1 Chronicles 7:2

KJV

And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their father's house, [to wit], of Tola: [they were] valiant men of might in their generations; whose number [was] in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Tola {H8439}; Uzzi {H5813}, and Rephaiah {H7509}, and Jeriel {H3400}, and Jahmai {H3181}, and Jibsam {H3005}, and Shemuel {H8050}, heads {H7218} of their father's {H1} house {H1004}, to wit, of Tola {H8439}: they were valiant men {H1368} of might {H2428} in their generations {H8435}; whose number {H4557} was in the days {H3117} of David {H1732} two {H8147} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Tola were: 'Uzi, Refayah, Yeri'el, Yachmai, Yivsam and Sh'mu'el. They were heads of their fathers' clans, descended from Tola; they were strong, brave men in their generations. In the time of David they numbered 22,600.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, the heads of their families. In the days of David, 22,600 descendants of Tola were numbered in their genealogies as mighty men of valor.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Tola: Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, to wit, of Tola; mighty men of valor in their generations: their number in the days of David was two and twenty thousand and six hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:2 meticulously catalogues a significant segment of the tribe of Issachar, specifically detailing the descendants of Tola. It names six prominent individuals who served as "heads of their father's house," highlighting their esteemed leadership within their respective clans. The verse further characterizes these men as "valiant men of might" across their generations, underscoring a consistent legacy of strength and capability. Crucially, it provides a precise census figure of twenty-two thousand six hundred for this lineage during the reign of King David, emphasizing their considerable numerical contribution to the kingdom's military and societal fabric. This entry, within the broader genealogies of 1 Chronicles, underscores the divine preservation of tribal identity, the importance of capable leadership, and the numerical strength of God's people as foundational elements for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the expansive genealogical tapestry that forms the initial nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. Following the comprehensive lists of Adam's descendants and the major tribes, 1 Chronicles 7:1-5 focuses specifically on the tribe of Issachar, one of Leah's sons. Verse 2 elaborates on Tola, Issachar's firstborn, providing a detailed enumeration of his direct descendants and their numerical strength. The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of such granular detail serves a critical purpose: to establish an unbroken lineage from the patriarchs to the post-exilic community. These genealogies are not mere historical records but function as a theological statement, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people and providing a foundational identity for those returning from exile, setting the stage for the subsequent historical narrative of the united monarchy and the temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during the Persian period, likely after the Babylonian exile (c. 450-400 BCE), 1 Chronicles was written to a Jewish community grappling with a fragmented identity and a need for restoration. In ancient Israel, genealogies were paramount. They served as legal documents, validating claims to land inheritance, confirming tribal affiliations for social and religious order, establishing eligibility for priestly service, and tracing royal lineages. The specific mention of the "days of David" in this verse is highly significant. David's reign represented a golden age of national unity, military strength, and spiritual flourishing. By anchoring the strength and numbers of Tola's descendants to this period, the Chronicler sought to connect the contemporary, vulnerable community to a glorious past, reminding them of God's past blessings and providing a blueprint for national restoration, military readiness, and the re-establishment of a divinely ordered society.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 7:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **preservation of lineage and tribal identity**. For a community rebuilding after exile, maintaining a clear understanding of their heritage and tribal affiliations was crucial for social cohesion, land distribution, and the continuity of God's covenant promises. Secondly, the description of "valiant men of might" highlights the theme of **national strength and military capability**. This was vital for the defense and security of the nation, particularly in the formative years of the kingdom under David. This strength is implicitly linked to **divine faithfulness and blessing**, as the substantial number of descendants (22,600) reflects God's promise to multiply His people, demonstrating His sustained care despite historical challenges. This echoes the foundational promises made to Abraham, such as the pledge that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the heavens, as found in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants to Abraham") and reiterated in [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - Abraham's Seed as the Stars of Heaven"). The Chronicler consistently emphasizes God's active role in fulfilling these promises through the growth and strength of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this primitive word signifies a son, as a builder of the family name, encompassing the widest sense of literal and figurative relationship. In this context, it refers to the direct male offspring of Tola, who are instrumental in continuing and building the family line, ensuring its numerical and social perpetuation.
* **Heads of their father's house (Hebrew, _rôʼsh bêt ʼâbôtām'_):** This phrase combines H7218 (_rôʼsh_), meaning "head" (as chief, principal, ruler), and H1004 (_bayith_), meaning "house" (in the sense of family or household), with H1 (_ʼâb_), meaning "father." Together, it denotes individuals who held significant leadership and authority within their respective clans or extended families. They were not merely members but recognized leaders responsible for the well-being, administration, and representation of their family units, highlighting the patriarchal and structured nature of Israelite society and the importance of familial leadership.
* **Valiant men of might (Hebrew, _gibbôwr chayil'_):** This powerful idiom combines H1368 (_gibbôwr_), signifying a powerful, mighty, or heroic individual, often a warrior, and H2428 (_chayil_), which can mean force, valor, strength, or an army. Combined, the phrase describes individuals who possess not only physical strength and courage but also competence, effectiveness, and often, a degree of wealth or influence. They were capable leaders, warriors, or men of substance who contributed significantly to the strength, security, and prosperity of their community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel":** This opening clause initiates the specific enumeration of Tola's direct descendants, establishing the primary subjects of the verse. It meticulously lists six individuals, highlighting their distinct identities within the broader tribal structure and emphasizing the Chronicler's focus on individual lineage within the collective.
* **"heads of their father's house, [to wit], of Tola":** This clarifies the esteemed leadership role of the named individuals. It indicates their prominence and authority within Tola's specific clan, underscoring their importance not merely as descendants but as recognized leaders responsible for the family's welfare and representation.
* **"[they were] valiant men of might in their generations":** This descriptive clause provides crucial insight into the character and consistent capability of this lineage. It emphasizes their strength, courage, and effectiveness, suggesting a sustained quality of leadership and military prowess maintained throughout successive generations, indicating a legacy of competence and contribution.
* **"whose number [was] in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred":** This final clause provides a precise numerical census, anchoring the lineage's strength and size to a specific, significant historical period—the reign of King David. This large number underscores the considerable contribution this clan could make to the kingdom's military and societal fabric, reflecting their substantial presence and potential influence.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several significant literary devices in 1 Chronicles 7:2 to convey its message effectively. **Enumeration** is primary, as the verse meticulously lists names and a precise numerical count. This exactitude emphasizes the detailed nature of the genealogical record and lends an air of historical authenticity and importance to the lineage. The phrase "valiant men of might" functions as a form of **characterization**, succinctly defining the essence of these individuals and, by extension, the entire lineage. This description is not merely factual but also serves as an **idealization**, presenting a model of strength, courage, and leadership for the post-exilic community to emulate. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "in the days of David" serves as **historical anchoring**, connecting this specific lineage to a golden age of Israelite history, thereby imbuing it with greater significance and relevance for the Chronicler's audience, fostering a sense of continuity and hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 7:2, like the broader genealogies, serves a profound theological purpose: it underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their tribal identities through generations. This divine oversight ensures the continuity of His promises, particularly those concerning a numerous people and the eventual lineage of the Messiah. The emphasis on "valiant men of might" and their significant numbers also points to God's blessing and His desire for His people to be strong and capable, not just for their own sake, but for the flourishing of His kingdom and the fulfillment of His purposes on earth. It reminds the post-exilic community, and us today, that God is actively involved in the details of human history, working through generations to bring about His redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham to Make Him a Great Nation")
* [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Exodus 1:7 - The Multiplication of Israel in Egypt")
* [Psalm 144:1](/psalm/144-1 "Psalm 144:1 - God, My Strength and My Shield")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names and numbers might initially seem remote, 1 Chronicles 7:2 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, caring for every individual and family line, even those not prominently featured in the grand narratives of salvation history. Just as the descendants of Tola were recognized as "heads of their father's house" and "valiant men of might," we are called to embody strength, courage, and integrity in our own spheres of influence. This valor is not solely physical prowess but encompasses spiritual fortitude, moral courage to stand for truth, and the diligent stewardship of our gifts and abilities for God's purposes and the good of our communities. The passage encourages us to embrace our spiritual heritage as believers, understanding that our lives, however seemingly ordinary, are intricately woven into God's extraordinary, sovereign plan, contributing to His ongoing work in the world and the building of His kingdom. We are called to be faithful stewards of our lineage, whether physical or spiritual, and to live with purpose and strength for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous care for ancient genealogies inform our view of His care for our individual lives today, even in seemingly insignificant details?**
* **In what practical ways can we embody the spirit of "valiant men of might" in our contemporary contexts, demonstrating spiritual fortitude, moral courage, and effective service in our families, workplaces, and communities?**
* **What is the significance of knowing our spiritual heritage as believers in Christ, and how does this understanding shape our identity, purpose, and contribution to God's grand narrative today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed genealogies so important in 1 Chronicles, especially for a post-exilic audience?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they re-established and confirmed tribal identities, which had become fragmented during the exile, ensuring proper land inheritance and social order upon their return to the land. Secondly, they validated claims to priestly and royal lineages, which was essential for the re-establishment of temple worship and the hope for a future Davidic king. Thirdly, these lists provided a vital sense of continuity and connection to their rich heritage, reminding the people of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the disruption of exile. They demonstrated that God's plan was still unfolding, and that the returned community was a direct continuation of the chosen people, as seen in the extensive lineage of Judah leading to David in [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - Descendants of David").

**What does "valiant men of might" truly imply beyond physical strength or military prowess?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase _gibbôwr chayil_ (גִּבֹּרֵי חַיִל) is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere physical strength or military capability. While it often refers to warriors or brave soldiers, it also encompasses individuals of significant wealth, influence, and general competence. It describes those who are effective, successful, and honorable in their endeavors, whether in battle, administration, or contributing to the economic and social well-being of their community. For example, Boaz is described with this phrase in [Ruth 2:1](/ruth/2-1 "Ruth 2:1 - Boaz, a Man of Standing"). Thus, it signifies a robust character, leadership qualities, and the ability to achieve great things for the benefit of their people and for God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:2 focuses on the physical lineage and strength of an Old Testament tribe, it subtly foreshadows a greater "head of the house" and a more profound "might" found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these genealogies ultimately served to trace the lineage that would lead to the Messiah, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in history to bring forth His ultimate plan of redemption. Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate "head of His father's house," not merely a human clan, but the very household of God, over which He rules as Son, superior to all others and foundational to the new covenant community ([Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Christ as Son Over God's House")). He is the archetypal "valiant man of might," whose strength is not limited to physical or military prowess, but is spiritual and redemptive, conquering sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The numerous descendants of Tola, counted in the thousands, prefigure the vast spiritual family of God—the church—composed of all who believe in Christ, a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language that no one can number, gathered before the throne of God ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne")). In Christ, the promises of a numerous people and a mighty deliverer find their ultimate, eternal, and universal fulfillment.

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

2 Samuel 24:1

¶ And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2 Samuel 24:9

And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah [were] five hundred thousand men.

1 Chronicles 27:23

But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

1 Chronicles 27:24

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.

1 Chronicles 21:1

¶ And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:5

And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah [was] four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.

1 Chronicles 27:1

¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.