1 Chronicles 5:17 states: "All these were listed by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel."
This verse is summarizing the information in the preceding verses (specifically 1 Chronicles 5:1-16, which detail the lineage, leaders, and military prowess of the tribe of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh). It provides a chronological marker, telling us when the information about these tribes was formally recorded.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"All these were listed by genealogies": This means that the names, family relationships, and perhaps other information (like fighting strength or territory) of the people described in the previous verses were officially documented and organized according to their family lines. This wasn't just random knowledge; it was a systematic record.
"in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel": This gives us the time period when this genealogical listing took place. Crucially, Judah and Israel were divided kingdoms at this time.
Jotham king of Judah: Jotham reigned from approximately 759-743 BC.
Jeroboam king of Israel: This refers to Jeroboam II, who reigned from approximately 793-753 BC.
Significance of two kings: The fact that two kings are mentioned highlights that the census or listing occurred during a specific overlap in their reigns. It suggests a period when both kingdoms were stable enough to conduct such an organizational endeavor. This information helps historians and scholars place the compilation of this part of 1 Chronicles within a specific historical context.
In short, the verse means that the genealogical records of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, which were described earlier in the chapter, were officially compiled and documented during the reigns of both Jotham in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel. This helps us understand the historical timeframe of the recorded information.
Why is this important?
Historical Context: It anchors the information in a specific period of Israelite history, helping to understand the political and social landscape at the time of the recording.
Accuracy and Authority: Referencing specific rulers suggests a level of official sanction and potential accuracy to the records. It's not just folklore, but something deemed important enough to be documented during their reigns.
Possible Motives: The timing might give clues as to the reason for the census. Was it for military purposes (like conscription)? For taxation? To establish land rights? Knowing the historical context can help answer these questions.
Source Material: This information might also be useful to help scholars analyze the potential sources used by the author of Chronicles in writing the book.
1 Chronicles 5:17 states: "All these were listed by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel."
This verse is summarizing the information in the preceding verses (specifically 1 Chronicles 5:1-16, which detail the lineage, leaders, and military prowess of the tribe of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh). It provides a chronological marker, telling us when the information about these tribes was formally recorded.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"All these were listed by genealogies": This means that the names, family relationships, and perhaps other information (like fighting strength or territory) of the people described in the previous verses were officially documented and organized according to their family lines. This wasn't just random knowledge; it was a systematic record.
"in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel": This gives us the time period when this genealogical listing took place. Crucially, Judah and Israel were divided kingdoms at this time.
Jotham king of Judah: Jotham reigned from approximately 759-743 BC.
Jeroboam king of Israel: This refers to Jeroboam II, who reigned from approximately 793-753 BC.
Significance of two kings: The fact that two kings are mentioned highlights that the census or listing occurred during a specific overlap in their reigns. It suggests a period when both kingdoms were stable enough to conduct such an organizational endeavor. This information helps historians and scholars place the compilation of this part of 1 Chronicles within a specific historical context.
In short, the verse means that the genealogical records of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, which were described earlier in the chapter, were officially compiled and documented during the reigns of both Jotham in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel. This helps us understand the historical timeframe of the recorded information.
Why is this important?
Historical Context: It anchors the information in a specific period of Israelite history, helping to understand the political and social landscape at the time of the recording.
Accuracy and Authority: Referencing specific rulers suggests a level of official sanction and potential accuracy to the records. It's not just folklore, but something deemed important enough to be documented during their reigns.
Possible Motives: The timing might give clues as to the reason for the census. Was it for military purposes (like conscription)? For taxation? To establish land rights? Knowing the historical context can help answer these questions.
Source Material: This information might also be useful to help scholars analyze the potential sources used by the author of Chronicles in writing the book.
