Obal, Abimael, Sheba,
English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Chronicles 1:22
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This short list isn't just a genealogical detail; it highlights the surprising continuity of God's promises, tracing lineage even through seemingly ordinary individuals. Notice how the verse presents these names matter-of-factly, reminding us that every person, no matter how obscure to history, plays a part in God's grand unfolding plan.
Obal, Abimael, Sheba,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a massive genealogy tracing the lineage from Adam all the way to the people of Israel. It's like a grand cosmic roll call, and right here, we're moving through the descendants of Noah, specifically from Noah's son Shem, then through Eber and down to the sons of Joktan. These names, though they might seem like just a list to us, connect the dots for ancient readers, showing God's hand at work in history and rooting Israel's identity in a long, unfolding story.
Ever feel like just a name in a long list? This verse is part of a massive family tree stretching back to the dawn of humanity. What's the point of these ancient names?
The Big Picture of People
Genealogies in the Bible aren't just dusty records; they're theological statements. They show God's deliberate plan unfolding through specific individuals and families.
These aren't just individual names. These men are presented as the fathers of peoples. What does that tell us about God's view of nations?
Nations Under God's Eye
While 1 Chronicles focuses heavily on Israel, its opening chapters remind us that God is sovereign over all nations.
Ask a follow-up
This passage also lists Obal (variously transcribed as Ebal or Abal) as a descendant of Joktan, highlighting a shared genealogical line.
Genesis 25:3Sheba is mentioned here as a descendant of Abraham's son Keturah, presenting another significant lineage where the name Sheba appears.
1 Chronicles 1:16This verse lists the descendants of Jacob, and while not directly naming these individuals, it sets the stage for tracing genealogies that include many of these same ancient family lines.
1 Chronicles 1:29This verse continues the lineage of Ishmael, another son of Abraham, showing the broad scope of the genealogies recorded in Chronicles that often interweave these ancient names.
This short list isn't just a genealogical detail; it highlights the surprising continuity of God's promises, tracing lineage even through seemingly ordinary individuals. Notice how the verse presents these names matter-of-factly, reminding us that every person, no matter how obscure to history, plays a part in God's grand unfolding plan.
This verse is part of a massive genealogy tracing the lineage from Adam all the way to the people of Israel. It's like a grand cosmic roll call, and right here, we're moving through the descendants of Noah, specifically from Noah's son Shem, then through Eber and down to the sons of Joktan. These names, though they might seem like just a list to us, connect the dots for ancient readers, showing God's hand at work in history and rooting Israel's identity in a long, unfolding story.
This verse is part of a massive genealogy tracing the lineage from Adam all the way to the people of Israel. It's like a grand cosmic roll call, and right here, we're moving through the descendants of Noah, specifically from Noah's son Shem, then through Eber and down to the sons of Joktan. These names, though they might seem like just a list to us, connect the dots for ancient readers, showing God's hand at work in history and rooting Israel's identity in a long, unfolding story.
"Obal, Abimael, Sheba," — This short list isn't just a genealogical detail; it highlights the surprising continuity of God's promises, tracing lineage even through seemingly ordinary individuals. Notice how the verse presents…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026