1 Chronicles 7:14

KJV

The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bare: ([but] his concubine the Aramitess bare Machir the father of Gilead:

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}; Ashriel {H844}, whom she bare {H3205}:( but his concubine {H6370} the Aramitess {H761} bare {H3205} Machir {H4353} the father {H1} of Gilead {H1568}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of M'nasheh: his concubine the woman from Aram bore Makhir the father of Gil'ad; Asri'el [Gil'ad's son] was descended from her.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Manasseh: Through his Aramean concubine, Asriel, as well as Machir the father of Gilead.

American Standard Version

The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his concubine the Aramitess bare; she bare Machir the father of Gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:14 presents a concise but significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons. This verse specifically identifies two of Manasseh's descendants: Ashriel, born to his unnamed primary wife, and Machir, born to his concubine, an Aramitess. The mention of Machir's mother's foreign origin and his designation as "the father of Gilead" highlights both the complex social realities of ancient Israelite lineage and the historical prominence of Machir's descendants in settling the Transjordanian territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:14 is situated within the lengthy genealogical sections that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters serve as the foundation for the Chronicler's narrative, establishing the identity and lineage of God's chosen people from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, chapter 7 focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The detailed record of Manasseh's descendants in 1 Chronicles 7:14-19 emphasizes the tribe's significant size and influence, particularly its division and settlement on both sides of the Jordan River. This meticulous cataloging was crucial for the post-exilic community, helping them to re-establish tribal land claims, priestly roles, and a sense of continuity with their ancestral heritage after their return to Judah. The inclusion of figures like Machir, who was foundational to the settlement of Gilead, underscores the Chronicler's interest in the historical and geographical realities of the tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 1 Chronicles is the post-exilic period, likely the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, when the returned exiles were rebuilding their society and identity. Genealogies were not mere lists but vital legal and social documents, determining inheritance, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for various roles, especially within the priesthood. The mention of a "concubine the Aramitess" in 1 Chronicles 7:14 reflects the common practice of polygamy and the occasional intermarriage or relationships between Israelites and people from neighboring regions, even if such unions were later discouraged or prohibited by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")). Aram (Syria) was a prominent neighbor, and interactions were frequent. The designation "father of Gilead" for Machir is a cultural idiom indicating that he was the progenitor or the foundational figure from whom the inhabitants of the region of Gilead descended, highlighting the importance of territorial identity tied to lineage in ancient Israel. This region, east of the Jordan, was a key area for the tribe of Manasseh, as seen in [Numbers 32:39](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39 - Machir's Conquest of Gilead").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Genealogical Preservation**, emphasizing God's meticulous care for His covenant people and the continuity of their lineage. These records served to confirm tribal identities and land rights for the returning exiles, grounding their present in their past. Another theme is the **Inclusion of Diverse Lineage**, as the mention of an "Aramitess" concubine demonstrates that the Israelite family, while distinct, sometimes incorporated individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, showcasing a nuanced understanding of identity that was not always purely exclusive. This foreshadows a broader redemptive plan that would eventually include all nations. Finally, the verse highlights **Machir's Prominence and Territorial Significance**, indicating that certain individuals were foundational figures whose descendants played crucial roles in the settlement and development of specific regions. Machir's role as "the father of Gilead" underscores the importance of land inheritance and tribal expansion within God's promises to Abraham, as further detailed in [Joshua 17:1](/joshua/17-1 "Joshua 17:1 - Manasseh's Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashriel (Hebrew, _’ašrî’ēl'_):** This name means "God is my uprightness" or "God is my prince." While Ashriel is mentioned first, indicating his birth to Manasseh's primary wife (implied from the contrast with the concubine), the text provides no further details about him. His inclusion primarily serves to complete the genealogical record, highlighting the legitimate line alongside the one born of a concubine.
* **Aramitess (Hebrew, _hā’ărammîṯ'_):** This term denotes a woman from Aram, or Syria. The explicit mention of her foreign origin is significant. It highlights the reality of intermingling between Israelites and neighboring peoples, even if such unions were later regulated. Her status as a "concubine" (Hebrew, _pîlegeš_) indicates a secondary wife, whose children were legitimate but might have had different inheritance rights or social standing compared to those born of a primary wife.
* **Machir (Hebrew, _māḵîr'_):** Meaning "sold" or "purchased," Machir is the most prominent figure in this verse, designated as "the father of Gilead." This epithet elevates his status beyond a mere name in a list, signifying his foundational role as the progenitor of the inhabitants of the Transjordanian region of Gilead. His descendants were instrumental in settling this territory, which became a significant part of Manasseh's inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bare:"**: This opening clause introduces the lineage of Manasseh, focusing first on Ashriel. The phrase "whom she bare" implicitly refers to Manasseh's primary, unnamed wife, establishing Ashriel as a son born of a legitimate marital union. This sets up a subtle contrast with the subsequent clause.
* **"([but] his concubine the Aramitess bare Machir"**: The parenthetical "but" (implied in the Hebrew, emphasizing contrast) immediately introduces a different maternal lineage. The explicit identification of the mother as "his concubine the Aramitess" is crucial. It highlights Machir's birth from a secondary wife of foreign origin, a detail that would have been noteworthy in a genealogical record focused on purity of lineage, yet it acknowledges this reality without condemnation.
* **"the father of Gilead:"**: This concluding phrase is an honorific title for Machir, indicating his historical and territorial significance. To be called "the father of Gilead" means he was the ancestor from whom the inhabitants of the region of Gilead descended, or he was the founder of a prominent clan that settled and dominated that area. This designation elevates Machir beyond a simple name, marking him as a pivotal figure in the tribal history of Manasseh and the settlement of the Transjordan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 7:14 is **Genealogical Listing**, a characteristic feature of the Chronicler's work. This meticulous cataloging serves to establish historical continuity, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the multiplication of Abraham's descendants. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, subtly highlighted by the implied "but," distinguishing between the son born of the primary wife (Ashriel) and the son born of the concubine (Machir), thereby acknowledging the complexities of ancient Israelite family structures. Furthermore, the phrase "the father of Gilead" functions as an **Appellation** or **Epithet**, providing additional descriptive information about Machir that elevates his significance beyond a simple name, indicating his foundational role in the settlement of a specific region. The use of a **Parenthetical Clause** (implied in the KJV's "but") also helps to integrate additional, nuanced information about Machir's lineage without disrupting the flow of the genealogical list.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:14, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, offers profound theological insights into God's sovereign hand in human history and His intricate plan for His people. It underscores that God's covenant purposes are carried out through real, often complex, human families and circumstances. The inclusion of a concubine and an "Aramitess" mother for Machir reminds us that God's redemptive narrative is not confined to perfect or idealized lineages but incorporates diverse backgrounds, even those that might seem unconventional or outside the strictures of later Mosaic law. This demonstrates God's ability to work through all aspects of human life to achieve His purposes, building a people for Himself. The meticulous record-keeping itself testifies to God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen lineage, a lineage that ultimately points to the Messiah.

* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Numbers 32:39](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39 - Machir's Conquest of Gilead")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While genealogies might initially appear as distant historical records, 1 Chronicles 7:14 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human life and lineage, meticulously preserving the story of His people. Just as Machir's lineage was crucial for understanding the tribal landscape and land claims of ancient Israel, our own personal stories and spiritual heritage are part of a larger, divine narrative. This verse encourages us to recognize that God works through diverse individuals and circumstances—even those that might seem unconventional or imperfect by human standards—to fulfill His grand purposes. It reinforces the truth that every individual, regardless of their background or origin, has a place within God's unfolding plan, and that our identity is ultimately rooted not just in our earthly lineage but in our connection to the family of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of genealogies in Scripture, like in 1 Chronicles, affirm God's faithfulness and His detailed knowledge of each individual's life?**
* **What does the inclusion of a "concubine the Aramitess" in the lineage of Manasseh teach us about God's willingness to work through diverse and sometimes unexpected human circumstances?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage and our place within God's larger narrative provide comfort and purpose in our own lives today?**

### FAQ
**Why is the mother of Machir, the "Aramitess," specifically mentioned in this genealogical record?**

Answer: The explicit mention of Machir's mother as "the Aramitess" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the historical reality of intermarriage or relationships between Israelites and people from neighboring regions, such as Aram (Syria), even though such unions would later be discouraged by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")). Secondly, her status as a "concubine" (a secondary wife) distinguishes Machir's lineage from that of Ashriel, who was presumably born to Manasseh's primary wife. This detail provides clarity regarding the family structure and potential inheritance distinctions within the tribe. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail underscores the comprehensive nature of the genealogical record, acknowledging the full, sometimes complex, tapestry of Israelite ancestry. It also subtly foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan extending beyond purely Israelite lines, eventually encompassing all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 7:14, like all Old Testament genealogies, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While these lists meticulously trace human lineage to establish tribal identity and land claims, they ultimately point to the one who is the culmination of all God's promises and the true "father" of a new, spiritual people. The mention of a concubine and an "Aramitess" mother for Machir subtly prefigures the radical inclusivity of Christ's own genealogy, which notably includes Gentiles like Rahab ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy")) and Ruth ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")), demonstrating that God's redemptive plan transcends ethnic and social boundaries. Just as Machir was "the father of Gilead," Jesus is the "Father of an eternal generation" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), the progenitor of the Church, His spiritual family, gathered from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude from Every Nation")). The meticulous preservation of lineage in Chronicles underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant, culminating in the perfect Son of David, through whom all the promises of land, blessing, and eternal inheritance are realized, not in a geographical territory, but in the boundless spiritual kingdom of God ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")).

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 32:30

But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

Numbers 32:42

And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

Numbers 26:29

Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites.

Numbers 26:34

These [are] the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.

Genesis 50:23

And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third [generation]: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

Judges 5:14

Out of Ephraim [was there] a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.

Joshua 13:31

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.