Who Was Jered in the Bible?
Jered: A Man of the Divided Monarchy
Jered is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:18. He lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, a period after the reign of King Solomon when Israel split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Jered is identified as a member of the tribe of Judah, specifically as the son of Mered and Jehudijah. He is also noted as the brother of Heber and Jekuthiel, and the half-brother of Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. Though his mention is brief, it highlights the significance of genealogical records in the Bible and the role of each individual in God’s redemptive plan.
The Genealogical Context
In 1 Chronicles 4:18, we read: “His wife Jehudijah bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. These were the sons of Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered had married.” This passage places Jered within the lineage of Judah, connecting him to the broader narrative of Israel’s history. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles trace the ancestry of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God’s promises through generations.
The Tribe of Judah
The tribe of Judah holds a prominent place in biblical history. It is the tribe from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ descended. The prophecy in Genesis 49:10 states, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” This prophecy underscores the significance of the tribe of Judah in God’s redemptive plan.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Value of Every Individual
Jered’s brief mention in the genealogical record highlights the value of every individual in God’s plan. Every person, regardless of their prominence or obscurity, has a role in God’s overarching narrative. For modern Christians, this emphasizes that their lives and actions are significant, even if they are not widely recognized. As 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 explains, each member of the body of Christ is essential and valuable.
Faithfulness Across Generations
Jered’s inclusion in the genealogy of Judah underscores the importance of faithfulness across generations. God’s promises are fulfilled through the faithful lives of His people, passed down from one generation to the next. This encourages believers to live faithfully and to pass on their faith to future generations. Proverbs 13:22 teaches, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.”
The Significance of Heritage
Understanding one’s spiritual heritage provides a strong foundation for faith. Jered’s place in the lineage of Judah reminds Christians of the importance of knowing and appreciating their spiritual ancestry. This connection to the past can strengthen believers’ faith and encourage them in their spiritual journey. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” by considering the faithful witnesses who have gone before.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness
Jered’s presence in the genealogical record reflects God’s faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. Despite the challenges and turmoil of the Divided Monarchy, God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David remained steadfast. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God’s Sovereign Plan
The detailed genealogies in the Bible demonstrate God’s sovereign plan unfolding through history. Jered’s mention, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that ultimately leads to the coming of the Messiah. This reassures believers that God is in control and that each person’s life is part of His divine plan. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Lineage of the Messiah
Jered’s inclusion in the genealogy of Judah points to the lineage from which Jesus Christ, the Messiah, descended. The genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 trace Jesus’ ancestry back to David and Judah, affirming His rightful place as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Matthew 1:1 begins, “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Fulfillment of Prophecies
The genealogical records, including Jered’s mention, are part of the fulfillment of God’s promises. Jesus Christ fulfills the prophecies given to the patriarchs and the nation of Israel, providing salvation and redemption for all who believe. 2 Corinthians 1:20 declares, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”
Our Spiritual Heritage in Christ
Through Jesus, believers are grafted into the spiritual lineage of faith. Just as Jered was part of the lineage of Judah, Christians are part of the body of Christ, inheriting the promises and blessings of God’s covenant people. Ephesians 2:19-20 explains, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
Conclusion
Jered, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:18, represents a figure whose inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the significance of every individual in God’s redemptive plan. Though his story is not extensively detailed, his presence in the lineage of Judah highlights the value of each person in the continuity of God’s promises.
For modern Christians, Jered’s story offers valuable lessons about the importance of heritage, the value of every individual, and the role of faithfulness across generations. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to live faithfully as part of God’s ongoing work in the world. Understanding Jered’s place in the biblical narrative enriches our appreciation of God’s meticulous care and the enduring impact of a life lived in devotion to Him.