1 Chronicles 4:5 – “Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.”
Extended Explanation
This verse introduces Ashhur, a lesser-known figure, identified as the father of Tekoa. Tekoa was a town located in the territory of Judah. Ashhur is noted for having two wives, Helah and Naarah. While polygamy was culturally accepted in ancient times, it was not part of God’s original design for marriage. The mention of Ashhur’s two wives shows how family structures in ancient Israel differed from the ideal pattern established in Genesis, yet these individuals and their descendants still played a role in Israel’s history. The verse is brief, providing minimal information, but it signals the importance of family lineage in the tribal identity of Judah.
Historical Context
Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, is part of the genealogical record of Judah. Tekoa, the town associated with him, was known for its strategic location in Judah, situated south of Bethlehem. This town would later gain significance as the home of the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1). The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled during the post-exilic period to help the returning Israelites reconnect with their heritage. By listing their ancestors and the towns associated with them, the Chronicler sought to give the Israelites a sense of belonging and continuity after the disruption of the Babylonian exile.
Theological Implications
Though this verse appears to be a simple genealogical record, it highlights several important theological truths. First, it underscores God’s faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His people. Ashhur’s descendants are part of the tribe of Judah, the tribe through which the Messiah would come. Even in a society where polygamy was practiced, God’s plans were still unfolding, using imperfect people and family dynamics to accomplish His purposes. This demonstrates that God works through all kinds of circumstances, even those that fall short of His original design.
Literary Analysis
The genealogies in 1 Chronicles are structured to emphasize the continuity of Israel’s history and the importance of tribal and familial connections. The mention of Ashhur’s two wives, Helah and Naarah, provides insight into the family structures of the time. While polygamy is noted here, it is presented without judgment, simply as a fact of life in ancient Israel. The focus is on Ashhur’s role as the father of Tekoa, signaling the importance of his connection to this town, which plays a larger role in Israel’s prophetic history. The verse’s brevity reflects the nature of genealogical records, which aim to highlight key individuals and places rather than provide extensive details about their lives.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 2:24: This verse establishes God’s original design for marriage as a union between one man and one woman, providing a contrast to the practice of polygamy in ancient times.
- Amos 1:1: Tekoa is mentioned as the home of the prophet Amos, who would later speak God’s words of warning and hope to Israel.
- 2 Samuel 14:2: Tekoa is also known as the place where Joab sought out a wise woman to help him bring about reconciliation between David and Absalom.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God works through imperfect people and situations. Ashhur’s family, like many families in the Bible, was not ideal, yet God still used them as part of His larger plan for Israel. Today’s believers can take comfort in knowing that their own imperfections and challenging circumstances do not disqualify them from being used by God. He can work through the messiness of human life to bring about His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse demonstrates God’s love by showing that He is not limited by human shortcomings or cultural practices. Even though Ashhur’s family did not align with God’s original design for marriage, God still valued them and included them in His redemptive plan. God’s love is patient and persistent, and He continues to work through flawed people to fulfill His promises. This verse is a reminder that God’s love is greater than our failures and that He can redeem any situation for His glory.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The connection to Jesus Christ comes through the tribe of Judah, of which Ashhur was a part. Judah’s lineage ultimately leads to Jesus, the Savior of the world. Tekoa, the town mentioned in this verse, also plays a role in the prophetic history of Israel, as it was the home of the prophet Amos, who proclaimed messages that pointed forward to the coming Messiah. Jesus’ birth and life are the culmination of centuries of God working through the people of Judah, despite their imperfections and missteps.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to trust that God can use your life, even with its imperfections, for His purposes?
- In what ways can you see God working through less-than-ideal circumstances in your own life, similar to how He worked through Ashhur’s family?
- How does God’s persistent love, seen in this verse, inspire you to trust Him even in challenging situations?