This verse from 1 Chronicles 2:35 describes a specific instance of marriage within a genealogy. Let's break down what it means in its context:
Sheshan: A member of the tribe of Judah, specifically from the line of Jerahmeel. He is likely a man of some status, given his ability to give his daughter in marriage.
Gave his daughter: This phrase means Sheshan arranged for his daughter to marry. In ancient societies, fathers often played a significant role in arranging marriages for their daughters.
Jarha his servant: Jarha is identified as Sheshan's servant. The term "servant" in this context could mean a household servant, an administrator, or even someone of low social standing but loyal to Sheshan.
As wife: This signifies a formal marriage arrangement between Sheshan's daughter and Jarha.
She bore him Attai: This means that the daughter of Sheshan and Jarha had a son named Attai. Attai is thus a descendant of both Sheshan (through his daughter) and Jarha.
Significance and Interpretation:
Unusual Marriage: Marriages between members of different social classes (like a free man and a servant) were relatively uncommon in ancient Israel. This verse is often noted for highlighting this kind of social boundary crossing.
Preservation of Lineage: Sheshan may have had no sons to carry on his direct lineage. By giving his daughter to Jarha, he ensures that his family line continues through his grandson, Attai. This emphasizes the importance placed on family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society.
Integration into the Tribe: The verse suggests a mechanism for incorporating non-Israelites or those of lower social status into the Israelite community. While Jarha is identified as a servant, his descendants, through his marriage to Sheshan's daughter, become part of the tribe of Judah.
Genealogical Record: The primary purpose of the Chronicles is to establish the lineage and genealogy of the Israelite people, particularly the tribe of Judah. This verse serves to document a specific branch of that lineage, regardless of social status or background. It is important for establishing the tribal heritage and land rights.
In essence, this verse narrates a somewhat unusual marriage arrangement that highlights the importance of lineage, inheritance, and the potential for social integration within ancient Israelite society. It serves as a record of a specific connection within the genealogical framework of the tribe of Judah.
This verse from 1 Chronicles 2:35 describes a specific instance of marriage within a genealogy. Let's break down what it means in its context:
Sheshan: A member of the tribe of Judah, specifically from the line of Jerahmeel. He is likely a man of some status, given his ability to give his daughter in marriage.
Gave his daughter: This phrase means Sheshan arranged for his daughter to marry. In ancient societies, fathers often played a significant role in arranging marriages for their daughters.
Jarha his servant: Jarha is identified as Sheshan's servant. The term "servant" in this context could mean a household servant, an administrator, or even someone of low social standing but loyal to Sheshan.
As wife: This signifies a formal marriage arrangement between Sheshan's daughter and Jarha.
She bore him Attai: This means that the daughter of Sheshan and Jarha had a son named Attai. Attai is thus a descendant of both Sheshan (through his daughter) and Jarha.
Significance and Interpretation:
Unusual Marriage: Marriages between members of different social classes (like a free man and a servant) were relatively uncommon in ancient Israel. This verse is often noted for highlighting this kind of social boundary crossing.
Preservation of Lineage: Sheshan may have had no sons to carry on his direct lineage. By giving his daughter to Jarha, he ensures that his family line continues through his grandson, Attai. This emphasizes the importance placed on family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society.
Integration into the Tribe: The verse suggests a mechanism for incorporating non-Israelites or those of lower social status into the Israelite community. While Jarha is identified as a servant, his descendants, through his marriage to Sheshan's daughter, become part of the tribe of Judah.
Genealogical Record: The primary purpose of the Chronicles is to establish the lineage and genealogy of the Israelite people, particularly the tribe of Judah. This verse serves to document a specific branch of that lineage, regardless of social status or background. It is important for establishing the tribal heritage and land rights.
In essence, this verse narrates a somewhat unusual marriage arrangement that highlights the importance of lineage, inheritance, and the potential for social integration within ancient Israelite society. It serves as a record of a specific connection within the genealogical framework of the tribe of Judah.