1 Chronicles 1:22
And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 1 Chronicles 1:22 (KJV)
The verse records the names Ebal, Abimael, and Sheba as part of the genealogical list in 1 Chronicles chapter 1. The book of 1 Chronicles is a historical record that traces the genealogy of the Israelites from Adam to the time of King David. Chapter 1 specifically presents the early generations from Adam through Abraham, highlighting key descendants and their families.
Key Names
Ebal – The name Ebal appears in this verse, but little is known about this individual or his significance in biblical history. The passage offers no further detail beyond his inclusion in the lineage.
Abimael – Abimael is likewise listed among the descendants. As with Ebal, information about him is scarce and he is not a prominent figure elsewhere in Scripture.
Sheba – Sheba is mentioned in the genealogical record. He is a descendant of Shem through Joktan (Genesis 10:26‑29) and is associated with the region later known as Sheba, identified with parts of modern‑day Yemen. In later biblical accounts the queen of Sheba visits King Solomon (1 Kings 10:1‑13), though that royal visitor is a different individual from the Sheba listed here.
Historical and Theological Significance
Genealogical Record – The inclusion of these names underscores the importance placed on preserving Israel’s ancestry. The chronicler emphasizes the continuity of the ancestral line that leads to King David and, ultimately, to the Messiah.
God’s Faithfulness – The genealogical listings demonstrate God’s faithfulness in preserving and fulfilling His covenant promises across generations. By recording each name, the text affirms the continuity of God’s plan of salvation through the ages.
Messiah’s Lineage – Although 1 Chronicles does not explicitly trace the line to Jesus, later New Testament works such as Matthew 1:1‑17 connect the Davidic line to the Messiah. The presence of these genealogical entries therefore contributes to the theological understanding that the promised Messiah arises from the very lineage recorded by the chronicler.
