1 Chronicles 5:7

KJV

And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, [were] the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And his brethren {H251} by their families {H4940}, when the genealogy {H3187} of their generations {H8435} was reckoned {H3187}, were the chief {H7218}, Jeiel {H3273}, and Zechariah {H2148},

Complete Jewish Bible

His brothers, by their clans, as listed in their genealogical records were: Ye'i'el the leader, Z'kharyah

Berean Standard Bible

Beerah was a leader of the Reubenites. His relatives by their clans are recorded in their genealogy:

American Standard Version

And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:7 is a concise yet significant verse within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son. It highlights the meticulous "reckoning" or formal census of their generations, identifying specific individuals, Jeiel and Zechariah, as "the chief" or leaders within their families. This verse underscores the importance of order, identity, and recognized leadership in the post-exilic community, reflecting God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage amidst the broader narrative of Israel's history and covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 5:7 is situated within the lengthy genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which serve as a foundational anchor for the post-exilic community. Specifically, it belongs to the detailed account of the tribe of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:1-10). Though Reuben forfeited his birthright (1 Chronicles 5:1-2), his lineage is still presented first, emphasizing the historical continuity and divine order. This verse follows the general enumeration of Reuben's descendants and their settlement, zeroing in on the administrative aspect of their organization by highlighting the formal registration of their families and the identification of key leaders within them, thus providing a bridge from general lineage to specific governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For this repatriated community, genealogies were not mere lists but vital documents for re-establishing their identity, claiming tribal land inheritances, confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and rebuilding their national and spiritual life. The "reckoning" (census or registration) mentioned in this verse was a formal, official act, common in ancient Near Eastern societies for administrative, military, and taxation purposes. Identifying "the chief" (heads of families or clans) was crucial for local governance, ensuring social cohesion and the proper functioning of the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, illustrating God's meticulous care and faithfulness in maintaining the tribal and family lines of Israel, a crucial aspect for the fulfillment of His covenant promises, including the eventual lineage of the Messiah. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Identity and Heritage**, providing the returning exiles with a tangible connection to their past, their land, and their covenant relationship with God, as seen in the importance of knowing one's family and tribal roots for belonging and purpose (compare [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - The Importance of Genealogies for Returnees")). Thirdly, the "reckoning" highlights **Order and Structure** within God's people, demonstrating the importance of systematic organization for the well-being and governance of the community, reflecting the divine desire for order, as also seen in the detailed regulations for the tabernacle and temple (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern of the Tabernacle")). Finally, the mention of "the chief" points to the theme of **Godly Leadership**, recognizing the vital role of appointed or acknowledged leaders in guiding and representing the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reckoned (Hebrew, _yāḥaś'_):** This verb, often translated as "to be enrolled genealogically," "to be registered," or "to be counted by genealogy," signifies a formal and official act of tracing and recording lineage. It implies a deliberate and accurate census, not a casual listing. The Hithpael stem suggests a reflexive or reciprocal action, emphasizing the process of individuals being registered according to their family lines, highlighting the importance of this formal process for the community's structure and identity.
* **chief (Hebrew, _rō'š'_):** This noun literally means "head" and is frequently used to denote a leader, chief, or principal person. In the context of genealogies and tribal structures, it refers to the head of a family, clan, or even a larger tribal division. The identification of Jeiel and Zechariah as "the chief" indicates their recognized authority and prominent status within their respective family units, serving as representatives and figures of governance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his brethren by their families":** This phrase refers to the other descendants of Reuben, beyond the immediate line of Reuben's firstborn, organized specifically according to their distinct family units or clans. This emphasizes the structured and familial organization of the tribe.
* **"when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned":** This crucial clause describes the formal process of registration or census. It indicates that an official record was compiled, meticulously tracing the lineage of each family within the Reubenite tribe. This "reckoning" served administrative, legal, and theological purposes, affirming identity and continuity.
* **"[were] the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah":** This identifies two specific individuals who held positions of prominence and leadership within the Reubenite families during the period of this genealogical registration. Jeiel and Zechariah were recognized as "heads" or "chiefs," implying their significant role in the internal governance, representation, and well-being of their respective family groups.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 5:7, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form that serves multiple purposes: establishing lineage, validating claims (e.g., land, priestly service), demonstrating historical continuity, and affirming identity. The meticulous nature of the record, highlighted by the phrase "when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned," also employs **Enumeration** and **Listing**, emphasizing precision and divine order. The specific naming of "the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah" utilizes **Specific Naming** to underscore the importance of individual leadership and the structured organization within the broader tribal framework, moving from the general to the particular.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous genealogies in 1 Chronicles, epitomized by the "reckoning" in 1 Chronicles 5:7, are not merely historical records but profound theological statements. They testify to God's sovereign faithfulness and His meticulous attention to detail in preserving His covenant people. Even amidst exile and dispersion, God maintains the thread of His promises, ensuring the continuity of the tribes and, ultimately, the lineage that would lead to the Messiah. This divine oversight underscores that Israel's identity and future were rooted not just in human records but in God's unchanging plan. The recognition of "chiefs" within this divine order speaks to God's desire for structured communities and godly leadership to guide His people.

* [Numbers 1:2](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2 - Census of Israel")
* [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood due to Lost Genealogy")
* [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - Generations from Abraham to Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern society may not emphasize tribal genealogies in the same way, 1 Chronicles 5:7 offers timeless lessons about God's character and our place within His grand narrative. This verse reminds us of God's meticulous care for every individual and family, demonstrating that He is intimately involved in the details of human history and the lives of His people. It encourages us to understand and cherish our spiritual heritage in Christ, recognizing that through faith, we are grafted into a divine family, a spiritual lineage that transcends earthly ties. Just as Jeiel and Zechariah were recognized as "chiefs," the passage implicitly affirms the enduring importance of godly leadership within families, churches, and communities today. Such leadership, rooted in wisdom and service, is vital for maintaining order, fostering spiritual well-being, and guiding God's people in accordance with His will. Ultimately, this verse speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises and His unwavering faithfulness to His people through all generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving genealogies encourage you regarding His care for your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways do you understand and cherish your spiritual heritage as a believer in Christ, recognizing your place in God's larger family?**
* **What role does godly leadership play in your family, church, or community, and how can you support those who serve in such capacities?**
* **How does the concept of being "reckoned" or "counted" in God's divine plan impact your sense of belonging, purpose, and responsibility?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly tedious in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the one for Reuben in 1 Chronicles 5, served crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. They were not merely tedious lists but vital documents that re-established the identity of the returning exiles, validated their claims to tribal lands, confirmed eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and reinforced their continuity with the covenant promises made to their forefathers. These lists provided a tangible link to their glorious past, assuring them that despite the exile, God had preserved His people and was faithful to His covenant. They also laid the groundwork for the re-establishment of temple worship and the Davidic monarchy, ultimately pointing towards the Messiah (see [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

**What was the significance of "the chief" in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, "the chief" (Hebrew _ro'sh_) referred to the head or leader of a family, clan, or even a larger tribal division. These individuals held significant authority and responsibility. They were often involved in local governance, dispute resolution, military organization, and representing their family or clan in broader tribal or national assemblies. Their recognition in the genealogies, as seen with Jeiel and Zechariah in 1 Chronicles 5:7, underscores the structured and hierarchical nature of Israelite society and the importance of established, recognized leadership for maintaining order, administering justice, and ensuring the well-being of the community.

**How does this verse relate to the broader purpose of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 5:7, by detailing the "reckoning" of Reuben's genealogy and identifying "the chief," perfectly encapsulates the broader purpose of the book of 1 Chronicles. The chronicler's aim was to provide the post-exilic community with a comprehensive account of their history, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenants, particularly with Abraham and David. This verse contributes to establishing the legitimate identity of the people of Israel, reinforcing their claim to the land, and preparing them for the restoration of temple worship and the re-establishment of the Davidic monarchy. The meticulous record-keeping underscores God's providential care in preserving His people and their heritage, ultimately pointing to the fulfillment of His promises in the coming Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 5:7 details the earthly "reckoning" of an ancient Israelite tribe, it subtly points to the ultimate divine reckoning and reordering found in Christ. The meticulous preservation of the physical lineage, particularly the Davidic line (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")), was essential for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, the true Son of David and the promised King, fulfills the purpose of all genealogies by establishing a new spiritual lineage. He is the ultimate "Chief" or "Head" of a new people, the Church, comprised not of those reckoned by physical descent alone, but by faith in Him (as in [Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Through His atoning work, believers are adopted into God's family, receiving a spiritual heritage that transcends tribal or national boundaries ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). In Christ, we are "reckoned" among the "assembly of the firstborn" ([Hebrews 12:23](/hebrews/12-23 "Hebrews 12:23 - The Church of the Firstborn")), a people eternally secure in God's perfect and unfailing plan.

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 5:17

All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.