1 Chronicles 7:17

KJV

And the sons of Ulam; Bedan. These [were] the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Ulam {H198}; Bedan {H917}. These were the sons {H1121} of Gilead {H1568}, the son {H1121} of Machir {H4353}, the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of Ulam was B'dan. These were the descendants of Gil'ad the son of Makhir the son of M'nasheh.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Ulam: Bedan.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:17 meticulously traces a specific lineage within the tribe of Manasseh, identifying Ulam and his son Bedan as descendants of Gilead, Machir, and ultimately Manasseh himself. This verse, part of the extensive genealogical records in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, serves to affirm tribal identity, land rights, and the historical continuity of God's covenant people, particularly for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish their heritage and place within the restored nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 7, which details the genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The broader context of 1 Chronicles 1-9 is a comprehensive genealogical record of Israel, tracing lines from Adam through the patriarchs, the twelve tribes, and finally to the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the exile. The Chronicler's intense focus on lineage underscores the importance of tribal identity, land inheritance, and the preservation of the covenant community. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7:14-19 provides a detailed account of the descendants of Manasseh, highlighting the prominent families and their military strength, which was crucial for the post-exilic community's sense of security and continuity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For the returning exiles, their identity as God's chosen people had been severely challenged by displacement and foreign rule. Genealogies served as vital legal and social documents, affirming land ownership, tribal affiliations, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. The mention of Gilead and Machir is particularly significant as Machir was Manasseh's firstborn, and his descendants, the Machirites, settled in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, as described in [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machir's Descendants Settle Gilead"). This connection reinforced territorial claims and historical roots for a people striving to rebuild their nation and religious life in the promised land.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in 1 Chronicles 7, and indeed the entire genealogical section, include **Covenant Continuity**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations despite their failures and exiles. This meticulous record-keeping provides a tangible link between the past promises to Abraham and the present reality of the returning community. Another key theme is **Identity and Belonging**, as these lists provided a clear framework for who belonged to Israel, their tribal affiliations, and their place within the land. The emphasis on specific families like those of Manasseh (see [Joshua 17:1-6](/joshua/17-1 "Joshua 17:1-6 - Inheritance of Manasseh")) reinforces the theme of **Inheritance and Land Rights**, which was paramount for the post-exilic community re-establishing itself in the land of Canaan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _Mənaššeh'_):** One of the two sons of Joseph, and progenitor of one of the largest tribes of Israel. The name means "causing to forget," as Joseph declared, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household" ([Genesis 41:51](/genesis/41-51 "Genesis 41:51 - Joseph Names Manasseh")). The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it received territory on both sides of the Jordan River, with the descendants of Machir and Gilead settling the Transjordanian region.
* **Machir (Hebrew, _Māḵîr'_):** The firstborn son of Manasseh. Machir was a significant tribal ancestor, and his descendants, known as the Machirites, played a prominent role in the settlement of the Transjordan. The mention of Machir here underscores the importance of the firstborn lineage and its historical connection to the land of Gilead.
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gil‘āḏ'_):** Son of Machir and grandson of Manasseh. Gilead is both a personal name and a significant geographical region east of the Jordan River. The association of this lineage with Gilead highlights the tribal claims and historical presence of Manasseh's descendants in this fertile and strategically important territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Ulam; Bedan."**: This clause introduces Ulam as a key figure in this specific branch of Manasseh's lineage, and Bedan as his direct descendant. The structure is typical of genealogical lists, concisely stating the direct parent-child relationship.
* **"These [were] the sons of Gilead,"**: This phrase connects Ulam and Bedan, and implicitly their broader family line, back to Gilead, establishing their place within a more prominent and recognized ancestral branch. The term "sons" here can refer to direct descendants or a broader clan.
* **"the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh."**: This final segment of the verse completes the genealogical chain, tracing the lineage through Machir to the tribal patriarch Manasseh. This full tracing is crucial for establishing the tribal identity and affiliation of Ulam and Bedan, rooting them firmly within one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:17, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific form of historical record-keeping, meticulously listing names and their familial connections to establish lineage, heritage, and identity. The Chronicler employs an **Annalistic Style**, presenting these records in a concise, factual manner, often using repetitive phrases like "the son of" to clearly delineate relationships. The sheer volume and detail of these lists serve to emphasize **Continuity** and **Completeness**, assuring the post-exilic community of their unbroken link to their ancestral past and God's covenant promises. While seemingly dry, the careful enumeration of names and relationships implicitly conveys a profound theological message about God's faithfulness in preserving a people and a lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:17 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people, demonstrating that every individual and family, no matter how obscure, has a place within His grand design. The preservation of these lineages, even through periods of national apostasy and exile, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were not just historical records but living documents that affirmed their identity, land rights, and their rightful place in the ongoing story of God's redemptive work. They provided a tangible link to their heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity in a time of rebuilding.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Numbers 26:28-34](/numbers/26-28 "Numbers 26:28-34 - Census of Manasseh")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often emphasizes individual autonomy and detachment from the past, 1 Chronicles 7:17 reminds us of the profound importance of our roots, both physical and spiritual. For the ancient Israelites, knowing their lineage was foundational to their identity, land claims, and participation in the covenant community. For us today, while physical genealogies may not hold the same legal weight, the principle of belonging to a larger story remains vital. We are part of God's unfolding narrative, inheritors of a rich spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faithful believers. This verse encourages us to appreciate the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us, to understand that our faith is not isolated but connected to a vast, historical tapestry of God's work. It challenges us to live in a way that honors this heritage, faithfully stewarding the spiritual legacy we have received and contributing to the ongoing story for future generations. Our identity is not solely self-defined but deeply rooted in God's eternal purposes and His covenant community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the importance of ancient genealogies like this one deepen your appreciation for God's meticulous care for His people throughout history?**
* **In what ways does your own personal or spiritual heritage influence your identity and sense of belonging today?**
* **What does God's faithfulness in preserving these lineages teach you about His commitment to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **How can we, as modern believers, better recognize and honor the spiritual "lineage" of faith that has been passed down to us?**

### 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. For the ancient Israelites, they served as legal documents, establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. They were vital for maintaining social order and ensuring the continuity of the covenant community. Theologically, genealogies demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen people and a specific lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah. In 1 Chronicles, specifically, they helped the post-exilic community re-establish their identity and connection to their historical roots and the promises of God, as seen in the detailed records of tribes like Manasseh and Ephraim in [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher").

**What is the significance of "Gilead" in this verse?**

Answer: Gilead is significant because it is both a personal name (son of Machir) and a prominent geographical region east of the Jordan River. The descendants of Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, settled extensively in this territory. Therefore, mentioning Gilead in this genealogy not only traces a specific family line but also connects it to a particular land claim and historical presence within the tribal allocation of Manasseh. This connection to a specific territory, as detailed in passages like [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machir's Descendants Settle Gilead"), was crucial for the identity and legal standing of the Israelite tribes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:17 meticulously traces an ancient lineage, its ultimate significance points towards the grander genealogical story of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ. The careful preservation of these family lines, even seemingly obscure ones, underscores God's sovereign hand in preparing the way for the Messiah. Jesus's own genealogies, recorded 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 Christ"), are not merely historical records but theological declarations, affirming His rightful claim as the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, and ultimately, the Son of God. He is the true heir to all the promises made to Israel, the ultimate "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed (cf. [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). Through His atoning work, believers are no longer defined by their earthly lineage but are adopted into God's family, becoming spiritual descendants of Abraham and co-heirs with Christ (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ") and [Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons")). Thus, the seemingly dry names of 1 Chronicles 7:17 contribute to the rich tapestry of God's faithfulness, pointing forward to the one who would perfectly fulfill all the hopes and promises embedded within Israel's ancestral story.

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

1 Samuel 12:11

And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.