I Chronicles 2:55

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 2 This chapter begins with the twelve sons of Israel or Jacob, Ch1 2:1, then reckons the sons of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, Ch1 2:3, then the posterity of Pharez and Zerah, sons of Judah, Ch1 2:5, next the sons of Hezron, a son of Pharez, Ch1 2:9, particularly the posterity of Ram, a son of Hezron, from whom sprung Jesse and his family, Ch1 2:10, then of Caleb: another son of Hezron, Ch1 2:18, and next of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of Hezron, Ch1 1:25 and particularly the posterity of Sheshan, a descendant of his, Ch1 1:34 and then other sons of Caleb, with their posterity, are reckoned, Ch1 1:42 and the chapter is closed with the families of the Scribes in Jabesh, the same with the Kenites, Ch1 2:55.

We have now come to what was principally intended, the register of the children of Israel, that distinguished people, that were to "dwell alone, and not be reckoned among the nations." Here we have, I. The names of the twelve sons of Israel (Ch1 2:1, Ch1 2:2). II. An account of the tribe of Judah, which has the precedency, not so much for the sake of David as for the sake of the Son of David, our Lord, who sprang out of Judah, Heb 7:14. 1. The first descendants from Judah, down to Jesse (Ch1 2:3-12). 2. The children of Jesse (Ch1 2:13-17). 3. The posterity of Hezron, not only through Ram, from whom David came, but through Caleb (Ch1 2:18-20), Segub (Ch1 2:21-24), Jerahmeel (Ch1 2:25-33, and so to Ch1 2:41), and more by Caleb (Ch1 2:42-49), with the family of Caleb the son of Hur (Ch1 2:50-55). The best exposition we can have of this and the following chapters, and which will give the clearest view of them, is found in those genealogical tables which were published with some of the first impressions of the last English Bible about 100 years ago, and continued for some time; and it is a pity but they were revived in some of our later editions, for they are of great use to those who diligently search the scriptures. They are said to be drawn up by that great master in scripture-learning, Mr. Hugh Broughton. We meet with them sometimes in old Bibles.