And the sons of Ethan; Azariah.
The twelve sons of Jacob descended through all Scripture, yet several of them were much blemished in character. But the covenant was entailed on their seed by free grace alone, not works, else any man might boast. The tribe of Judah, most praised and increased, produced both the vile and the virtuous in one line; Christ Himself, the top branch of that tree, grew from roots that held Achan the troubler and Tamar the woman wronged.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Chronicles 2:1-17
When the genealogies list only seven sons of Jesse but Scripture elsewhere names eight, we must account for the difference. Either one was born of a different mother and the writer records only David's full brothers, or he died before the kingdom; some reckon the eighth was Elihu, David's younger, whom the writer passes over once he has found the pearl. These are reasonable explanations from the best of the ancients.
AI summary
These five names grouped as sons of Zerah appear nowhere else together. Zimri may be a scribal error for Zabdi, since Achan is called son of Zabdi in Joshua but son of Zimri here; genealogies often skip intermediate members. Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara reappear in Kings as Solomon's wise men, but calling them brothers by blood rests on no foundation, Ethan is Ezrahite, while the others are sons of Machol, so identity remains uncertain.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Chronicles 2:6-8