Who was Ohel in the Bible?

Man living at the time of Divided Monarchy

Ohel is a person mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:20, specifically in the genealogy of Judah’s descendants. He is listed among the family members of Zerubbabel, who was a prominent figure during the time of the Divided Monarchy. Ohel is identified as the son of Zerubbabel and the brother of Meshullam, Hananiah, Shelomith, Hashubah, Berechiah, Hasadiah, Jushab-hesed, and Abiud.

From a biblical perspective, genealogies in the Bible are significant as they trace the lineage of important figures, especially in establishing the ancestry of Jesus Christ. Zerubbabel, the father of Ohel, was a key figure in the post-exilic period, leading the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem and overseeing the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 3:8). Zerubbabel is also mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:13), highlighting the Messianic lineage through which Jesus descended.

The mention of Ohel in the genealogy underscores his place within the family line of Zerubbabel, connecting him to the historical narrative of God’s faithfulness to His people. The tribe of Judah holds a significant role in biblical history, being the tribe from which the kings of Israel descended, including King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

In conclusion, Ohel’s inclusion in the genealogy of Zerubbabel in 1 Chronicles serves to highlight the continuity of God’s covenant promises and the importance of lineage in the biblical narrative, ultimately pointing towards the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.