God's Blessing

1 Chronicles 7 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.
2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being 22,600.
3 The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah, five, all of them were chief men.
4 According to their generations, they were counted, 36,000.
5 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.
6 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael.
7 The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five, heads of fathers’ houses, mighty warriors. And their enrollment by genealogies was twenty-two thousand and thirty-four.
8 The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher.
9 The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers’ houses of Ladan.
10 The sons of Jediael: Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar.
11 All these were the sons of Jediael according to the heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty warriors, seventeen thousand two hundred, ready for service in war.
12 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead.
13 The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum, the descendants of Bilhah.
14 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead.
15 And Machir took a wife for Huppim and for Shuppim. The name of his sister was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelophehad had daughters.
16 The sons of Michael: Ishpah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Michael.
17 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.
18 His sister Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah.
19 The sons of Shemida: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.
20 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,
21 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,
22 Their father Ephraim mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him.
23 He went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house.
24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.
25 Now their kinsmen belonging to their clans also came in as they came up with them from the east.
26 Non his son, Jehoshua.
27 Non his sons, Bela, Becher, and Jediael.
28 Their possessions and settlements were Bethel and its towns, and to the east Naaran, and to the west Gezer and its towns, Shechem and its towns, and Ayyah and its towns;
29 and by the borders of the sons of Manasseh, Beth-shean and its villages, Taanach and its villages, Megiddo and its villages, Dor and its villages. In these lived the sons of Joseph the son of Israel.
30 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah.
31 The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who fathered Birzaith.
32 and Heber fathered Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and their sister Shua.
33 The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the sons of Japhlet.
34 The sons of Shemer: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram.
35 The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.
36 and Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza.
37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.
38 The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara.
39 The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia.
40 All these were the sons of Asher, heads of their fathers’ houses, approved, mighty warriors, chiefs of the princes. And their number enrolled by genealogy, for service in war, was 26,000 men.

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The True Meaning of 1 Chronicles 7

This chapter of 1 Chronicles provides a detailed account of the genealogies of several Israelite tribes, including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The author, believed to be Ezra the scribe, compiles these records to preserve the lineages and histories of the chosen people of God. These tribes will expand, demonstrate their military prowess, and receive blessings from the Lord in this passage. However, we will also witness the consequences of their disobedience and the impact it had on their communities. These events foreshadow the larger narrative of the Israelites’ journey, as described throughout the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.

The genealogies presented here serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They also highlight the importance of maintaining a strong connection to one’s heritage and the role it plays in shaping the identity and destiny of the Israelite nation. As we delve into this chapter, we will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of God’s plan for His people.

1 Chronicles 7:1-5

  1. Verse breakdown:
  2. “The sons of Issachar” – This section lists the descendants of Issachar, the ninth son of Jacob.

  3. “Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four in all.” – These are the four sons of Issachar mentioned in this verse.

  4. Commentary:

  5. Issachar was one of the twelve sons of Jacob who later became the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Issachar settled in the northern part of Canaan. The naming of the sons of Issachar is significant as it shows the continuity of the lineage and the fulfillment of Jacob’s descendants becoming a great nation.

  6. Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron are the direct descendants of Issachar. Each of these sons further established the lineage of Issachar, contributing to the growth and development of the tribe. This genealogy plays an important role in preserving the history and lineage of the Israelites.

  7. Relevance and connection to other verses:

  8. Genealogies in the Bible serve as a way to trace the roots of the tribes of Israel and to show how God’s promises to the patriarchs were fulfilled through their descendants. The writer is documenting the lineage of Issachar to show the continuity of God’s covenant with the Israelites.
  9. The recording of genealogies is not only a historical account but also a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people throughout generations. It reinforces the idea that God keeps His promises and remembers His chosen people, even in the midst of challenges and trials. The biblical narrative intertwines history, lineage, and the fulfillment of God’s promises by delving into the genealogy of Issachar in these verses. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our heritage and acknowledging the faithfulness of God in upholding His covenant with His people.

1 Chronicles 7:6-12

A detailed genealogy of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is seen in 1 Chronicles 7:6-12. Let’s break this down section by section:

  1. “The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Serah their sister was the mother of Heber and Malchiel. The names of the sons of Asher and their sister are given in this section. It is important to note the mention of Heber and Malchiel here. Heber is significant because his descendants were known for their wisdom and knowledge. We later see the name Heber in the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis 10:21, where he is mentioned as a descendant of Shem. The mentioning of these names serves to highlight the continuity of lineage and the preservation of family history, which was crucial in ancient Israelite society.

  2. “The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith. Heber fathered Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and their sister Shua. Heber and Malchiel are the descendants of Beriah that we see in this section. The mention of Birzaith and the subsequent generations illustrates the expansion and growth of the tribe of Asher. Through these detailed genealogies, the Chronicles reinforce the importance of family lineage and the continuity of the tribes of Israel. It also emphasizes the significance of each family member in contributing to the overall history and legacy of the tribe.

  3. “The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the sons of Japhlet.”
    This section highlights the descendants of Japhlet, showcasing the continuation of the lineage within the tribe of Asher. While these names may seem obscure to us, each name represents a link in the chain of ancestry that was crucial for maintaining the heritage and identity of the tribe throughout generations.

Through these genealogies, 1 Chronicles not only emphasizes the importance of lineage and family heritage but also underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving the descendants of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the covenant God made with the patriarchs of Israel, ensuring that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). The Chronicles highlight the fulfillment of God’s promises and the continuity of His plan for His chosen people by documenting these genealogies.

1 Chronicles 7:13-19

The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7:13-19 highlights the descendants of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. This section focuses on Manasseh’s lineage through his descendants, particularly through his son Machir.

The text mentions Machir becoming a father and having sons. One of his sons, Gilead, is a name that recurs throughout the Bible, being the same name as the mountainous region east of the Jordan River where the tribes of Gad and Manasseh settled (Numbers 32:1). Gilead became the father of several sons, including various prominent men in different tribes of Israel.

The mention of the sons of Ephraim, the brother of Manasseh, in this genealogy is also significant. Ephraim and Manasseh were the sons of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but later rose to great prominence in Egypt. Jacob (Israel) blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, before his death, adopting them as his own sons (Genesis 48). The tribe of Ephraim became one of the dominant tribes in the northern kingdom of Israel.

This genealogy teaches us about the importance of lineage and heritage in the Bible. It reinforces the idea of God’s covenant and promises being passed down through generations. Each tribe and family had its own role and significance in the history of Israel, and their lineage was meticulously recorded to preserve their identities and heritage.

Furthermore, this genealogy emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). The detailed accounts of lineages in the Bible serve to underscore the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises and orchestrating the course of history through generations. The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7:13-19 not only provides a record of the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim but also underscores the larger biblical theme of God’s faithfulness, the importance of heritage, and the fulfillment of His promises through the generations. It reminds us of the intricate tapestry of history woven by God’s sovereign hand and the significance of every individual and family in His grand plan.

1 Chronicles 7:20-29

The passage in 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 outlines the genealogy of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This genealogy is crucial as it traces the lineage of Ephraim from Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Ephraim was an important figure in the history of Israel, as he, along with his brother Manasseh, received a special blessing from Jacob before his death, elevating them to the status of tribes within Israel.

The genealogy mentioned in these verses serves to highlight the importance of lineage and heritage in the Bible. Throughout the Old Testament, the genealogies were meticulously recorded to establish the lineage of important figures and to trace the fulfillment of prophecies. For instance, the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament traces his lineage back to King David, emphasizing his royal heritage and fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from the line of David.

Within this genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7, we encounter significant figures like Joshua, the renowned leader who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua’s leadership was marked by his unwavering faith in God and his commitment to following God’s commands, which resulted in the conquest of Jericho and the establishment of the Israelites in the land of Canaan. Joshua’s story exemplifies the theme of obedience and trust in God’s promises, which resonates throughout the Bible.

Furthermore, the genealogy also mentions important cities and settlements that were associated with the tribe of Ephraim. One such city is Bethel, which held spiritual significance as the place where Jacob had his dream of a ladder reaching into heaven (Genesis 28:10-22). Bethel later became a center for worship in Israel, underscoring the connection between physical locations and divine encounters in the Bible. The genealogy of Ephraim in 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 underscores the importance of remembering one’s heritage, honoring the promises of God, and acknowledging the faithfulness of those who came before us. It serves as a reminder that our lives are interconnected with the stories of those who have gone before us, and that God’s faithfulness endures through the generations.

1 Chronicles 7:30-40

A genealogy listing the descendants of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, is encountered in 1 Chronicles 7:30-40. Genealogies may not always seem like the most engaging passages of scripture, but they are vital in tracing the lineage of important figures and understanding God’s faithfulness through generations.

Starting with verse 30, we see the sons of Asher named: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah, along with their sister Serah. Though these names may not be as familiar as some other biblical figures, they are crucial in illustrating the continuity of God’s promises through the descendants of Jacob. Each name represents a link in the chain leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that God’s plan of salvation was unfolding through history.

Continuing on in the passage, we come across the descendants of Beriah, Heber, and Malchiel. These names are significant as they show the branching out of Asher’s line into different families, each with its own unique place in the unfolding narrative of God’s people. Even though these names may not have extensive stories attached to them like Moses or David, they play their part in illustrating the intricate tapestry of God’s plan for His people.

Further along in the genealogy, we see the mention of a man named Japhlet, who is noted for being the father of Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. While these names may not immediately stand out, each one represents a life that was intricately woven into the history of Israel. Every individual mentioned in genealogies has a role to play in God’s grand design, even if their stories are not explicitly detailed in the Bible. The descendants of Asher were mighty warriors, able to field an army of 26,000 men fit for battle as we reach the end of the genealogy in these verses. This emphasis on their military prowess serves to highlight the strength and unity of the tribes of Israel, as well as their readiness to defend their land and people. It also echoes themes found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in the stories of the conquest of Canaan under Joshua or the battles fought by King David. Genealogies like the one in 1 Chronicles 7:30-40 may appear dense and less straightforward, but they are essential for understanding the continuity of God’s plan throughout history. Every name mentioned is a testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, even through the seemingly mundane details of lineage. God works through generations to accomplish His purposes and bring about redemption for all who believe in Him as we study these passages.

After 1 Chronicles 7

The Lord had blessed the tribe of Issachar with many sons and grandsons. They were known as men of understanding, skilled in the ways of the Lord. Their leaders were wise and discerning, able to guide the people in times of trouble. The elders gathered to discuss the challenges that lay ahead as the sun set on the land of Issachar. They knew that the path forward would not be easy, but they were determined to lead their people with courage and faith. With the guidance of the Lord, they would navigate the uncertain times that were to come.