Who Was Ohel in the Bible?
Man Living at the Time of the Divided Monarchy
Ohel is a person mentioned in the Bible within the genealogy of Judah’s descendants. Specifically, he is noted in 1 Chronicles 3:20 as one of the family members of Zerubbabel, a prominent figure during the post-exilic period. Ohel is identified as the son of Zerubbabel and the brother of Meshullam, Hananiah, Shelomith, Hashubah, Berechiah, Hasadiah, Jushab-Hesed, and Abiud.
1 Chronicles 3:19-20 (ESV)
“The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-Hesed.”
The Significance of Genealogies
From a biblical perspective, genealogies are crucial as they trace the lineage of important figures, particularly in establishing the ancestry of Jesus Christ. Zerubbabel, Ohel’s father, was a key figure during the post-exilic period, leading the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem and overseeing the rebuilding of the temple.
Ezra 3:8 (ESV)
“Now in the second year after their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak made a beginning, together with the rest of their kinsmen, the priests and the Levites and all who had come to Jerusalem from the captivity. They appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to supervise the work of the house of the Lord.”
Zerubbabel’s role and lineage are highlighted in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, connecting him to the Messianic line through which Jesus descended.
Matthew 1:12-13 (ESV)
“And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.”
The Role of the Tribe of Judah
The tribe of Judah holds significant importance in biblical history. It is the tribe from which the kings of Israel descended, including King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Revelation 5:5 (ESV)
“And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Continuity of God’s Covenant Promises
The inclusion of Ohel in the genealogy of Zerubbabel underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises. Despite the trials and tribulations faced by the Israelites, God’s faithfulness remained steadfast. Modern Christians can draw encouragement from this, knowing that God’s promises are unchanging and reliable.
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
The Importance of Lineage and Legacy
Genealogies in the Bible emphasize the importance of lineage and legacy. For modern believers, this highlights the significance of family heritage and the responsibility to pass down faith and values to future generations. Each individual in the genealogy played a role in the unfolding of God’s plan, reminding Christians of the impact of their own faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness Through Generations
The genealogies reflect God’s faithfulness through generations. Ohel’s inclusion signifies God’s ongoing commitment to His people and His plan of redemption. This continuity reassures believers that God is intimately involved in the details of their lives, faithfully guiding and sustaining them through all circumstances.
Psalm 100:5 (ESV)
“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
God’s Sovereignty in History
The detailed records of genealogies illustrate God’s sovereignty over history. Each name represents a life through which God worked to accomplish His purposes. This understanding helps Christians trust in God’s sovereignty over their own lives, knowing that He orchestrates all things for His glory and their good.
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Messianic Lineage
Ohel’s place in the genealogy of Zerubbabel points to the Messianic lineage culminating in Jesus Christ. This lineage is crucial in understanding the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus’ genealogy confirms His rightful place as the promised Savior and King.
Luke 3:27 (ESV)
“The son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri.”
Fulfillment of God’s Redemptive Plan
The genealogies, including Ohel’s mention, showcase the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Each person in the lineage contributed to bringing forth the Savior, who provides salvation and eternal life. This connection emphasizes the significance of every individual in God’s grand narrative of redemption.
Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
Conclusion
Ohel, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, is part of a significant lineage that connects the history of Israel to the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ. His inclusion in the genealogy of Zerubbabel highlights the importance of each individual in the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan. For modern Christians, Ohel’s story teaches the value of faithfulness, the impact of lineage, and the assurance of God’s unchanging promises. Through this narrative, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness, understand their role in His grand design, and find their place in the ongoing story of redemption through Jesus Christ.