1 Chronicles 2:3

The sonnes of Iudah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah. Which three were borne vnto him, of the daughter of Shua the Canaanites. And Er the first-borne of Iudah, was euill in the sight of the Lord, and he slue him. 1 Chronicles 2:3 (KJV)

1 Chronicles is an Old Testament book that records the history and genealogies of Israel. This verse lists the three sons of Judah—Er, Onan, and Shelah—who were born to Judah through the daughter of Shua the Canaanite. The passage notes that Er, the firstborn, was “evil in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.” While the verse itself does not give details of Er’s wrongdoing, the description of his wickedness and death is drawn from Genesis 38:7, where the narrative explains that Er’s sin led to divine judgment.

The genealogical record is significant because it establishes Judah’s lineage, the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would descend. By preserving the names of Judah’s sons, the text underscores God’s sovereignty in maintaining the line that fulfills His redemptive purposes, even though the individuals involved were flawed.

The brief mention of Er’s evil conduct and subsequent death serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and justice. It illustrates that God holds individuals accountable for sin and does not tolerate unrepentant wrongdoing. This judgment highlights the serious consequences of disobedience, reinforcing the biblical principle that sin separates people from God and can result in severe repercussions.

The passage also points believers toward the importance of repentance. Er’s fate invites readers to examine their own lives, turn away from sin, and align themselves with God’s will. In the broader context of 1 Chronicles, the verse contributes to a larger narrative that celebrates God’s faithfulness in preserving a covenantal line despite human imperfection, ultimately leading to the messianic promise fulfilled in Christ.