1 Chronicles 4:18
And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took.
1 Chronicles 4:18 (KJV)
Context
This verse belongs to a genealogy of the tribe of Judah in 1 Chronicles. It records the family of Mered, a descendant of Judah. His wife Jehudijah, whose name means “Jewess,” bore three sons: Jered, Heber, and Jekuthiel. Each son became the father, or founder, of a town in Judah: Gedor, Socho, and Zanoah. These place names show that the families settled in the Promised Land, establishing their heritage there.
Meaning
The verse also names Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, as another wife of Mered. Her sons are mentioned, though their names are not listed here. Bithiah was an Egyptian princess who married into an Israelite family. Her inclusion in this genealogy is remarkable. It shows that a person from a foreign nation could become part of God’s covenant people through marriage and faith. This also demonstrates God’s sovereign work in history, bringing an Egyptian into the line of Judah.
Biblical connections
This pattern of including outsiders points forward to the New Testament, where Gentiles are welcomed into the church through Christ. God’s plan of redemption always reached beyond ethnic boundaries. The line of Judah, from which the Messiah would come, included people of diverse backgrounds, foreshadowing the inclusion of all nations in the church.
Application
This brief record reminds readers that God values every person, regardless of origin. No one is outside the reach of His grace. Believers today can welcome others into their community, just as Israel welcomed Bithiah. God’s family has always been broader than one nation.
Reflection
God’s faithfulness is seen in the careful preservation of family lines. He works through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His promises. Even a short list of names can assure us that God is at work in every generation.
