1 Chronicles 14 5
Get the 1 Chronicles 14:5 summary and meaning with expert commentary explained. Uncover biblical context and spiritual insights through detailed word analysis and cross-references.
1 Chronicles chapter 14 - David’s Establishment And The Sound Of Going
1 Chronicles 14 articulates David's growth in international stature through his alliance with Hiram of Tyre and the expansion of his family. It details two specific victories over the Philistines where David refused to rely on past successes, instead seeking fresh direction from God for each encounter. The chapter culminates in David's fame spreading throughout all lands as the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.
1 Chronicles 14:5
ESV: Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
KJV: And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
NIV: Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
NKJV: Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
NLT: Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
Meaning
This verse lists three sons born to King David in Jerusalem after he had established his kingship over all Israel. These names contribute to the record of David’s burgeoning family, reflecting divine blessing and the continuity of the Davidic line.
Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 14:3 | And David took more wives in Jerusalem: and David begat more sons... | David's growing family as a sign of blessing. |
| 2 Sam 5:14 | These be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah... | Parallel list of David's sons in Jerusalem. |
| 2 Sam 5:15 | Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, | Parallel list, including "Elishua" as here. |
| 2 Sam 5:16 | And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet. | Parallel list with "Elishama" (instead of Elishua) and "Eliphelet" (variant of Elpelet). |
| 1 Chr 3:5 | And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab... | Another parallel list of David's sons. |
| 1 Chr 3:6 | Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet, | Parallel list from Chronicler with "Elishama" and "Eliphelet." |
| Gen 12:2 | And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee... | God's promise of numerous descendants to Abraham. |
| Gen 13:16 | And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth... | Reinforcement of Abrahamic covenant on progeny. |
| Gen 22:17 | That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed... | Divine promise of innumerable descendants. |
| Deut 28:4 | Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body... | Blessing for obedience includes children. |
| Ps 127:3 | Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. | Children as a gift and blessing from God. |
| Ps 128:3 | Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine... thy children like olive plants... | Images of family fruitfulness as a blessing. |
| 2 Sam 7:12 | I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels... | God's covenant with David concerning his offspring. |
| 1 Chr 17:11 | I will raise up thy seed after thee... | Parallel to 2 Sam 7, emphasizing Davidic covenant. |
| Isa 9:6 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... | Prophecy of the Messianic Son from David's line. |
| Matt 1:1 | The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David... | Links Jesus directly to Davidic lineage. |
| Matt 1:6 | And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon... | Establishes David's line in Christ's genealogy. |
| Luke 3:31 | Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan... son of David. | Luke's genealogy tracing Jesus through David. |
| Ruth 4:11 | ...like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel... | Emphasis on building a family/dynasty through children. |
| Ezra 2:59 | These are they which went up from Tel-melah... But they could not shew their... seed. | Importance of accurate lineage, especially for priesthood/leadership. |
Context
1 Chronicles chapter 14 describes David's continued ascendancy and establishment of his kingdom in Jerusalem. Following his successful defense against the Philistines and his recognition by other nations (1 Chr 14:1-2), David consolidates his power. Verse 3 notes that David took more wives in Jerusalem and had more children. This immediately precedes the detailed listing of these sons, with verse 5 being a part of this roster. The Chronicler's primary purpose is to legitimize David's kingship and lineage, highlighting God's blessing on his reign and his descendants. The focus is on the thriving of the royal house and the stability of the kingdom, particularly concerning Jerusalem as its center.
Word analysis
- Ibhar (יִבְחָר, yibḥar): The name means "He will choose" or "Chosen." This signifies God's active role in selection and His divine providence over David's family and lineage. Its presence emphasizes the theme of divine election prominent throughout David's life. This name appears consistently in all major lists (2 Sam 5:15, 1 Chr 3:6).
- and Elishua (אֱלִישׁוּעַ, ʾelišuʿa): This name means "My God is salvation" or "God of salvation." It is a composite name reflecting a common theological truth, praising God as the source of deliverance. However, this name appears as Elishama (אֱלִישָׁמָע, ʾelîšāmāʿ, meaning "My God has heard" or "God has heard") in the parallel texts of 2 Sam 5:16 and 1 Chr 3:6. Scholars believe "Elishua" might be a scribal variation or a different tradition from "Elishama," possibly due to similar-looking Hebrew letters (
ע'ayin andמmem,וwaw andמmem, or confusion with another individual). The theological message, nonetheless, remains consistent with divine intervention and blessing. - and Elpelet (אֶלְפָּלֶט, ʾelpalet): This name means "God is escape/deliverance" or "God of deliverance." Similar to Elishua, it highlights God as the one who brings relief or preservation. The parallel texts in 2 Sam 5:16 and 1 Chr 3:6 render this name as Eliphelet (אֱלִיפָלֶט, ʾelîphāleṭ), with a slightly different pronunciation but the same core meaning. Notably, Eliphelet appears twice in 2 Sam 5:15-16, raising the possibility of two sons with very similar names, or a textual duplication in Samuel which the Chronicler might have condensed or presented differently. The Chronicler lists him only once, like most other sources.
- Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpelet: This sequence of names represents specific individuals in David's numerous progeny born during a period of stability and growth for his kingdom. The variety in the meanings of these names collectively points to God's continuous presence in David's life – His choosing, His salvation, and His deliverance – underscoring divine favor.
Commentary
1 Chronicles 14:5 provides a segment of the crucial genealogies of King David, meticulously detailing the children born to him in Jerusalem. These lists serve more than a historical purpose; they underscore God’s fulfillment of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants regarding an abundant offspring and the establishment of a lasting dynasty. The Chronicler, writing for an audience perhaps discouraged by the Babylonian exile, sought to demonstrate the enduring nature of God’s promises to David, validating the lineage from which a future deliverer would emerge. The subtle variations in names between Chronicles and Samuel, such as "Elishua" versus "Elishama," or "Elpelet" versus "Eliphelet," do not negate the divine inspiration of the text. Rather, they highlight the diverse ancient sources available to the biblical authors or common scribal differences in recording similar-sounding names, yet they preserve the core truth of David’s blessed and fruitful family. The proliferation of David's sons symbolizes the peace and prosperity God bestowed upon His chosen king, reinforcing that divine blessing results in growth and stability.
Bonus section
The careful preservation of genealogies in the Old Testament, including this verse, highlights the high value placed on lineage within Israelite society. This was crucial for:
- Identity and Inheritance: Proving one's tribal affiliation and claims to land.
- Priesthood: Ensuring proper lineage for service in the Temple.
- Kingship: Establishing the legitimacy of the Davidic line. This directly points forward to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus, who would be born from the house of David, fulfilling these very promises, as recorded in the Gospels (Matt 1, Luke 3). The naming of these specific children thus quietly yet firmly sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the Davidic covenant.
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