And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.
Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, bore him Pharez and Zerah, and all the sons of Judah were five in number. The verse stands within the genealogical records and long lists of names that open Chronicles, in particular the list of the sons and descendants of Judah. It names ordinary people who lived and died thousands of years ago, some prosperous and some failures like any ordinary person, about whom nothing else is now known. These hereditary records preserved descent after the exile so that land could be assigned to its hereditary owners and those with hereditary duties in the temple service could be established.
Lists of this kind can seem difficult to understand or of doubtful value, yet they are included for readers of different interests and capacities. They contribute to the Bible's account of the origin and distribution of races, and their study can lead to spiritual truths. As part of the carefully preserved genealogy of Judah, kept unbroken until Christ's first advent, the verse belongs to the tribe and family line through which Christ came, from Judah and from David's family. The genealogy of Levi was likewise preserved because the Aaronic priesthood continued until it was superseded by Christ's priesthood.
By preserving each name, the verse shows that God remembers every person by name even when long forgotten by others. God is not of the changing kind, so every forgotten name is kept safe and sure in His lists, including one's own name kept away for remembrance. That divine remembrance brings comfort when downhearted, especially to those who feel like failures or fear being forgotten.
Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, bore him Pharez and Zerah, and all the sons of Judah were five in number. The verse stands within the genealogical records and long lists of names that open Chronicles, in particular the list of the sons and descendants of Judah. It names ordinary people who lived and died thousands of years ago, some prosperous and some failures like any ordinary person, about whom nothing else is now known. These hereditary records preserved descent after the exile so that land could be assigned to its hereditary owners and those with hereditary duties in the temple service could be established.
Lists of this kind can seem difficult to understand or of doubtful value, yet they are included for readers of different interests and capacities. They contribute to the Bible's account of the origin and distribution of races, and their study can lead to spiritual truths. As part of the carefully preserved genealogy of Judah, kept unbroken until Christ's first advent, the verse belongs to the tribe and family line through which Christ came, from Judah and from David's family. The genealogy of Levi was likewise preserved because the Aaronic priesthood continued until it was superseded by Christ's priesthood.
By preserving each name, the verse shows that God remembers every person by name even when long forgotten by others. God is not of the changing kind, so every forgotten name is kept safe and sure in His lists, including one's own name kept away for remembrance. That divine remembrance brings comfort when downhearted, especially to those who feel like failures or fear being forgotten.