1 Chronicles 7:18

KJV

And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his sister {H269} Hammoleketh {H4447} bare {H3205} Ishod {H379}, and Abiezer {H44}, and Mahalah {H4244}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His sister Hammolekhet [the governor] bore Ish-Hod, Avi'ezer and Machlah.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the sons of Gilead son of Machir, the son of Manasseh. His sister Hammolecheth gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah.

American Standard Version

And his sister Hammolecheth bare Ishhod, and Abiezer, and Mahlah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:18 is a brief but significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Manasseh, detailing the progeny of Hammoleketh, a sister within this lineage. It states, "And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah." This concise entry is notable for its explicit mention of a woman and her offspring in a section predominantly focused on male lines, underscoring the Chronicler's meticulous preservation of tribal identity and the divine recognition of all individuals within God's unfolding plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 7, which meticulously lists the genealogies of several Israelite tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The broader book of Chronicles, written in the post-exilic period, serves to re-establish the identity, heritage, and continuity of the Israelite nation, particularly for those who had returned from Babylonian exile. Chapter 7, specifically verses 14-19, focuses on the descendants of Manasseh. The "his" in 1 Chronicles 7:18 most likely refers to Gilead, the son of Machir, who is the prominent figure detailed in the preceding verses [1 Chronicles 7:14-17](/1_chronicles/7-14 "1 Chronicles 7:14-17 - Descendants of Manasseh"). The inclusion of Hammoleketh, a sister, within this male-dominated lineage is a deliberate choice by the Chronicler, highlighting her importance to the family line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of these detailed genealogies was of paramount importance in post-exilic Israel. After decades in Babylon, the returning exiles faced the monumental task of rebuilding their society, re-establishing land claims, affirming tribal identities, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines. Genealogies served as legal documents, validating claims to land inheritance, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for sacred service. In a patriarchal society where lineages were typically traced through the male line, the explicit mention of a woman like Hammoleketh and her children is exceptional. This suggests that she held a position of unusual prominence, perhaps due to her status, the significance of her descendants, or the need to clarify a specific branch of the family tree that was vital for the tribe's continuity.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 7:18 contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **Genealogical Precision** of the biblical record, reflecting God's meticulous care in preserving the lineage of His people and fulfilling His covenant promises, a theme central to the Chronicler's purpose of connecting the post-exilic community to their ancient roots and God's faithfulness to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham") and [David](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Secondly, the **Inclusion of Women** like Hammoleketh, though rare, highlights that God's plan acknowledges the vital contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender, in the unfolding of redemptive history. This subtly challenges the common perception of biblical genealogies as exclusively male-centric. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Continuity and Heritage**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the tribes of Israel through successive generations, ensuring the unbroken thread of His covenant people until the coming of the Messiah, as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hammoleketh (Hebrew, _ha-Mōleketh'_):** This name is highly unusual and significant. The Hebrew prefix "Ha-" (הַ) is the definite article, meaning "the." "Moleketh" (מֹלֶכֶת) derives from the root meaning "to reign" or "to be king/queen." Thus, her name literally translates to "the queen" or "the reigning one." This unique designation in a genealogical list, where names are typically descriptive or commemorative, strongly suggests that Hammoleketh was a woman of exceptional status, influence, or perhaps her lineage held particular importance for the tribe of Manasseh. Her prominence is not merely implied but explicitly stated through her very name, setting her apart from many other unnamed women in biblical genealogies.
* **Abiezer (Hebrew, _ʾĂḇîʿezer'_):** Meaning "my father is help" or "father of help." This name is significant because it is also the name of a prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh, from which the judge Gideon hailed [Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon's Call and the Clan of Abiezer"). The mention of Abiezer here might serve to connect this specific branch of Manasseh's descendants to a well-known and important clan in Israelite history, further solidifying the tribal identity and historical continuity that the Chronicler sought to establish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his sister Hammoleketh":** This clause immediately draws attention to a female figure in a context overwhelmingly dominated by male names. The phrase "his sister" connects her directly to the male lineage previously mentioned, likely Gilead (1 Chron 7:14-17), establishing her place within the family tree of Manasseh. Her name, "Hammoleketh," meaning "the queen," signifies her unique status and importance, suggesting she was not merely a passive link in the chain but a figure of considerable standing or influence within her family or tribe.
* **"bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah":** This part of the verse details Hammoleketh's direct offspring. The verb "bare" (וַתֵּלֶד, _vattēled_) emphasizes her role as a mother and the progenitor of these three individuals. Ishod, Abiezer, and Mahalah represent the continuation of this specific branch of the Manassite lineage. The inclusion of these names, particularly Abiezer with its connection to a significant clan, reinforces the meticulous nature of the genealogy and its purpose in tracing and validating tribal lines for the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:18, and indeed throughout much of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a theological statement. The Chronicler uses genealogy to establish the legitimacy and continuity of the Israelite people, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant line despite exile and dispersion. The explicit mention of Hammoleketh and her distinctive name can also be seen as a form of **Emphasis** or **Highlighting**, drawing the reader's attention to her unique role. Her inclusion serves to underscore the completeness of the record and perhaps to acknowledge the contributions of women within the broader narrative of God's people, even in a patriarchal society. The meticulous listing of names and family connections serves to reinforce the historical and theological truth that God remembers and works through every individual in His grand redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:18, though brief, offers profound theological insights. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in preserving His people through generations. The very existence of such precise genealogies testifies to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the continuity of the chosen lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The inclusion of Hammoleketh, a woman with a remarkably significant name, subtly highlights the divine recognition of every individual's contribution, regardless of societal prominence or gender, in the grand tapestry of salvation history. It reminds us that God sees and values those who might be overlooked in human records, weaving their lives into His overarching narrative of grace and preservation.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often obsessed with fame and overt accomplishments, 1 Chronicles 7:18 reminds us that God's economy values faithfulness and presence, even in seemingly obscure roles. The inclusion of Hammoleketh teaches us that every individual, regardless of how briefly mentioned or seemingly minor their contribution, is known to God and plays a vital part in His grand narrative. Her unique name, "the queen," suggests a hidden significance or influence, prompting us to consider the often-unseen contributions of individuals, particularly women, throughout history and within our own communities. This verse encourages us to embrace our own unique place in God's story, recognizing that our lineage—whether physical or spiritual—connects us to a heritage of divine faithfulness. It challenges us to value every member of the body of Christ, understanding that each has a distinct and indispensable role in fulfilling God's purposes, echoing the truth that God is sovereign over all generations and preserves His people through every age.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of a woman like Hammoleketh in a male-dominated genealogy challenge or expand my understanding of God's recognition of individuals?**
* **What does this verse, part of a meticulous record, teach me about the importance of my own "heritage" – both physical and spiritual – in God's story?**
* **In what ways might I be overlooking the "unseen" contributions of others in my community or church, similar to how Hammoleketh's significance might be easily missed?**

### FAQ
**Why is Hammoleketh mentioned when most biblical genealogies focus on male lines?**

Answer: The explicit mention of Hammoleketh is indeed noteworthy. While biblical genealogies primarily trace male lines to establish tribal identity, land inheritance, and the lineage of the Messiah, the Chronicler occasionally includes women who were significant for specific reasons. In Hammoleketh's case, her name itself, "the queen," suggests she was a woman of unusual prominence, status, or influence within her family or tribe. It's possible her line was particularly important for clarifying a branch of the Manassite tribe, or perhaps she was a matriarch whose descendants formed a significant sub-clan. Her inclusion highlights the Chronicler's meticulousness and the divine recognition of individuals who played a vital, though perhaps less obvious, role in the continuity of God's people.

**What is the broader significance of genealogies in the Bible, especially in a book like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies serve multiple crucial purposes. In 1 Chronicles, written for the post-exilic community, they were essential for re-establishing identity, validating claims to land and tribal affiliation, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines after the return from Babylon. The genealogies connect the returning exiles to their ancient heritage, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham") and [David](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). The detailed lists underscore the continuity of God's people and His sovereign hand in preserving a chosen lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. They are not merely dry lists but theological statements affirming God's historical work and His commitment to His redemptive plan, culminating in the genealogies of Jesus found in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, including the brief but significant mention of Hammoleketh and her offspring, ultimately point to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage for the advent of His Son. While 1 Chronicles 7:18 details a specific branch of Manasseh, the broader purpose of all biblical genealogies is to demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, culminating in the Christ. Every name listed, every generation traced, serves as a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding history to its redemptive climax. The very existence of these preserved lines, despite exile, dispersion, and the passage of centuries, foreshadows the ultimate preservation of the line of David, from whom Jesus Christ would be born [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). In Christ, the entire purpose of these genealogies finds its fulfillment, as He is the true heir to all promises, the one in whom all the tribes and nations are united [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed"). The continuity of God's people, so carefully documented in Chronicles, culminates in the eternal kingdom established by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who fulfills all the hopes and promises embedded within these ancient family trees.

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 26:30

These [are] the sons of Gilead: [of] Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:

Judges 6:24

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:34

But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

Judges 6:11

¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which [was] in Ophrah, that [pertained] unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide [it] from the Midianites.

Judges 8:2

And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? [Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?