Definition: The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: [which] three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 2:3 together. It's a really important and complex verse, and it deals with a significant story about betrayal and sin. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse recounts a tragic event in the history of the Israelites. It focuses on three brothers – Er, Onan, and Shelah – who were born to a man named Sheasha. And here's where it gets interesting: Er, the firstborn of Judah, was utterly evil and committed murder. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The sons of Judah…” : This tells us we’re talking about the lineage of the people descended from Judah, a specific tribe in Israel. “…Er, and Onan, and Shelah: [which] three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess.” : This is where it gets more complicated. It names these three brothers – Er, Onan, and Shelah. The key phrase “of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess” is crucial. “And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him.” : This is the shocking part. Er, being the firstborn of Judah, was considered a special and important person. The verse says that he actively chose to be evil and committed murder – he killed God himself! This is a very strong statement about his character. What does this all mean? This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and the consequences of wickedness. It’s a story about: The Consequences of Sin: It highlights how even the most important people can be corrupted by evil. God's Justice: The verse emphasizes God's judgment on those who disobey Him. Er’s actions were seen as a direct defiance and violation of God’s authority. A Pattern of Evil: It suggests that this story is part of a larger pattern – the tendency for people to fall into evil and ultimately harm themselves or others. Important Note: This verse is often cited in connection with the concept of "the Law" in the Old Testament. It speaks to the idea that the law, when broken, leads to moral decay and rebellion against God. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI assistant and this explanation is for informational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for a thorough study of biblical scripture. Do you have any specific aspects of this verse you’d like me to explain in more detail? For example, would you be interested in: The historical context of this story? Different interpretations of the meaning of this verse?