1 Chronicles 7:16

KJV

And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother [was] Sheresh; and his sons [were] Ulam and Rakem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Maachah {H4601} the wife {H802} of Machir {H4353} bare {H3205} a son {H1121}, and she called {H7121} his name {H8034} Peresh {H6570}; and the name {H8034} of his brother {H251} was Sheresh {H8329}; and his sons {H1121} were Ulam {H198} and Rakem {H7552}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ma'akhah the wife of Makhir bore a son whom she named Peresh, the name of his brother was Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rekem.

Berean Standard Bible

Machir’s wife Maacah gave birth to a son, and she named him Peresh. His brother was named Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rekem.

American Standard Version

And Maacah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:16 is a concise yet vital entry within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Manasseh, specifically detailing a branch of Machir's descendants through his wife Maachah. This verse meticulously names their sons, Peresh and Sheresh, and further identifies Peresh's sons, Ulam and Rakem, thereby contributing to the comprehensive tribal lineages that underscore Israel's identity, inheritance, and the divine preservation of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 7, a chapter dedicated to the genealogies of several northern tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Following the detailed lists for Issachar (vv. 1-5), Benjamin (vv. 6-12), and Naphtali (v. 13), the narrative shifts to Manasseh (vv. 14-19). Verse 16 specifically elaborates on the lineage of Machir, the firstborn son of Manasseh, whose descendants are also mentioned in [Numbers 26:29-34](/numbers/26-29 "Numbers 26:29-34 - Descendants of Manasseh") and [Joshua 17:1-6](/joshua/17-1 "Joshua 17:1-6 - Inheritance of Manasseh"). The Chronicler's primary purpose in these chapters is to establish the continuity of Israel's tribal identity, particularly after the Babylonian exile, by tracing their lineage back to the patriarchs, reinforcing their claim to the land and their place within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of genealogies was a profoundly significant cultural practice in ancient Israel, serving multiple critical functions. These lists were not merely historical curiosities but legal and social documents that affirmed tribal affiliation, established rights to land inheritance, determined eligibility for priestly service, and validated claims of citizenship within the re-established post-exilic community. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor individuals like those listed in 1 Chronicles 7:16, reflects a society deeply rooted in lineage and covenant. The Chronicler, writing centuries after the events, was concerned with reminding the returning exiles of their heritage and their enduring connection to God's promises, providing a sense of identity and continuity in a disrupted world.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes presented in this verse and the surrounding genealogical chapters include **Genealogical Precision**, demonstrating the meticulous care taken to record and preserve the lineage of Israel, which was crucial for maintaining tribal distinctions and ensuring adherence to the laws of inheritance. Another key theme is **Continuity and Preservation**, highlighting God's faithfulness in sustaining the "seed" of Israel, ensuring the unbroken line through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. This continuity underscores the divine commitment to the promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and the subsequent generations. Finally, **Tribal Identity** is paramount, as these records helped individuals understand their place within the twelve tribes and their connection to the land and the covenant community, reinforcing their shared heritage and destiny as God's chosen people, as seen throughout the book of [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - Census of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maachah (Hebrew, _Ma'akhah'_):** The name of Machir's wife, whose lineage is traced here. While the name itself can mean "oppression" or "crushing," its primary significance in this context is as a specific individual within the genealogical record. Her inclusion highlights the role of mothers in the continuation of family lines, even in patriarchal genealogies, emphasizing the completeness of the record.
* **Peresh (Hebrew, _Peresh'_):** The name given to Maachah's son. The root of "Peresh" can mean "dung" or "separated/spread out." While the former might seem unusual for a name, ancient names often had diverse and sometimes obscure meanings. Here, its importance lies solely in its function as a unique identifier within the lineage, marking a distinct branch of Machir's family.
* **Sheresh (Hebrew, _Sheresh'_):** The name of Peresh's brother. The name "Sheresh" means "root" or "foundation." This name, though not explicitly commented on in the text, subtly reinforces the very nature of genealogies—tracing the "roots" of a family or tribe. Its inclusion, alongside Peresh, further details the immediate offspring of Machir and Maachah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son":** This clause establishes the primary subject of the verse, Maachah, and her relationship to Machir, a prominent figure as Manasseh's firstborn. The act of "bearing a son" is the fundamental mechanism for continuing the lineage, underscoring the vital role of procreation in the preservation of tribal identity and the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply."
* **"and she called his name Peresh":** This detail highlights the mother's role in naming her child, a common practice in ancient Israel. The naming act formally incorporates the new individual into the family and tribal record. The specific name "Peresh" serves as a unique identifier for this particular branch of Machir's descendants.
* **"and the name of his brother [was] Sheresh":** This clause introduces a second son born to Maachah and Machir, providing a more complete picture of their immediate offspring. The parallel structure ("his name... Peresh; and the name of his brother... Sheresh") emphasizes the equal importance of both sons in the genealogical record, ensuring no branch is overlooked.
* **"and his sons [were] Ulam and Rakem":** This final clause extends the lineage one more generation, specifying the sons of Peresh. This demonstrates the depth and breadth of the Chronicler's genealogical research, showing the continued proliferation of the family line. "Ulam" and "Rakem" are further markers in the intricate web of tribal relationships, solidifying the continuous chain of descent within Manasseh.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:16, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a list but a structured narrative form that establishes identity, validates claims, and connects the present generation to their historical and covenantal past. The meticulous listing of names, even those of seemingly less prominent individuals, exemplifies **Conciseness** within a larger, comprehensive record, where each entry serves a specific purpose without unnecessary elaboration. The **Repetition** of the "X begat Y" or "X had sons Y and Z" pattern, though slightly varied here, provides a rhythmic and predictable structure that reinforces the continuity of generations. This device underscores the Chronicler's commitment to detail and the preservation of an unbroken chain of descent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:16, while seemingly a dry list of names, is deeply significant in its contribution to the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness. The meticulous preservation of these lineages demonstrates God's sovereign hand in history, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people. It underscores that every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence, plays a part in God's grand design. This attention to detail reflects a divine commitment to His promises, particularly those concerning the "seed" and the nation of Israel, ensuring that the line through which the Messiah would eventually come remained unbroken. The very act of recording these names speaks to the value God places on human lives and the historical unfolding of His redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")
* [Hebrews 11:1-40](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11 - The Faith Hall of Fame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values fame and immediate impact, 1 Chronicles 7:16 reminds us of the profound significance of faithfulness across generations, even for those whose lives might seem ordinary. This verse invites us to consider the quiet, consistent work of God in preserving His people and His promises through countless individuals who may never achieve widespread recognition. It challenges us to value our own heritage—familial, spiritual, and communal—and to recognize that our lives are part of a larger, divine story. Just as God meticulously recorded every name, He sees and values every detail of our lives, calling us to live faithfully in our own generation, contributing to the ongoing narrative of His redemptive work, trusting that He is faithful to His promises from one generation to the next.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this one, challenge our modern understanding of what is "important" or "significant"?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own heritage (familial, cultural, or spiritual) provide you with a sense of identity and purpose?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises across many generations, even when the path seems obscure?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so extensive and seemingly repetitive in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in Chronicles serve several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they provided a vital link to the past, reminding the returning exiles of their heritage and their place within God's covenant people. This was essential for re-establishing national and religious identity after the disruption of exile. Secondly, these lists had practical, legal functions: they determined tribal land inheritance rights (as seen with Manasseh's portion in [Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - The Allotment of Manasseh")), validated claims to priestly and Levitical service, and established the legitimacy of individuals within the restored community. Thirdly, and most profoundly, they underscored God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the "seed" of Israel, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line leading ultimately to the Messiah, despite periods of disobedience and exile. The Chronicler emphasizes that God's promises endure, even when human faithfulness falters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:16 appears to be a simple record of names, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the unbroken lineage that ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. The meticulous care taken to preserve these seemingly ordinary family trees underscores God's sovereign plan to bring forth the promised "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed, as first declared in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") and reiterated to Abraham in [Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "God's Promise to Abraham"). Every name recorded, including Peresh, Sheresh, Ulam, and Rakem, represents a link in the chain, a testament to God's patient and precise work across millennia. These genealogies, though primarily focused on tribal identity and land inheritance for Israel, ultimately serve as the historical scaffolding for the incarnation. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus 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") demonstrate how God meticulously guided history through countless generations, ensuring the perfect timing and lineage for the arrival of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who would redeem humanity not through tribal inheritance but through His atoning sacrifice, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of all these ancient records.

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.