1 Chronicles 7:2

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

This verse is part of the extensive genealogies detailed in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7:2 focuses on the descendants of Tola, who was one of the four sons of Issachar, a son of Jacob. These meticulous records were crucial for the post-exilic community in Israel, serving to confirm tribal identities, establish land inheritances, and validate claims to priestly and royal lineages. The mention of their number "in the days of David" situates this powerful lineage within a significant period of Israel's unified kingdom under King David.

Key Themes

  • Preservation of Lineage: The detailed enumeration of names and family lines underscores the paramount importance of ancestry and tribal identity in ancient Israel. It affirmed the continuity of God's covenant with His people through their generations.
  • Strength and Valor: The description of Tola's sons as "valiant men of might" highlights their physical strength, courage, and military capability. This was vital for the defense and security of the nation, especially during the formative years of the kingdom under David.
  • Divine Faithfulness: The large number of descendants (22,600) reflects God's blessing and the growth of the tribe of Issachar, demonstrating His faithfulness to multiply and sustain His people despite various historical challenges.
  • Historical Record: The Chronicler's emphasis on these numbers and characteristics serves as a vital historical and spiritual record, connecting the present community to their rich heritage and God's ongoing work through them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "valiant men of might" is a translation of the Hebrew gibborê ḥayil (גִּבֹּרֵי חַיִל). This idiom is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe individuals who are strong, capable, courageous, and effective, often possessing military prowess or leadership qualities. It denotes not just physical strength but also a robust character and ability to achieve great things, whether in battle, administration, or contributing to the community.

Significance and Application

While a seemingly dry list of names and numbers, 1 Chronicles 7:2 offers valuable insights. It reminds us that every individual and family line, no matter how obscure they may seem in the broader narrative, plays a part in God's overarching plan. The emphasis on these men being "valiant" and "of might" encourages us to cultivate strength, courage, and character in our own lives, using our abilities for God's purposes and the good of our communities. Just as these lineages were preserved for a divine purpose, we can trust in God's meticulous care and sovereign oversight of our own lives and generations. This passage implicitly celebrates the contributions of those who might not be central figures but whose faithfulness and strength are essential to the collective.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 24:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 21:5 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.