# Overview 1 Chronicles Chapter 7 presents a detailed genealogical record of the tribes of #Issachar, #Benjamin, #Naphtali, #Manasseh, #Ephraim, and #Asher. This chapter underscores the importance of lineage and heritage among the tribes of #Israel. Each tribe's genealogy highlights notable figures and the number of mighty warriors, emphasizing the strength and significant roles these tribes played in the history of Israel. For instance, the tribe of Issachar is noted for its valiant men ready for battle, and the descendants of #Benjamin include several heads of families and warriors, showcasing their contribution to Israel's military prowess. The chapter also recounts the tragic story of the sons of #Ephraim, who were killed by the men of #Gath, illustrating the ongoing conflicts the Israelites faced. However, it concludes with the hopeful note of #Ephraim's lineage being restored through his son #Beriah, born in a time of distress. This restoration serves as a reminder of #God's enduring faithfulness and the resilience of His people, as they continue to multiply and fulfill the divine promises made to the patriarchs. The chapter, through its genealogies, not only records historical and familial details but also reflects the broader narrative of God’s providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Israel. ## Theological Insights 1 Chronicles Chapter 7 provides a genealogical record of the tribes of #Israel, focusing specifically on the descendants of #Issachar, #Benjamin, #Naphtali, #Manasseh, #Ephraim, and #Asher. Each of these tribes played a significant role in the history and development of the nation of Israel. The genealogies underscore the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises throughout generations. ### The Tribe of Issachar The descendants of Issachar are noted for their valor and strength, as seen in the record of mighty men of valor (1 Chronicles 7:2). This reflects the blessing that #Jacob pronounced over Issachar in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49]], where Issachar is described as a strong donkey, symbolizing their strength and endurance. The tribe's numerical strength also signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply the descendants of #Abraham. ### The Tribe of Benjamin The genealogy of Benjamin highlights the warriors from this tribe (1 Chronicles 7:6-12). This emphasis on military prowess is consistent with the role that the tribe of Benjamin played in Israel's history, being the tribe of the first king, #Saul, as seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 9]]. Benjamin's resilience and significant contribution to Israel's military might are a testament to God's provision and protection over His chosen people. ### The Tribe of Manasseh The tribe of Manasseh, particularly through the lineage of Machir, the father of Gilead, is noted for their settlement in the land of Gilead (1 Chronicles 7:14-19). This connects to their inheritance east of the Jordan as described in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32]]. The account of #Zelophehad's daughters also highlights the importance of inheritance laws and God's provision for His people, ensuring that the land promised to them would remain within the family line, as seen in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]]. ### The Tribe of Ephraim Ephraim's genealogy (1 Chronicles 7:20-29) includes the poignant story of loss and hope, where the sons of Ephraim are killed by the men of Gath, and yet God blesses Ephraim with another son, Beriah. This narrative underscores the themes of suffering and divine consolation, echoing the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive purposes amidst human tragedy. The cities and lands associated with Ephraim connect to the promise of land given to the tribes of Israel, as initially articulated in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48]]. ### The Tribe of Asher The descendants of Asher are described as choice men, mighty warriors, and heads of princes (1 Chronicles 7:30-40). Asher's blessing from Jacob in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49]] speaks of abundance and prosperity, which is mirrored in the description of their descendants. Asher's genealogical record emphasizes the tribe's role in the social and military structure of Israel, highlighting how God's blessings manifest in various aspects of life. Overall, 1 Chronicles Chapter 7 illustrates the continuity of God's covenantal promises to Israel through detailed genealogies. These records serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the unfolding of His divine plan. The chapter reaffirms the identity and heritage of the tribes within God's redemptive history, pointing towards the fulfillment of His promises in the broader narrative of the Bible. ## Thematic Connections ### The Importance of Genealogy in God's Plan 1 Chronicles 7 continues the genealogical records, emphasizing the significance of lineage and heritage in God’s overarching plan. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where genealogies serve to trace the fulfillment of divine promises made to the patriarchs. The listing of the tribes of #Issachar, #Benjamin, #Naphtali, #Manasseh, #Ephraim, and #Asher highlights the importance of each family within the larger community of #Israel, reflecting the same attention to lineage found in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49]], where #Jacob blesses each of his sons and predicts their future. ### Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency The chapter underscores the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. Through the genealogies, we see how God orchestrates history through the lives of individuals and families. This theme connects with other scriptural instances where God uses specific lineages to fulfill His purposes, such as the lineage of #David leading to [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], detailed in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]. ### Preservation and Continuity of the Tribes of Israel The preservation and continuity of the tribes, as chronicled in this chapter, underscore God’s faithfulness to His covenant with #Abraham, #Isaac, and #Jacob. This theme of divine faithfulness is echoed throughout the #OldTestament, such as in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 2]], where God remembers His covenant with the patriarchs during the Israelites' bondage in Egypt, and in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7]], where God’s selection and preservation of Israel are reaffirmed. ### The Role of the Community in God’s Purpose The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7 highlights the role of the community and the collective identity of the tribes in fulfilling God’s purpose. Each tribe’s unique characteristics and contributions are acknowledged, similar to how [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12]] describes the Church as one body with many parts, each integral to the function and mission of the whole. This parallel underscores the theme of unity and diversity within the community of God’s people. ### The Legacy of Faithfulness The chapter serves as a reminder of the legacy left by previous generations and the importance of faithfulness across generations. This theme of generational faithfulness and legacy is prominent in other biblical passages, such as [[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 1]], where Paul acknowledges the faith that dwelt first in Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 7 thus invite reflection on the enduring influence of faithful ancestors in God’s redemptive history. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Twelve Tribes of Israel In 1 Chronicles 7, the genealogies of several tribes, including #Issachar, #Benjamin, #Naphtali, #Manasseh, #Ephraim, and #Asher, are recorded. The fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs, such as #Jacob, is implicit in these genealogies. The preservation and multiplication of the tribes fulfill the promises given to the patriarchs in passages like [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 35|Genesis 35:11]], where God promises Jacob that "a nation and a company of nations shall come from you." The record of these tribes highlights the faithfulness of God in keeping His covenant with #Israel through their continued lineage and growth as a people. ### The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh The genealogies of #Ephraim and #Manasseh are particularly significant as they connect to the blessing given by #Jacob to #Joseph's sons in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis 48:13-20]]. Jacob placed his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, signifying a greater blessing, which is reflected in the prominence of Ephraim in later biblical history. This chapter in 1 Chronicles records their descendants, demonstrating the fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic blessing over these tribes, and showing how God's purposes unfold through His sovereign choice, as seen in the growth and influence of these tribes within Israel's history. ### The Redemption and Restoration of Israel The inclusion of these tribes in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 7 also reflects the future prophetic hope of the restoration of all #Israel. Prophecies like those in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 37|Ezekiel 37:15-28]] speak of the reunification and restoration of the tribes of Israel. The chronicling of these tribes serves as a testament to God's enduring promise to restore Israel, as the genealogies remind the reader of the full scope of God's covenant people and His commitment to their ultimate redemption and unity under a future messianic reign. ### The Faithfulness of God The genealogies in this chapter underscore the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises. Passages such as [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7|Deuteronomy 7:9]] affirm God's faithfulness to His covenant and the generations of those who love Him. The detailed records of the tribes and their descendants in 1 Chronicles 7 serve as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His word and His people, ensuring that the narrative of Israel continues in accordance with His divine plan. ## Verses - **1 Chronicles 7:1** - "The four sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron." - #Issachar #Tola #Puah #Jashub #Shimron - See also [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46]] for the sons of Issachar. - **1 Chronicles 7:2** - "The sons of Tola were Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel. Each of them was the leader of an ancestral clan. At the time of David, the total number of mighty warriors listed in the records of these clans was 22,600." - #Tola #Uzzi #Rephaiah #Jeriel #Jahmai #Ibsam #Shemuel #David - Related to the listing of mighty warriors in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 12]]. - **1 Chronicles 7:3** - "The son of Uzzi was Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. These five became the leaders of clans." - #Uzzi #Izrahiah #Michael #Obadiah #Joel #Isshiah - **1 Chronicles 7:4** - "All of them had many wives and many sons, so the total number of men available for military service among their descendants was 36,000." - Note the large number of descendants and warriors. - **1 Chronicles 7:5** - "The total number of mighty warriors from all the clans of the tribe of Issachar was 87,000. All of them were listed in their genealogical records." - #Issachar - **1 Chronicles 7:6** - "Three of Benjamin’s sons were Bela, Beker, and Jediael." - #Benjamin #Bela #Beker #Jediael - For Benjamin's lineage, also see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46]]. - **1 Chronicles 7:7** - "The five sons of Bela were Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri. Each of them was the leader of an ancestral clan. The total number of mighty warriors from these clans was 22,034, as listed in their genealogical records." - #Bela #Ezbon #Uzzi #Uzziel #Jerimoth #Iri - **1 Chronicles 7:8** - "The sons of Beker were Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jerimoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. Each of them was the leader of an ancestral clan." - #Beker #Zemirah #Joash #Eliezer #Elioenai #Omri #Jerimoth #Abijah #Anathoth #Alemeth - **1 Chronicles 7:9** - "The total number of mighty warriors from these clans was 20,200, as listed in their genealogical records." - Note the continuation of the record of mighty warriors. - **1 Chronicles 7:10** - "The son of Jediael was Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan were Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Kenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar." - #Jediael #Bilhan #Jeush #Benjamin #Ehud #Kenaanah #Zethan #Tarshish #Ahishahar - **1 Chronicles 7:11** - "Each of them was the leader of an ancestral clan. The total number of mighty warriors from these clans was 17,200, as listed in their genealogical records." - Note the impressive number of warriors. - **1 Chronicles 7:12** - "The sons of Ir were Shuppim and Huppim. Hushim was the son of Aher." - #Ir #Shuppim #Huppim #Hushim #Aher - **1 Chronicles 7:13** - "The sons of Naphtali were Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. They were all descendants of Jacob’s concubine Bilhah." - #Naphtali #Jahziel #Guni #Jezer #Shillem #Bilhah - Related to [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46]] regarding the sons of Naphtali. - **1 Chronicles 7:14** - "The descendants of Manasseh through his Aramean concubine included Asriel. She also bore Makir, the father of Gilead." - #Manasseh #Asriel #Makir #Gilead - See also [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 50]] for more on Manasseh. - **1 Chronicles 7:15** - "Makir found wives for Huppim and Shuppim. Makir’s sister was Maacah. One of his descendants was Zelophehad, who had only daughters." - #Makir #Huppim #Shuppim #Maacah #Zelophehad - See the story of Zelophehad's daughters in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]]. - **1 Chronicles 7:16** - "Makir’s wife, Maacah, gave birth to a son whom she named Peresh. His brother’s name was Sheresh. The sons of Peresh were Ulam and Rakem." - #Makir #Maacah #Peresh #Sheresh #Ulam #Rakem - **1 Chronicles 7:17** - "The son of Ulam was Bedan. All these were considered Gileadites, descendants of Makir, son of Manasseh." - #Ulam #Bedan #Gileadites #Makir #Manasseh - **1 Chronicles 7:18** - "Makir’s sister Hammoleketh gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah." - #Hammoleketh #Ishhod #Abiezer #Mahlah - **1 Chronicles 7:19** - "The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam." - #Shemida #Ahian #Shechem #Likhi #Aniam - **1 Chronicles 7:20** - "The descendants of Ephraim were Shuthelah, Bered, Tahath, Eleadah, Tahath," - #Ephraim #Shuthelah #Bered #Tahath #Eleadah - **1 Chronicles 7:21** - "Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead. These two were killed trying to steal livestock from the local farmers near Gath." - #Zabad #Shuthelah #Ezer #Elead #Gath - **1 Chronicles 7:22** - "Their father, Ephraim, mourned for them a long time, and his relatives came to comfort him." - #Ephraim - **1 Chronicles 7:23** - "Afterward Ephraim slept with his wife again, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Ephraim named him Beriah because of the tragedy his family had suffered." - #Ephraim #Beriah - **1 Chronicles 7:24** - "He had a daughter named Sheerah. She built the towns of Lower and Upper Beth-horon and Uzzen-sheerah." - #Sheerah #Beth-horon #Uzzen-sheerah - **1 Chronicles 7:25** - "The descendants of Ephraim included Rephah, Resheph, Telah, Tahan," - #Rephah #Resheph #Telah #Tahan - **1 Chronicles 7:26** - "Ladan, Ammihud, Elishama," - #Ladan #Ammihud #Elishama - **1 Chronicles 7:27** - "Nun, and Joshua." - #Nun #Joshua - Joshua's leadership is significant in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]]. - **1 Chronicles 7:28** - "The descendants of Ephraim lived in the territory that included Bethel and its surrounding towns to the south, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west," - #Bethel #Naaran #Gezer - **1 Chronicles 7:29** - "and Shechem and its surrounding villages to the north as far as Ayyah and its towns. Along the borders of Manasseh were the towns of Beth-shan, Taanach, Megiddo, Dor, and their surrounding villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns." - #Shechem #Ayyah #Beth-shan #Taanach #Megiddo #Dor #Joseph #Israel