1 Chronicles 7:20

KJV

¶ And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Ephraim {H669}; Shuthelah {H7803}, and Bered {H1260} his son {H1121}, and Tahath {H8480} his son {H1121}, and Eladah {H497} his son {H1121}, and Tahath {H8480} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Efrayim were: Shutelach, his son Bered, his son Tachat, his son El'adah, his son Tachat,

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Ephraim:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eleadah his son, and Tahath his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:20 is a concise yet significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles. It meticulously traces a specific segment of the lineage of the tribe of Ephraim, detailing the direct descendants of Shuthelah through several generations, including Bered, Tahath, Eladah, and another Tahath. This verse serves as a foundational building block within the larger tribal accounts, underscoring the meticulous preservation of Israel's family lines and their vital role in establishing identity, land claims, and the continuity of God's covenant people in the post-exilic period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:20 is situated within a lengthy section of genealogies spanning chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles. Specifically, it falls within the detailed account of the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:20-29), which immediately follows the genealogies of Issachar and Benjamin. These lists are not mere dry records but serve as the structural backbone of the book, establishing the identity and legitimacy of the returning exiles. The Chronicler's emphasis on lineage, particularly the Davidic line and the priestly families, sets the stage for the subsequent historical narrative focusing on the kingdom of Judah and the temple. This verse, by meticulously tracing Ephraim's line, contributes to the comprehensive tribal record that validates the claims and heritage of the re-forming nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th to 4th centuries BC, for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian captivity. In this era, re-establishing identity, land ownership, and proper worship was paramount. Genealogies were crucial legal and social documents. They verified tribal affiliations for the purpose of inheriting ancestral lands, confirmed eligibility for temple service (especially for priests and Levites), and validated the Davidic lineage, which held Messianic hope. The tribe of Ephraim, though part of the Northern Kingdom that had fallen centuries earlier, still held significant historical and symbolic weight as a prominent tribe descended from Joseph. Preserving their lineage, even in a fragmented state, underscored the Chronicler's desire to present a unified history of all Israel, bridging the divide between North and South and demonstrating God's enduring covenant with His entire people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader genealogical sections, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **The Importance of Lineage and Identity**, demonstrating how tribal and family records were essential for the re-establishment of Israel's national and religious life after the exile. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures, underscores the value placed on heritage and continuity. Secondly, it subtly reveals **God's Meticulous Care and Faithfulness**, showing how divine providence preserved the family lines of His people, even through periods of dispersion and apparent obscurity. This echoes the broader biblical narrative of God's commitment to His covenant promises, as seen in the preservation of the Abrahamic line (e.g., [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")) and ultimately the Davidic line, which culminates in Christ (e.g., [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Structured Nature of Israelite Society**, where tribal and clan identity dictated social order, land distribution, and religious roles, making such genealogical records indispensable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephraim (Hebrew, _'Ephrayim'_):** The second son of Joseph, but blessed by Jacob over Manasseh, becoming a dominant tribe in the Northern Kingdom. The inclusion of Ephraim's lineage here emphasizes the Chronicler's desire to record the history of all twelve tribes, not just Judah, thereby presenting a more comprehensive picture of Israel's heritage.
* **Shuthelah (Hebrew, _Shuthelah'_):** Identified as the firstborn son of Ephraim in Numbers 26:35. His prominence here indicates the focus on the primary line of descent within the tribe, ensuring the most direct and recognized lineage is preserved.
* **son (Hebrew, _ben'_):** Repeatedly used in the phrase "his son," this simple word is crucial. It signifies direct paternal lineage, establishing an unbroken chain of descent. In a genealogical record, the precise identification of "son" is paramount for validating claims of inheritance, tribal membership, and historical continuity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the sons of Ephraim;":** This introductory phrase signals the commencement of the genealogical record for the tribe of Ephraim. The paragraph marker (¶) in the KJV often indicates a new section or a significant break in the text, highlighting the shift to a new tribal lineage.
* **"Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,":** This clause meticulously lists a direct line of descent from Ephraim through his firstborn, Shuthelah, for five generations. The repetition of "Tahath his son" indicates that there were two individuals named Tahath in this specific lineage, one being the son of Bered, and the other the son of Eladah. This precise detailing underscores the meticulous nature of ancient record-keeping, ensuring accuracy in tracing family lines, which was vital for identity and inheritance in Israelite society.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:20, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form with specific purposes. Genealogies serve to establish identity, validate claims (e.g., to land, priesthood, kingship), demonstrate continuity (showing God's faithfulness across generations), and provide a historical framework. The Chronicler's use of this device is deliberate, aiming to reconnect the post-exilic community with their heritage and God's enduring covenant. The specific format of listing "X, and Y his son, and Z his son" is a form of **Linear Progression**, emphasizing direct, unbroken descent. While not a complex literary flourish, the **Repetition** of "Tahath his son" within the same short list is notable, highlighting the exactitude of the record and the possibility of recurring names within a family line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:20 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care and sovereignty over human history, demonstrating that even in the minutiae of family lines, His overarching plan is being faithfully executed. The preservation of these lineages, even for tribes like Ephraim that had long since lost their political prominence, underscores God's enduring covenant with all Israel. It reminds us that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in God's grand narrative. This record-keeping was vital for the post-exilic community to re-establish their identity, reclaim their land, and resume their covenant responsibilities, assuring them that God had not forgotten them despite their exile.

* [Numbers 26:35-36](/numbers/26-35 "Numbers 26:35-36 - Census of Ephraim's Clans")
* [Genesis 48:1-20](/genesis/48-1 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 7:20, though a simple genealogical entry, offers significant insights for contemporary readers. It prompts us to consider the profound value of heritage, not just in terms of family history, but in understanding our place within the larger story of God's faithfulness. The meticulous preservation of these names, even those of individuals whose lives are otherwise unrecorded, speaks volumes about God's attention to detail and His commitment to His promises across countless generations. It encourages us to recognize that our lives, however ordinary they may seem, are intricately woven into His grand design. Just as these ancient names contributed to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, so too do our seemingly small contributions matter in His ongoing work in the world. This verse quietly assures us that every individual is known and valued by God, and that His purposes are fulfilled through the faithful continuity of His people, even in the most obscure details.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly dry list deepen our appreciation for God's meticulous care for His people throughout history?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage (our place in God's story) inform our identity and purpose today?**
* **How can we recognize God's faithfulness in the "ordinary" or "hidden" details of our own lives, just as He preserved these lineages?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including this verse, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic Jewish community. They helped to re-establish tribal identity and validate claims to ancestral land, which was essential for rebuilding society. They also confirmed the legitimacy of priestly and Levitical families for temple service and, most importantly, traced the royal lineage of David, upon which the hope for a future Messiah rested. Beyond practical matters, these lists demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and promises through centuries, even during periods of exile and dispersion.

**What is the significance of Ephraim in Israelite history?**

Answer: Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph and became one of the most prominent and populous tribes of Israel. Jacob blessed Ephraim over his older brother Manasseh ([Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh")), granting him a significant inheritance. Later, Ephraim became the leading tribe of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the division of the monarchy, often used synonymously with "Israel" or "Northern Kingdom" in prophetic literature (e.g., [Hosea 4:17](/hosea/4-17 "Hosea 4:17 - Ephraim is joined to idols")). Its inclusion in the Chronicler's genealogies underscores the desire to present a comprehensive history of all Israel, uniting the fragmented past into a continuous narrative for the returning exiles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:20 appears to be a simple list of names, its inclusion in the biblical canon points to the meticulous nature of God's redemptive plan, which ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. The preservation of these lineages, even those of tribes like Ephraim that were politically diminished, underscores the divine commitment to a historical process that would eventually lead to the birth of the Messiah. Every name, every "his son," in these genealogies is a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining a chosen line through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. The ultimate purpose of such detailed records, whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament genealogies of Jesus found in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), is to affirm the authentic humanity and historical reality of the Son of God. Jesus, as the "son of David" and "son of Abraham" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), is the ultimate heir of all these promises, fulfilling the hopes and preserving the identity of God's people not through tribal affiliation, but through His atoning sacrifice, inviting all who believe into His new family, the church ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - One in Christ Jesus")). Thus, these ancient lists are not merely historical curiosities but vital threads in the tapestry of salvation history, meticulously woven by God to reveal His Christ.

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 26:35

These [are] the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.

Numbers 26:36

And these [are] the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.