1 Chronicles 3:5
And these were borne vnto him in Ierusalem. Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, foure, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel. 1 Chronicles 3:5 (KJV)
To understand the significance of 1 Chronicles 3:5, it is helpful to have some context. The surrounding verses record the genealogy of King David, tracing his descendants in Jerusalem. This particular verse lists four of David’s sons who were born to him in the city, naming Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, and identifying their mother as Bath‑shua, the daughter of Ammiel.
Shimea: Also called Shammua or Shimeah, Shimea is mentioned only in the genealogical lists. The biblical record provides little detail about his life or role, and he is not a prominent figure elsewhere in Scripture.
Shobab: Like his brother Shimea, Shobab appears in the genealogies but receives no further narrative description. His inclusion serves to document the breadth of David’s offspring.
Nathan: Nathan is the most notable of the four. He is identified elsewhere as the prophet who confronted King David concerning his sin with Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 12). Nathan’s prophetic ministry had a lasting impact on the nation, and his presence in the genealogy underscores the spiritual significance of David’s line.
Solomon: Solomon is the fourth son named in the verse and is the most widely known. He succeeded David as king, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and for building the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon’s reign marked a period of great prosperity for Israel.
Bath‑shua: The mother of these four sons, Bath‑shua, is also known as Bathsheba. She was originally the wife of Uriah the Hittite and later became David’s wife after a controversial encounter that led to the birth of Solomon. Her inclusion in the genealogy highlights the lineage through which Solomon and his brothers descended.
Overall, this verse emphasizes the continuation of David’s house through multiple sons, each contributing in different ways to Israel’s history and spiritual heritage. The brief entries remind readers that while some figures are well‑documented, others remain largely silent in the biblical narrative, yet all are part of the divine plan for the nation’s lineage.
