1 Chronicles 7:1

KJV

¶ Now the sons of Issachar [were], Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the sons {H1121} of Issachar {H3485} were, Tola {H8439}, and Puah {H6312}, Jashub {H3437}, and Shimron {H8110}, four {H702}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yissakhar were: Tola, Pu'ah, Yashuv and Shimron - four.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all.

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Issachar: Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:1 initiates a detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Issachar, specifically listing his four direct sons: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. This seemingly straightforward enumeration serves as a foundational entry within the broader genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, meticulously preserving the tribal identity and demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining the lineage of His covenant people, setting the stage for the nation's re-establishment and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens a significant section (1 Chronicles 7:1-5) dedicated to the descendants of Issachar, part of the extensive genealogical records spanning 1 Chronicles 1-9. These chapters serve as a crucial introduction to the historical narrative of Israel, establishing the foundational identity of the nation through its tribal structures. Following the genealogies of Judah (chapters 2-4), Simeon (chapter 4), Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (chapter 5), and Levi (chapter 6), the chronicler continues to systematically list the remaining tribes. The immediate literary purpose is to provide a comprehensive, albeit selective, overview of the post-exilic community's heritage, linking them back to their patriarchal roots and reinforcing their continuity as God's chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BC. For the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, these genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents. They served to re-establish tribal identities, confirm land inheritances (as seen in the detailed lists of towns and territories in other tribal sections), ensure the purity of priestly and Levitical lineages, and provide a sense of continuity and belonging for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life. In a society where identity, inheritance, and religious roles were tied to one's lineage, these records were paramount. The tribe of Issachar, specifically, was later recognized for its sagacity, as noted in [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "1 Chronicles 12:32 - Men of Issachar who understood the times").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of these lineages in 1 Chronicles 7:1 and throughout the early chapters contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Order and Faithfulness** of God, demonstrating His precise and orderly nature in preserving the tribal structures and fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram")). Secondly, it highlights **Identity and Continuity**, providing a vital link for the returning exiles to their heritage, confirming their place within the covenant community, and solidifying their claim to the land. This continuity is essential for understanding Israel's enduring role in God's plan. Finally, these seemingly dry lists serve as a **Foundation for God's Redemptive Plan**, laying the groundwork for the structure of Israel and the unfolding of divine history, which ultimately culminates in the lineage of the Messiah, as profoundly traced in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Issachar (Hebrew, _Yissaskar'_):** The name means "there is recompense" or "he is hired," a meaning explicitly linked to his birth narrative in [Genesis 30:18](/genesis/30-18 "Genesis 30:18 - Leah's Joy at Issachar's Birth"). In this context, the name signifies the foundational patriarch of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, representing a distinct lineage within God's covenant people. The inclusion of his name here serves to anchor the subsequent tribal enumeration to its original source.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _banim'_):** This term emphasizes direct paternal lineage, crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the continuity of the family unit within the larger national structure. In genealogical lists, "sons" often refers to direct descendants who become heads of their own family branches, thus forming the primary subdivisions of the tribe.
* **Four (Hebrew, _'arba'_):** The explicit mention of the number "four" for Issachar's sons is a characteristic feature of biblical genealogies, providing precision and completeness. It highlights the foundational nature of these four individuals from whom the subsequent clans and families of the tribe of Issachar would descend, ensuring clarity in the tribal structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the sons of Issachar [were],"**: This introductory clause signals a shift in the chronicler's focus to a new tribal lineage. The term "Now" (Hebrew, _wĕ_) serves as a connective, linking this section to the preceding genealogies and maintaining the systematic presentation of Israel's tribal structure. It establishes the subject of the following enumeration.
* **"Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron,"**: This segment provides the specific names of Issachar's four direct sons. These individuals are the progenitors of the major clans within the tribe of Issachar. While their individual etymologies are not the primary focus here, their names are meticulously recorded to ensure the integrity and historical accuracy of the tribal records, vital for the post-exilic community's self-understanding.
* **"four."**: This concluding numerical statement confirms the exact number of Issachar's direct sons. The explicit count reinforces the precision and thoroughness of the chronicler's work. It also serves to delineate the primary branches from which the larger tribe of Issachar would later develop, as further detailed in the subsequent verses of this chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 7:1 is **Genealogy** itself, which is a specialized form of list. This verse, like much of 1 Chronicles 1-9, functions as an **Enumeration**, systematically listing names and numbers to establish a clear and precise record of lineage. The chronicler's meticulous detailing of names and the explicit counting ("four") underscore the importance of **Verisimilitude** and historical accuracy for the audience. While seemingly dry, this precise enumeration serves a profound theological purpose, affirming God's orderly nature and His faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations. The very act of listing names also implicitly highlights the **Continuity** of God's plan across time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:1, though a simple list of names, is deeply significant for its contribution to the overarching theological narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the preservation of His people. The meticulous recording of these lineages underscores God's commitment to His promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring and a designated land. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were not just historical records but living proof of God's enduring care, providing a tangible link to their heritage and a foundation for their renewed identity. They illustrate that even in seemingly mundane details, God's hand is at work, orchestrating the preservation of a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold.

* [Genesis 46:13](/genesis/46-13 "Genesis 46:13 - Issachar's Sons in Jacob's Migration to Egypt")
* [Numbers 26:23-25](/numbers/26-23 "Numbers 26:23-25 - Census of Issachar's Clans")
* [Joshua 19:17-23](/joshua/19-17 "Joshua 19:17-23 - Issachar's Tribal Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values individual achievement and immediate gratification, 1 Chronicles 7:1 invites us to pause and consider the profound significance of continuity, heritage, and the faithfulness of God across generations. This verse, part of a vast genealogical record, reminds us that our lives are not isolated events but are woven into a larger tapestry of God's ongoing work in history. It encourages us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through the ages, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Just as God meticulously preserved the lineages of Israel, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives and the grand narrative of His church. This should inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our contributions, however small they may seem, play a part in God's eternal purposes, impacting future generations. It also calls us to value community and connection, understanding that our identity is often shaped and strengthened by our belonging to a larger spiritual family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the importance of biblical genealogies deepen your appreciation for God's meticulous care and faithfulness throughout history?**
* **In what ways does your personal or spiritual heritage influence your identity and walk with God today?**
* **What "seemingly insignificant details" in your own life might God be using to fulfill a larger purpose, even if you don't fully see it yet?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prominent in 1 Chronicles, and what is their significance for us today?**

Answer: Genealogies are prominent in 1 Chronicles because they served several critical functions for the post-exilic community in Judah. They helped re-establish tribal identities, confirm land inheritances, ensure the purity of priestly and Levitical lineages, and, most importantly, demonstrate God's enduring covenant faithfulness. For a people returning from exile, these lists provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their continuity as God's chosen people and their claim to the land. For us today, these genealogies underscore several vital truths: God is a God of order and precision, His promises are meticulously kept across generations, and every individual and family plays a part in His grand redemptive narrative. They remind us that our spiritual heritage is rich and that God works through specific people and lineages to accomplish His purposes, ultimately pointing to the lineage of Christ (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:1 directly lists the sons of Issachar, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how these genealogies, as part of the broader Old Testament narrative, meticulously preserve the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Every name listed, every tribe accounted for, contributes to the grand tapestry of God's covenant faithfulness, ensuring the continuity of the people from whom the promised Seed would arise. The meticulous preservation of the tribe of Judah's lineage in earlier chapters (e.g., [1 Chronicles 2:3-15](/1_chronicles/2-3 "1 Chronicles 2:3-15 - Descendants of Judah")) directly foreshadows the coming of the King from David's line, ultimately culminating in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "Son" who fulfills all the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing a new covenant community that transcends tribal boundaries ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). In Christ, the meticulous record-keeping of the Old Testament finds its glorious purpose, as He is the true Israel, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the one through whom all the families of the earth are blessed ([Acts 3:25-26](/acts/3-25 "Acts 3:25-26 - Peter's Sermon on the Promise to Abraham")).

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

Genesis 46:13

And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

Numbers 26:23

[Of] the sons of Issachar after their families: [of] Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:

Numbers 26:24

Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.