1 Chronicles 7:13

KJV

The sons of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Naphtali {H5321}; Jahziel {H3185}, and Guni {H1476}, and Jezer {H3337}, and Shallum {H7967}, the sons {H1121} of Bilhah {H1090}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Naftali were: Yachtzi'el, Guni, Yetzer, Shalum, the sons of Bilhah.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum—the descendants of Bilhah.

American Standard Version

The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:13 is a concise genealogical entry that meticulously lists four of the sons of Naphtali—Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum—explicitly noting their maternal lineage through Bilhah. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles, serves as a vital record for the post-exilic community, reinforcing their tribal identity, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people, and underscoring the divine preservation of Israel's heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which form the foundational historical and theological framework for the entire book. Following the genealogies of Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Levi, Issachar, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, 1 Chronicles 7:13 presents the lineage of Naphtali. Unlike some other tribes that receive more detailed accounts, Naphtali's entry is notably brief, consisting of only this single verse. This brevity, however, does not diminish its significance; rather, it highlights the Chronicler's selective focus, ensuring that all twelve tribes are accounted for, thus emphasizing the unity and completeness of Israel, even if some lines are presented more succinctly than others. The primary purpose of these early chapters is to establish the legitimate lineage of the returning exiles, connecting them to their ancient roots and God's covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th or 4th century BCE, for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian captivity. For this community, re-establishing their identity, land claims, and communal structure was paramount. Genealogies were not merely dry lists of names; they were living documents that defined social status, inheritance rights, tribal affiliations, and eligibility for religious service (especially for priests and Levites). The mention of "the sons of Bilhah" for Naphtali is culturally significant, as Bilhah was Rachel's handmaid, given to Jacob to bear children on Rachel's behalf (as seen in [Genesis 30:1-8](/genesis/30-1 "Genesis 30:1-8 - The Birth of Dan and Naphtali")). This detail solidified Naphtali's legitimate place within the patriarchal family structure, even though he was not born of one of Jacob's primary wives. The tribe of Naphtali historically occupied territory in the northern part of Canaan, specifically the Galilee region, known for its fertile land and strategic location.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 7:13, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes present throughout 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Continuity and Preservation of God's People**. Despite the exile and the passage of centuries, God faithfully maintained the lineage of Israel, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Secondly, it speaks to the vital importance of **Identity and Heritage**. For the post-exilic community, knowing one's tribal and familial roots was foundational for re-establishing their national and religious life, providing a sense of belonging and purpose. This meticulous record-keeping reflects a deep concern for the integrity of Israel's past, which informed its present and future. Lastly, even in these seemingly mundane lists, there is an implicit message of **Divine Faithfulness**. The very existence of these genealogies, tracing the descendants of the patriarchs through generations of challenges and triumphs, serves as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, proving that His plan for His people endures. This is a theme echoed in other historical accounts, such as the detailed census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Naphtali (Hebrew, _Naphtali'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root for "wrestling" or "struggle." As recorded in [Genesis 30:8](/genesis/30-8 "Genesis 30:8 - Rachel's Struggle and Naphtali's Birth"), Rachel named him "Naphtali" because she had "wrestled with my sister and have prevailed." This name, therefore, carries a profound resonance of struggle and eventual triumph, reflecting the early dynamics within Jacob's family and perhaps foreshadowing the struggles and eventual restoration of the nation of Israel.
* **Bilhah (Hebrew, _Bilhah'_):** Rachel's handmaid, given to Jacob to bear children on Rachel's behalf. Her inclusion here as "the sons of Bilhah" is crucial. It explicitly links these descendants to their specific maternal lineage, reinforcing their legitimate place within the twelve tribes of Israel, despite their mother's status as a handmaid. This detail highlights the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which often include maternal lines to clarify and solidify familial connections, particularly in complex patriarchal structures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Naphtali;":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the tribal patriarch whose descendants are about to be listed. It serves as a direct heading, signaling a transition to the lineage of one of Jacob's twelve sons, who became the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
* **"Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum,":** These are the four specific names of Naphtali's sons. In ancient Israelite society, these individuals would have been the heads of major clans within the tribe of Naphtali. Their listing here is not merely for historical record but also to identify the foundational family units that comprised the larger tribal entity, essential for land allocation, military organization, and social structure.
* **"the sons of Bilhah.":** This concluding phrase provides a critical piece of information regarding the maternal lineage of these four sons. It explicitly states that they are the offspring of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid. This detail is consistent with the account in [Genesis 30:7-8](/genesis/30-7 "Genesis 30:7-8 - Birth of Dan and Naphtali"), where Bilhah bears Naphtali to Jacob. Its inclusion here underscores the legitimacy of Naphtali's line within the covenant community, affirming that even sons born through handmaids were fully integrated into the tribal structure and God's overarching plan for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:13, and indeed throughout the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured, intentional presentation of lineage designed to establish identity, continuity, and legitimacy. The Chronicler employs **Conciseness** for Naphtali's entry, presenting the entire tribal lineage in a single, compact verse, which contrasts with the more elaborate lists for other tribes. This brevity highlights the Chronicler's selective emphasis while still ensuring comprehensive coverage of all twelve tribes. There is also an element of **Repetition** in the use of "sons of" (implied for Naphtali, then explicit for Bilhah), which is characteristic of genealogical writing, serving to clearly delineate familial relationships and maintain a consistent structural pattern.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:13, though a brief genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous care and faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations. Even in what might appear to be a dry list of names, we see the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, ensuring the continuity of Israel's identity despite the challenges of history, including exile. This verse reminds us that every individual, every family, and every tribal line has a place within God's grand narrative of redemption. The inclusion of "the sons of Bilhah" further underscores God's inclusive nature, demonstrating that His covenant extended even to those born through less conventional circumstances within the patriarchal family, ensuring their full integration into the chosen nation. This meticulous record-keeping reflects a divine attention to detail that undergirds the entire history of salvation.

* [Genesis 46:24](/genesis/46-24 "Genesis 46:24 - Naphtali's Sons in Jacob's Descent to Egypt")
* [Numbers 26:48-50](/numbers/26-48 "Numbers 26:48-50 - Census of the Tribe of Naphtali")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - The Importance of Genealogies for Returnees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple list of names might seem distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 7:13 offers powerful lessons for reflection and application. It invites us to consider the profound truth that God is intimately involved in the details of human history and individual lives. Just as He meticulously preserved the lineage of Naphtali, He orchestrates our lives and our spiritual heritage. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own spiritual roots, recognizing the faithful individuals who have contributed to the legacy of faith we inherit. It calls us to consider our place within the larger story of God's people, understanding that we are part of a continuous, divinely sustained lineage of believers. Furthermore, it reminds us that every person, even those seemingly lost in a long list, is known and valued by God, affirming the inherent dignity and significance of each individual in His eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of genealogies in Scripture, like 1 Chronicles 7:13, speak to God's character and His attention to detail in our own lives?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage (the "family tree" of faith) strengthen our personal walk with God?**
* **How can we, like the Chronicler, intentionally record and pass on the stories of God's faithfulness to future generations in our families and communities?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons, particularly in 1 Chronicles, which was written for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they establish **identity and legitimacy**. For the returning exiles, knowing their tribal and familial lineage was essential for re-establishing their place in society, claiming ancestral land, and participating in religious life. Secondly, they demonstrate **continuity and God's faithfulness**. By meticulously tracing lines from Adam through the patriarchs and tribes, the genealogies affirm that God has faithfully preserved His covenant people through history, despite periods of apostasy, judgment, and exile. Thirdly, they set the stage for **messianic expectation**. The genealogies, especially those of Judah and David, lay the groundwork for the lineage of the Messiah, culminating in Jesus Christ (as seen in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Finally, they highlight **God's meticulous plan**, showing that every individual and family has a place within His overarching redemptive narrative, underscoring His sovereignty over history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:13 is a historical record of a specific tribal lineage, its deeper significance finds fulfillment in Christ. The meticulous preservation of these genealogies in the Old Testament, including that of Naphtali, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preparing the way for the Messiah. Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Son of David and the promised heir of Abraham, fulfills the entire sweep of Israel's history and its intricate genealogies (as detailed 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 through Mary")). In Christ, the emphasis shifts from physical lineage to spiritual adoption. The inclusion of "the sons of Bilhah" in the tribal records, ensuring their place within God's covenant people, foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant. Through Christ, the barriers of birth, race, or social status are broken down, and all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile, are brought into God's family, becoming spiritual "sons and daughters" through faith in the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, the dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:13 ultimately directs our gaze to the one who is the true head of the new spiritual Israel, building a family not by bloodlines but by grace and faith in His name, as proclaimed in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ").

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

Numbers 26:48

[Of] the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites:

Numbers 26:49

Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.

Genesis 30:3

And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.

Genesis 30:8

And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

Genesis 35:22

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Genesis 46:24

And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.

Genesis 46:25

These [are] the sons of Bilhah, which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare these unto Jacob: all the souls [were] seven.