have severed Messiah's lineage. God preserves His purposes through ordinary faithfulness.