1 Chronicles 2:35 “Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore him Attai.”
Extended Explanation
This verse tells us about Sheshan, who had no sons but only daughters. In an effort to preserve his family line, Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his Egyptian servant, Jarha. Together, they had a son named Attai. This was an unusual step in ancient Israel, as marriages typically occurred within one’s own tribe or extended family. However, Sheshan’s decision to marry his daughter to Jarha, a non-Israelite servant, shows a creative solution to the issue of continuing his family line, which would have been seen as critically important.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, preserving the family line was vital because it was tied to inheritance, property rights, and the continuation of the tribe’s legacy. Sons were typically responsible for carrying on the family name, and the lack of male heirs could be a problem. In this case, Sheshan’s decision to marry his daughter to an Egyptian servant highlights the importance of finding a way to ensure the family’s survival, even if it meant stepping outside traditional cultural norms.
The inclusion of an Egyptian servant, Jarha, in the genealogy reflects the reality that Israel, while a distinct nation, had interactions with other peoples. This shows that foreigners were sometimes integrated into the community of Israel and could play significant roles within it, especially when it came to continuing family lines.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores God’s ability to work through unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. Sheshan had no sons, which could have meant the end of his family line, but through Jarha, a foreign servant, God provided a way for the family to continue. This highlights a key biblical theme: God often uses people and circumstances that seem unconventional or unlikely to bring about His plans.
It also reflects the broader theological truth that God’s plan includes people from all nations, not just Israel. Jarha, an Egyptian, was integrated into the tribe of Judah through marriage, and his descendants became part of the story of God’s people. This points to the inclusiveness of God’s redemptive plan, which extends to all people, regardless of their background.
Literary Analysis
In the genealogical context of 1 Chronicles, this verse serves to show how family lines were preserved, even when traditional means were unavailable. The chronicler is careful to document Sheshan’s unusual solution of giving his daughter in marriage to an Egyptian servant, demonstrating that family continuity was essential, even if it required unconventional methods.
This verse also emphasizes the theme of inclusion, as it introduces a foreigner, Jarha, into the family line of Judah. In a book that focuses so heavily on tracing family lines, this moment stands out as a reminder that God’s purposes transcend cultural boundaries.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 12:1-3: God’s promise to Abraham that through his descendants, all nations of the earth would be blessed. This inclusion of Jarha, a foreigner, in the line of Judah is a reflection of this promise.
- Ruth 4:13-17: Another example of a foreigner, Ruth, being integrated into the family line of Judah, which would eventually lead to the birth of King David.
- Matthew 1:5: The genealogy of Jesus includes Rahab, another foreigner, highlighting the theme of inclusion and how God’s plan brings people from all nations into His family.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to accomplish His purposes. Jarha, an Egyptian servant, became part of the family line of Judah, showing that God’s plans are not limited by human boundaries. This encourages us to trust that God can work through unexpected people and situations to bring about His purposes in our lives.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and legacy. Just as Sheshan sought to preserve his family line, we are called to think about the spiritual legacy we are passing on to future generations. Whether through biological children or through mentorship and discipleship, we all have a role to play in continuing the work of God’s kingdom.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s loving care in providing a way for Sheshan’s family to continue, even when it seemed like there was no solution. God’s love is evident in how He works through difficult situations and uses people who might seem unlikely or overlooked to accomplish His purposes. By including Jarha, a foreigner, in the family line of Judah, God demonstrates His love for all people, showing that His care and plan extend beyond the borders of Israel.
God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness to preserve families and continue His promises. Though Sheshan had no sons, God provided a way for the family line to continue through Jarha and Attai. This reflects God’s ongoing commitment to His people and His desire to see His promises fulfilled across generations.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ by being part of the larger genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, from which Jesus would be born. The inclusion of Jarha, an outsider, in the family line of Judah points to the future inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. Just as Jarha became part of the family of Judah, Jesus came to bring people from all nations into the family of God.
In Matthew 1:5, we see other examples of outsiders, such as Rahab and Ruth, being included in the genealogy of Jesus. This shows that God’s plan has always been to extend His grace and salvation to all people, not just those of Israel. Jesus’ birth fulfilled God’s promise to bless all nations through the descendants of Abraham and Judah.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Sheshan’s decision to marry his daughter to Jarha challenge traditional expectations about how God works through families and individuals?
- What does this verse teach us about God’s ability to use unexpected people and situations to fulfill His purposes?
- How can you trust that God is at work in your life, even when the solutions to your problems seem unconventional or unexpected?
- In what ways does this verse point to the inclusion of all people in God’s plan, and how does this encourage you in your walk with Jesus?