Elioenai:
The name Elioenai means "My eyes are toward God" or "God is my eyes," reflecting a common practice in Hebrew culture of naming children with theophoric elements, which are names that include a reference to God. This practice underscores the importance of faith and divine providence in the lives of the Israelites. Elioenai's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the ongoing fulfillment of God's promises to David's line.

Hizkiah:
Hizkiah, also spelled Hezekiah in some translations, means "Yahweh strengthens." This name is reminiscent of King Hezekiah of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his reforms to restore proper worship. Although this Hizkiah is not the same as the king, the name itself evokes themes of divine strength and support, which are central to the narrative of God's relationship with His people.

and Azrikam:
Azrikam means "My help has risen" or "Help has arisen," indicating a reliance on divine assistance. Names like Azrikam reflect the cultural and religious context of the Israelites, who often expressed their dependence on God through the names they chose for their children. This name serves as a reminder of God's role as a helper and protector of His people.

three in all:
The mention of three sons emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of Neariah's lineage. In biblical numerology, the number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection. This detail, while seemingly minor, contributes to the overall structure and purpose of the genealogies in Chronicles, which aim to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises through the preservation of David's line.

1 Chronicles 3 records the royal line of David, tracing it from Solomon through the Babylonian exile and beyond. Verse 23 belongs to the post-exilic portion, showing how God preserved the family line even after national judgment (cf. Jeremiah 33:20-21). By including every name, Scripture affirms that God keeps covenant promises with exactness (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Neariah is a grandson of King Jeconiah (v. 17), so his children carry the Davidic promise forward. Every generation listed here reminds us that the Lord “will not reject forever” (Lamentations 3:31-32).

- Their placement after the exile underscores that God’s plans outlast earthly thrones (Daniel 2:44).

- Each person is a living link between God’s past pledge and future fulfillment in Christ (Luke 1:32-33).

“Elioenai” means “My eyes are toward God,” and his position as firstborn is highlighted. Firstborn sons in Scripture often represent hope for continuation (Genesis 48:14-20). His name itself testifies that the family’s gaze remained on the Lord, echoing Psalm 123:1-2.

Though brief, the inclusion of Hizkiah (“the Lord is my strength”) mirrors the encouragement God gave to Zerubbabel, another post-exilic leader: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). His name reminds readers that strength to rebuild their lives comes from God alone (Isaiah 40:29-31).

Azrikam (“the Lord has helped”) completes the trio. Together with other men named Azrikam in 1 Chronicles 8:38 and Nehemiah 11:15, he illustrates that God’s help is not a one-time event but a continual pattern. His name resonates with Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”

The phrase “three in all” underscores that God’s recordkeeping is meticulous (Malachi 3:16). It also balances earlier triads in the chapter (v. 18, v. 22), hinting at completeness. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 notes, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken,” emphasizing stability within the preserved line.

1 Chronicles 3:23 is more than a footnote; it showcases God’s unwavering commitment to the Davidic covenant. By naming Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam—exactly three sons—Scripture celebrates:

• the precise faithfulness of God in recording every descendant, even after exile;

• the ongoing hope that each generation in David’s line carried, culminating in Jesus (Matthew 1:12-16);

• the truth that individual lives and names matter to the Lord, assuring modern believers that He likewise knows and values each of us (Luke 12:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...