1 Chronicles 7:11

KJV

All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, [were] seventeen thousand and two hundred [soldiers], fit to go out for war [and] battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

All these the sons {H1121} of Jediael {H3043}, by the heads {H7218} of their fathers {H1}, mighty {H1368} men of valour {H2428}, were seventeen {H7651}{H6240} thousand {H505} and two hundred {H3967} soldiers, fit to go out {H3318} for war {H6635} and battle {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All these were descendants of Y'dia'el, leaders of their fathers' clans, who were brave, strong men; they numbered 17,200, all fit to fight with the army.

Berean Standard Bible

Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. All these sons of Jediael were heads of their families, mighty men of valor; there were 17,200 fit for battle.

American Standard Version

All these were sons of Jediael, according to the heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor, seventeen thousand and two hundred, that were able to go forth in the host for war.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:11 is a precise genealogical record embedded within the extensive tribal lists of Israel, specifically focusing on the descendants of Ephraim through Jediael. This verse highlights the remarkable military strength and readiness of a particular branch within the tribe, detailing a significant number of "mighty men of valour" who were fully prepared for warfare. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous preservation of His people and their capabilities, even in the detailed accounting of their lineage and martial potential.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy genealogies of 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9, which meticulously trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes. Following the detailed accounts of Judah, Benjamin, Issachar, Naphtali, and Manasseh, Chapter 7 shifts its focus to Ephraim, then Asher. The Chronicler's primary audience was the post-exilic community, aiming to re-establish their identity, land claims, and connection to God's covenant promises. The inclusion of precise numbers and descriptions of military strength, such as the 17,200 men from Jediael's line, underscores the Chronicler's interest in demonstrating the vitality and organizational capacity of the tribes, even in their historical dispersion and eventual return. These detailed lists were not mere dry records but served to affirm the continuity of God's people and His faithfulness to His promises, providing a foundation for their renewed life in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed during the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. At this time, re-establishing national and religious identity was paramount. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society for determining tribal affiliation, land inheritance, priestly service, and military conscription. The mention of "mighty men of valour" and their readiness for battle reflects the ongoing need for defense and security in a volatile region, even as the nation was being rebuilt. The emphasis on military strength within a genealogical record would have reassured the returning exiles of their heritage and potential, reminding them of the divine blessing and capacity for self-defense that God had historically granted His people. This also echoes earlier periods of Israelite history, where military censuses were a crucial part of national organization, as seen in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 7:11 contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Meticulous Record-Keeping**, demonstrating God's sovereign attention to every detail of His covenant people. The precise enumeration of individuals and their capabilities underscores that God's plan is comprehensive and accounted for, even down to the military strength of specific family lines. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Military Strength and Preparedness**. The description of these men as "mighty men of valour" and "fit to go out for war and battle" speaks to the importance of physical and strategic readiness for the defense and advancement of God's purposes in the world, a theme prevalent throughout Israel's history, from the initial conquest of Canaan to later periods of national defense (e.g., [Joshua 1:14](/joshua/1-14 "Joshua 1:14 - Preparation for Conquest")). Thirdly, this genealogical entry reinforces the theme of **Legacy and Continuity**. By meticulously tracing lineages and highlighting their strengths, the Chronicler assures the post-exilic community of their unbroken connection to the patriarchs and the covenant, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their inherent capabilities across generations, even through periods of exile and disruption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jediael (Hebrew, _Yəḏî‘êl'_):** Meaning "known of God" or "God knows." The name itself carries theological weight, suggesting a divine recognition or intimacy. In the context of genealogies, the naming of individuals and their descendants often reflects hope, prophecy, or a characteristic of the family line. While not explicitly stated, the name Jediael could subtly imply that these "mighty men of valour" were known and perhaps even chosen by God for their strength and purpose.
* **mighty men of valour (Hebrew, גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל, _gibborê ḥayil'_):** This is a significant and frequently used phrase in the Old Testament. It denotes more than mere physical strength; it describes individuals of courage, military skill, leadership, and often, wealth or influence. These were not just strong men, but effective, capable warriors and leaders who possessed the necessary qualities to be a formidable fighting force. The term implies a combination of character, prowess, and readiness for action.
* **fit to go out for war and battle (Hebrew, לָצֵאת בַּצָּבָא לַמִּלְחָמָה, _lāṣēṯ baṣṣābāʾ lammilḥāmāh'_):** This phrase emphasizes their preparedness and active duty. It suggests that these 17,200 men were not merely strong individuals but were organized, trained, and ready for deployment. They were part of a standing army or a readily mobilizable force, indicating a high level of military organization and capability within the tribe of Ephraim. This readiness was crucial for the defense and expansion of Israel's territory and security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers":** This clause establishes the specific lineage being described. It refers to the collective descendants of Jediael, tracing their lineage through the patriarchal structure of the family. The phrase "by the heads of their fathers" emphasizes the organized, hierarchical nature of the tribal system, where identity and strength were understood through ancestral lines and family units.
* **"mighty men of valour":** This phrase serves as a descriptive adjective for the sons of Jediael, characterizing them as exceptionally strong, courageous, and militarily capable individuals. It sets the stage for the numerical assessment that follows, highlighting the quality of the fighting force.
* **"[were] seventeen thousand and two hundred [soldiers]":** This provides the precise numerical count of these "mighty men of valour." The large figure of 17,200 indicates a substantial military contingent from this specific branch of Ephraim, underscoring the tribe's significant contribution to Israel's overall strength and potential. The Chronicler's inclusion of such exact numbers emphasizes the meticulous nature of the record and the tangible strength of God's people.
* **"fit to go out for war [and] battle":** This final clause clarifies the purpose and readiness of these men. They were not just strong, but actively prepared and qualified for military service. This implies training, equipment, and a state of readiness for active combat, whether for defense or offensive campaigns. It underscores the practical and strategic importance of this lineage within the broader Israelite context.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 7:11 to convey his message. **Enumeration** is prominently used, with the precise figure of "seventeen thousand and two hundred" soldiers. This numerical detail lends an air of historical accuracy and emphasizes the tangible strength and organization of the Israelite tribes. It is a characteristic feature of the Chronicler's historical writing, highlighting the divine order and meticulousness in God's dealings with His people. Furthermore, **Descriptive Language** is evident in the phrase "mighty men of valour," which is a stock epithet used throughout the Old Testament to denote exceptional military prowess and character. This phrase elevates the status of these individuals beyond mere soldiers, imbuing them with qualities of courage, skill, and leadership. The use of such specific and laudatory language serves to underscore the significance of this particular lineage within the larger tribal narrative, demonstrating their vital role in the collective strength of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed accounting of military strength in 1 Chronicles 7:11, while seemingly a mere historical record, carries profound theological implications. It reflects God's meticulous care for His people, even in the precise enumeration of their capabilities. The strength of Israel, whether in numbers or in the valor of its warriors, was ultimately understood as a divine gift and a sign of God's presence and blessing. This emphasis on readiness and capability for battle, rooted in the divine order, points to the broader biblical theme of God equipping His people for their assigned tasks, whether it be establishing a nation, defending against enemies, or fulfilling His covenant purposes. The Chronicler's focus on these "mighty men" serves to remind the post-exilic community of their heritage of strength and divine provision, encouraging them to trust in God's continued faithfulness as they rebuilt their nation.

* [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Census for Military Service")
* [Deuteronomy 20:1](/deuteronomy/20-1 "Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Full Armor of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 7:11 details physical and military strength, its enduring principle for believers today lies in the concept of readiness and spiritual preparedness. Just as the sons of Jediael were "fit to go out for war and battle," so too are followers of Christ called to be spiritually vigilant and equipped for the challenges of faith. Our "battles" are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, requiring a different kind of valor and strength—that which comes from God. This verse encourages us to cultivate spiritual disciplines, to be "mighty" in faith, courageous in witness, and prepared to stand firm against spiritual opposition. It reminds us that our individual and collective strengths, when yielded to God, contribute to the overall vitality and effectiveness of the Body of Christ in fulfilling His kingdom purposes in the world. We are to be ready, not for earthly combat, but for the spiritual warfare that defines the Christian life, always relying on God's power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's record-keeping in genealogies encourage or challenge your view of His care for individuals and communities?**
* **In what ways are we, as believers, called to be "mighty men and women of valour" in our spiritual lives today?**
* **What does it mean to be "fit to go out for war and battle" in a spiritual sense, and how can we cultivate this readiness?**
* **How can the emphasis on collective strength and organization in ancient Israel inform our understanding of the church's role and function in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies, especially those with military details, so important in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including military details like those in 1 Chronicles 7:11, served several critical purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they re-established the identity and continuity of the Jewish people, connecting them directly to their ancestral roots and God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and the Davidic line. Secondly, they were crucial for practical matters such as land claims, inheritance, and the re-establishment of priestly and Levitical service, ensuring that the correct individuals fulfilled their roles according to their lineage. Thirdly, the inclusion of military strength, as seen with the sons of Jediael, reassured the returning exiles of their collective strength and God's continued provision for their defense and security in a potentially hostile environment. These lists were not just historical records but foundational documents for rebuilding a nation rooted in its past and looking to God's future. The Chronicler's emphasis on such details highlights God's meticulous care for His people and His faithfulness in preserving their heritage and capabilities, even through periods of great upheaval like the Babylonian exile, as seen in the broader context of [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Genealogies of the Returned Exiles").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:11 describes the physical strength and military readiness of an ancient Israelite tribe, it finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "mighty man of valour," not in earthly combat, but in His decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as the sons of Jediael were "fit to go out for war and battle," Christ was perfectly equipped and prepared for His cosmic battle on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). In Him, believers are empowered to become a spiritual army, no longer relying on physical might but on the "whole armor of God" (as described in [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Full Armor of God")) to engage in spiritual warfare. The strength and readiness of the Ephraimites foreshadow the spiritual might available to those united with Christ, who through His victory, enables His followers to demolish strongholds and take every thought captive to obey Him (as in [2 Corinthians 10:3](/2_corinthians/10-3 "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Spiritual Warfare")). Thus, the ancient record of physical prowess points forward to the spiritual dominion and victorious life that Christ bestows upon His Church, making us "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (see [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

2 Chronicles 17:13

And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, [were] in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 17:19

These waited on the king, beside [those] whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.