What does 1 Chronicles 2:35 mean?

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And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai. 1 Chronicles 2:35

Explanation

The verse from 1 Chronicles 2:35, “And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai,” occurs within a genealogical listing. It speaks of a man named Sheshan who had no sons but only daughters. He arranged for his Egyptian servant, Jarha, to marry one of his daughters, and the union produced a son named Attai. This verse provides not only a record of lineage but also infers a significant socio-cultural interaction, as it involves an Israelite family merging with an Egyptian, breaking through ethnic boundaries that were typically stringent during that time.

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Historical Context

The Book of Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, possibly around the 4th or 5th century BCE. It was a period of returning and rebuilding for the Israelite community. The Chronicles are concerned with matters of genealogy and temple worship, focusing on the importance of maintaining Israelite identity through lineage and religious purity. The fact that Sheshan, an Israelite, gave his daughter to his servant, Jarha, an Egyptian, as a wife, is a notable exception to the otherwise strict tribal affiliations that were normally maintained. It suggests a possible shift in social norms or an example of a special circumstance in which cross-cultural marriage was permitted.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the union between Jarha, an Egyptian, and Sheshan’s daughter presents several insights. Firstly, it highlights the inclusivity of the covenant community, showing that non-Israelites could become part of the chosen people through marriage and adoption into Israelite families. This inclusion challenges the notion of exclusivity based on ethnicity and opens up theological discussions on the nature of God’s people.

Moreover, it reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s grace extending beyond Israelite ethnic boundaries, a precursor to the New Testament message in the story of Ruth or the teachings of the Apostle Paul who argues that faith, not lineage, constitutes membership in the community of God’s people.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse might be seen as an encouragement for inclusivity and the breaking down of racial and cultural barriers. It can serve as a reflection on the importance of accepting individuals from different backgrounds and creating ties that transcend traditional boundaries. This teaching can apply to various areas of life such as marriage, community building, and social interaction, encouraging openness and acceptance.

Cross-References

Related verses include:

Ruth 1:16: “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”
Ephesians 2:19: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

Language Study

Exploring the Hebrew terms used in the verse may provide further insight:

“Sheshan” (ששן) does not have a clear meaning in Hebrew. It is a proper name used to identify this individual in the genealogy.
“Jarha” (ירחא) is an Egyptian name indicating foreign origin. The precise meaning is unknown, but it is a mark of his non-Israelite status.
“Servant” (עבד) connotes not just a servant but potentially a slave or bondman, indicating Jarha’s subservient status prior to this marriage.
“Wife” (אישה) in this context is obviously used in the sense of a woman married to a man.
“Bare” (ילד) literally means “gave birth to,” indicating the productiveness of the marriage in terms of offspring.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this event to other ancient cultures, marriages between persons of different statuses or ethnicities were often more about political alliances or economic agreements than about personal relationships. In Egyptian culture, for example, marriage was seen as a practical arrangement for the maintenance of property lines and social order.

Religiously, while the Israelites typically married within their own tribes to maintain religious and cultural purity, instances of foreign spouses could be found, such as King Solomon marrying foreign princesses or Ruth the Moabite entering the Israelite lineage.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the intermarriage between different ethnic groups can be seen as a positive genetic contribution to a population, increasing genetic diversity. From an anthropological perspective, social integration through intermarriage might be viewed as a means of promoting cultural exchange and reducing ethnic disparities.

Commentaries

Many biblical commentaries focus on the genealogical importance of this verse, recording the lineage of King David’s family. This marriage is often noted for its rarity in the text, as Israelite genealogies typically did not promote intermarriage with other nations. Some commentaries consider the implications of this union on the broader narrative of Israel, where inclusion of foreigners is part of God’s unfolding plan of salvation that ultimately reaches its fulfillment in the New Testament. Specialists in the cultural practices of ancient Israel may also discuss the legal and social implications of an Israelite man giving his daughter in marriage to his Egyptian servant.