1 Chronicles 2:2

KJV

Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

KJV (with Strong's)

Dan {H1835}, Joseph {H3130}, and Benjamin {H1144}, Naphtali {H5321}, Gad {H1410}, and Asher {H836}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dan, Yosef, Binyamin, Naftali, Gad and Asher.

Berean Standard Bible

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

American Standard Version

Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:2 continues the foundational genealogical record of the nation of Israel, meticulously completing the list of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. Following the initial six sons enumerated in 1 Chronicles 2:1, this verse names Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher, thereby providing the comprehensive roster of the patriarchs from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended. This precise enumeration underscores the divine ordering of Israel's origins, its enduring identity as a covenant people, and the faithful preservation of its lineage through generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with an extensive and detailed genealogical record spanning nine chapters, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, tribal heads, and kings, culminating in the line of David. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 2:2, immediately follows 1 Chronicles 2:1, which initiates the enumeration of Jacob's sons. Together, these two verses provide the complete list of the twelve foundational figures of the Israelite nation. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies serves as a crucial bridge from the universal history of humanity to the specific history of God's covenant people, meticulously setting the stage for the subsequent narrative focus on the kingdom of David, the temple, and the restoration of Judah. This detailed listing reinforces the continuity of God's redemptive plan through chosen lines.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written for the post-exilic community in Judah (likely 5th-4th century BC), 1 Chronicles served a vital purpose in re-establishing their identity and connection to their heritage after the Babylonian exile. Genealogies in ancient Israel were not merely historical records; they were living documents that confirmed tribal identities, validated claims to land ownership, established rights to priestly or royal service, and reinforced the community's link to God's historical covenants. The careful listing of Jacob's sons here, the progenitors of the twelve tribes, was paramount for a people seeking to rebuild their national and religious life, assuring them of their divinely ordained lineage and the enduring nature of God's promises made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Jacob](/genesis/35-10 "God Renames Jacob to Israel"). This re-affirmation provided stability and hope in a period of reconstruction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an integral part of the broader genealogical record, contributes significantly to several key themes. First, it powerfully emphasizes **National Identity and Continuity**, reaffirming who the Israelites are by tracing their roots directly back to their foundational ancestors, the [sons of Jacob](/genesis/35-23-26 "Genesis 35:23-26 - The Sons of Jacob"). This provided a vital anchor for a people rebuilding their identity. Second, the meticulous preservation of these lineages, even after periods of dispersion and exile, speaks profoundly to **Divine Faithfulness**. It assures the reader of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to the patriarchs, demonstrating His steadfastness in fulfilling His plan through chosen lines despite human failings and historical upheavals. Third, the twelve sons represent the fundamental **Foundation of the Nation** of Israel, their names synonymous with the tribal divisions that shaped Israel's history, geography, and social structure, laying the groundwork for the future kingdom and its spiritual heritage, as seen in the subsequent tribal accounts in [1 Chronicles 4-9](/1_chronicles/4 "Descendants of Judah and Other Tribes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From the Hebrew words for "son" (בֵּן) and "right hand" (יָמִין), meaning "son of (the) right hand." Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, born tragically as Rachel died in childbirth (cf. [Genesis 35:16-18](/genesis/35-16-18 "Birth of Benjamin and Death of Rachel")). His name signifies strength, favor, and a position of honor, highlighting his unique place among Jacob's sons despite his late arrival and the circumstances of his birth.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** Derived from the Hebrew verb "to add" (יָסַף), meaning "let him add" or "he adds." This name was given by Rachel, expressing her desire for another son (cf. [Genesis 30:24](/genesis/30-24 "Birth of Joseph")). Joseph's descendants formed two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, underscoring his unique prominence and the significant role his lineage played in Israel's early history, especially during the sojourn in Egypt.
* **Asher (Hebrew, _ʼÂshêr'_):** From the Hebrew root "to be happy" or "to bless" (אָשַׁר), meaning "happy" or "blessed." This name was given by Leah's servant Zilpah, Asher's mother, indicating the joy associated with his birth (cf. [Genesis 30:13](/genesis/30-13 "Birth of Asher")). Asher represents a distinct and integral part of the collective identity of Israel, emphasizing the blessing and diversity within the unified nation, reflecting God's abundant provision for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Dan":** The fifth son of Jacob, and the first son born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant. The tribe of Dan would later be known for its migration northwards and its early deviation into idolatry, as detailed in [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - The Migration of Dan and Idolatry"). His inclusion here ensures the complete representation of all tribal progenitors.
* **"Joseph":** The eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel. Joseph's narrative is foundational to Israel's history, as his rise to power in Egypt facilitated the family's survival during famine and their growth into a nation. His descendants, Ephraim and Manasseh, became two of the most influential tribes, receiving a double portion of inheritance, signifying his unique blessing and prominence within the patriarchal lineage.
* **"and Benjamin":** The twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, and the second son of Rachel. Benjamin's birth was marked by the tragic death of his mother. Despite being the smallest tribe, it would produce significant figures, including Israel's first king, Saul, and later, the Apostle Paul, underscoring its enduring importance and the surprising ways God works through seemingly humble origins.
* **"Naphtali":** The second son of Bilhah and sixth son of Jacob. The tribe of Naphtali settled in the fertile northern region of Canaan, known for its strategic location and its role in early Israelite history, including its participation in the battle against Sisera (cf. [Judges 4:6](/judges/4-6 "Deborah and Barak")).
* **"Gad":** The first son of Zilpah, Leah's servant, and seventh son of Jacob. The tribe of Gad settled east of the Jordan River, alongside Reuben and Manasseh, and was known for its strength and warrior spirit, as reflected in Jacob's blessing in [Genesis 49:19](/genesis/49-19 "Jacob's Blessing on Gad").
* **"and Asher":** The second son of Zilpah and eighth son of Jacob. The tribe of Asher settled in the northern coastal plain, a region known for its rich agricultural produce, particularly olive oil, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The meticulous inclusion of these six names, completing the list from 1 Chronicles 2:1, comprehensively establishes the full complement of the twelve tribal progenitors, reinforcing the divinely ordained and comprehensive structure of the Israelite nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:2, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names serves not merely as a historical record but as a profound theological statement, establishing the continuity of God's covenant people from creation onward. It provides an unbroken chain of descent, affirming the legitimacy and divine appointment of Israel. Closely related is **Enumeration**, the systematic listing of individuals, which highlights the foundational nature of these twelve sons as the indispensable building blocks of the entire nation. The very act of naming each son reinforces their individual significance while simultaneously emphasizing their collective identity as the "sons of Israel." Furthermore, the **Repetition** of this foundational list of Jacob's sons across various biblical books (e.g., Genesis, Numbers, Revelation) underscores their enduring importance and the consistent divine plan for Israel's formation. The Chronicler's specific ordering, while differing from some other biblical lists, serves his particular theological agenda of reaffirming Israel's post-exilic identity and their unbroken connection to their ancestral roots, providing comfort and assurance of God's enduring covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The careful enumeration of Jacob's sons in 1 Chronicles 2:2, completing the list from the previous verse, serves as a powerful theological anchor for the post-exilic community and for all subsequent readers. It reminds us that Israel's existence is not accidental but divinely purposed, rooted in the specific individuals chosen by God to form His covenant nation. This meticulous record affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating that despite centuries of history, including periods of apostasy, dispersion, and exile, the foundational identity of Israel as the people of God remained intact. It underscores the concept of a chosen lineage through whom God would work His redemptive plan, foreshadowing the ultimate lineage that would lead to the Messiah. The very act of preserving these names speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant and His commitment to His people, ensuring their continuity and their essential place in His grand narrative of salvation.

* [Genesis 49:28](/genesis/49-28 "Jacob Blesses His Sons")
* [Numbers 1:1-16](/numbers/1-16 "Census of the Tribes of Israel")
* [Revelation 7:5-8](/revelation/7-5-8 "The Sealed Tribes of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While genealogies might initially appear as dry lists of names, 1 Chronicles 2:2 invites us to reflect on profound spiritual truths that transcend ancient Israel. It reminds us that our identity, both individually and collectively as the church, is deeply rooted in God's sovereign plan and His historical faithfulness. Just as the twelve sons formed the indispensable foundation of ancient Israel, so too are all believers integral to the spiritual household of God, the new Israel. We are not isolated individuals but part of a continuous, divinely orchestrated story that spans generations and culminates in Christ. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that God works through specific people and communities to accomplish His grand purposes, building His kingdom through faithful generations. It fosters a profound sense of belonging and continuity, assuring us that God's promises endure and that we are active participants in His ongoing work in the world. Our spiritual lineage connects us to a rich legacy of faith, reminding us that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and we are called to faithfully pass on that legacy to future generations, living out our part in God's unfolding story.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the foundational role of the twelve tribes in Israel's identity inform your understanding of the church's identity and unity today?**
* **In what specific ways does God's meticulous preservation of genealogies demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness to His promises across generations, even through periods of hardship?**
* **How does recognizing your place within God's larger, historical plan—a plan that began with these foundational figures—encourage and empower you in your personal faith journey?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several profound reasons, particularly in 1 Chronicles. For the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was addressed, these lists served to re-establish their national and religious identity after the Babylonian exile, providing a vital anchor to their heritage. They confirmed tribal affiliations, validated claims to land inheritance (cf. the detailed land divisions in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Division of the Land by Tribe")), and authenticated priestly and royal lineages (e.g., the meticulously traced line of David in [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "The Sons of David")). Theologically, they powerfully demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing how His redemptive plan unfolds meticulously through specific individuals and families across history, ensuring the continuity of His chosen people and ultimately leading to the promised Messiah. They underscore the divine ordering of history and the enduring importance of heritage in God's grand redemptive narrative.

**Why is the order of Jacob's sons different in 1 Chronicles 2:1-2 compared to other biblical lists?**

Answer: The order of Jacob's sons in 1 Chronicles 2:1-2 (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, Asher) indeed differs from some other biblical lists, such as those found in [Genesis 35:23-26](/genesis/35-23-26 "The Sons of Jacob") (which follows birth order) or the tribal encampment order in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Census of Israel and Tribal Encampments"). The Chronicler's specific arrangement appears to group the sons primarily by their mothers: Leah's sons first, then Bilhah's, then Rachel's, then Zilpah's. This intentional ordering likely serves the Chronicler's particular theological and literary purposes, perhaps emphasizing the familial relationships and the comprehensive unity of the tribes from their very inception, rather than strictly adhering to birth order or a functional tribal arrangement. It highlights the completeness of the foundational family unit from which the entire nation sprang, reinforcing the unity and divine origin of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:2 lists the physical progenitors of the tribes of Israel, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how these earthly lineages ultimately point to and find their culmination in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of Israel's genealogy, including the twelve sons of Jacob, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise to Abraham that through his "seed" all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "God's Promise to Abraham")). This lineage, carefully traced through Judah in [1 Chronicles 2-4](/1_chronicles/2 "Descendants of Judah and Other Tribes"), ultimately culminates in the birth of Jesus, who is explicitly identified as the "son of David, the son of Abraham" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Jesus, as the true Israel, the ultimate Son of God, and the head of the new covenant, fulfills the purpose of these tribal foundations. He gathers a new spiritual Israel, the Church, composed of believers from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Multitude from Every Nation")), demonstrating that the true lineage and spiritual inheritance are now found not merely in physical descent but in faith in Him ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Children of Abraham by Faith")). Thus, the seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 2:2 foreshadows the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan realized in Christ, who unites all who believe into His one body, transcending earthly tribal divisions.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.