1 Chronicles 7:22

KJV

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ephraim {H669} their father {H1} mourned {H56} many {H7227} days {H3117}, and his brethren {H251} came {H935} to comfort {H5162} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Efrayim their father mourned for a long time, and his kinsmen came to comfort him.

Berean Standard Bible

Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him.

American Standard Version

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:22 offers a poignant narrative interlude within the otherwise extensive and often stark tribal genealogies of Ephraim, one of Israel's prominent tribes. This verse vividly portrays Ephraim, the patriarch, enduring profound grief ("mourned many days") over the loss of his sons, who were tragically killed in a raid. It then highlights the compassionate response of his "brethren" who came to offer him comfort, underscoring the vital role of communal solidarity and empathy in times of deep personal sorrow within ancient Israelite society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a lengthy genealogical section spanning [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies of Israel"), specifically detailing the descendants of Ephraim, son of Joseph, in [1 Chronicles 7:20-29](/1_chronicles/7-20 "1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - The Line of Ephraim"). The immediate preceding verses, [1 Chronicles 7:20-21](/1_chronicles/7-20 "1 Chronicles 7:20-21 - The Death of Ephraim's Sons"), describe the tragic incident that precipitates Ephraim's mourning: his sons Ezer and Elead were killed by the men of Gath while attempting to raid their livestock. This detail is unique to the Chronicler's account, not found in the Pentateuch or earlier historical books, suggesting the Chronicler's selective inclusion of specific narratives to convey theological or moral lessons even within genealogical lists. The sudden shift from a dry enumeration of names to a deeply emotional, human moment makes [1 Chronicles 7:22](/1_chronicles/7-22 "1 Chronicles 7:22 - Ephraim's Grief and Comfort") stand out, drawing the reader's attention to the personal cost of conflict and the importance of familial bonds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, lineage and tribal identity were paramount, serving as the foundation for land inheritance, social structure, and religious identity. The loss of sons, especially in battle or a raid, was a devastating blow, impacting not only the immediate family but also the continuity and strength of the tribal line. Mourning customs in the ancient Near East were often elaborate and prolonged, involving public displays of grief, lamentation, and specific rituals to acknowledge the depth of sorrow. The phrase "mourned many days" reflects this cultural expectation of an extended period of lament. Furthermore, the act of "brethren" coming to comfort Ephraim underscores the strong communal ties and the expectation of mutual support within the extended family and tribal unit. In a society without formal support systems, the community, particularly close kin, played a crucial role in providing solace and practical assistance to those experiencing tragedy.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 7:22](/1_chronicles/7-22 "1 Chronicles 7:22 - Ephraim's Grief and Comfort") contributes to several key themes within [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles"). Firstly, it highlights the **Profound Reality of Human Grief and Loss**, demonstrating that even foundational patriarchs like Ephraim were not immune to deep emotional pain. This humanizes the biblical figures, making them relatable. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Indispensable Role of Community and Compassion** in times of suffering. The "brethren" coming to comfort Ephraim illustrates the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the communal laments in [the Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms") to the New Testament call to "weep with those who weep" in [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Weep with Those Who Weep"). Lastly, the Chronicler's inclusion of this specific narrative within a genealogy suggests an interest beyond mere historical record-keeping; it reflects a desire to convey **Moral and Spiritual Lessons** about human experience, divine providence, and the importance of solidarity within God's people, even amidst the recounting of tribal origins and conflicts, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mourned (Hebrew, _'aval'_):** The Hebrew verb אָבַל ('aval) signifies a deep, profound sense of grief, sorrow, and lamentation. It often describes a state of intense distress, typically in response to death or disaster, and can imply outward expressions of mourning such as weeping, fasting, or wearing sackcloth. In this context, Ephraim's 'aval' is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring state, lasting "many days," indicating the severity of his loss and the depth of his paternal anguish.
* **Comfort (Hebrew, _nacham'_):** The Hebrew verb נָחַם (nacham) denotes to console, to pity, to bring relief from distress, or to be grieved oneself. It speaks to an active process of alleviating suffering, offering solace, and restoring hope or peace. The use of this word here highlights the compassionate and intentional action of Ephraim's brethren, who did not merely sympathize but actively sought to mitigate his pain and provide emotional support.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ephraim their father mourned many days":** This clause immediately establishes the central figure, Ephraim, and his emotional state. The designation "their father" links back to the sons mentioned in the preceding verses, whose deaths are the cause of his sorrow. The phrase "mourned many days" emphasizes the prolonged and intense nature of his grief, indicating a period of deep lamentation that was not quickly resolved. It paints a vivid picture of a patriarch consumed by sorrow, a stark contrast to the typical genealogical entries.
* **"and his brethren came to comfort him":** This second clause introduces a crucial communal response. "His brethren" refers to his extended family or tribal kin, underscoring the strong familial and tribal bonds prevalent in ancient Israel. Their action, "came to comfort him," signifies an active, empathetic intervention. It highlights the cultural expectation and spiritual importance of communal support in times of tragedy, demonstrating solidarity and compassion for a grieving member of the community.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several effective **Literary Devices** in this brief verse. The most prominent is the use of **Narrative Interlude**, where a short, emotionally charged story is inserted into a typically dry and factual genealogical list. This sudden shift in tone and content immediately grabs the reader's attention, emphasizing the human element amidst the lineage. The verse also powerfully utilizes **Pathos**, evoking a strong sense of pity and sorrow for Ephraim's profound grief, making him a relatable figure despite his ancient status. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Contrast** between the violent death of his sons in the preceding verses and the compassionate comfort offered by his brethren, highlighting the dual realities of suffering and solidarity. The phrase "mourned many days" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the depth and duration of Ephraim's sorrow, making the communal response of comfort all the more significant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This poignant verse serves as a powerful reminder of the universal reality of human suffering and the biblical emphasis on communal care. The deep, prolonged grief of Ephraim over the loss of his children resonates with the brokenness of a fallen world, where death and sorrow are inevitable. Yet, the response of his brethren points to a profound theological truth: God often provides comfort through the presence and compassion of others. This act of solidarity reflects the divine design for humanity to live in community, bearing one another's burdens and offering solace in times of distress. It underscores that even in the midst of tragedy, God's people are called to embody His empathy and love, transforming moments of despair into opportunities for grace and fellowship.

* [Job 2:11](/job/2-11 "Job 2:11 - Friends Come to Comfort Job"): Job's friends came to mourn with him and comfort him, though their later counsel was flawed, their initial presence was an act of compassion.
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Weep with Those Who Weep"): Paul exhorts believers to "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep," embodying the communal empathy seen in Ephraim's brethren.
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort"): Paul speaks of God as "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief narrative of Ephraim's mourning and the comfort offered by his brethren serves as a timeless paradigm for how we are to navigate grief and support one another in community. It validates the profound and often prolonged nature of sorrow, particularly in the face of devastating loss. Ephraim was not expected to "get over it" quickly; his "many days" of mourning acknowledge the legitimate need for time and space to process deep pain. For us today, this means recognizing that grief is a process, not an event, and that rushing or minimizing another's sorrow is unhelpful. More importantly, the verse highlights the transformative power of presence. Ephraim's brethren didn't necessarily have profound words or solutions; they simply "came to comfort him." This teaches us that often, the most powerful act of compassion is simply to "be there" for those who are hurting, offering a listening ear, a silent presence, or practical support, rather than attempting to fix or explain away their pain. It underscores the indispensable role of the church and community as a network of support, where burdens are shared, and God's comfort is channeled through His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ephraim's prolonged mourning challenge modern tendencies to rush or suppress grief, both in ourselves and in others?**
* **What does the action of Ephraim's "brethren" teach us about the most effective ways to offer comfort to someone in deep sorrow?**
* **In what ways can our communities (family, church, friends) better embody the "coming to comfort" seen in this verse?**
* **When have you experienced the profound comfort of another's presence during a time of personal grief or distress?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include this seemingly small, personal detail in a long genealogy?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of this specific, deeply personal narrative in [1 Chronicles 7:22](/1_chronicles/7-22 "1 Chronicles 7:22 - Ephraim's Grief and Comfort") within an otherwise dry genealogical record is highly significant and serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it humanizes the patriarchs, reminding the reader that these foundational figures were real people who experienced profound human emotions like grief and loss, making them relatable. Secondly, it highlights the Chronicler's broader theological and moral agenda. Unlike the Deuteronomistic history, which focuses heavily on the rise and fall of kings and the covenant, the Chronicler often emphasizes the importance of tribal identity, the continuity of God's people, and the moral lessons embedded in their history. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict and the importance of communal solidarity and compassion within the family of Israel. It's a narrative interlude that provides a moral and emotional anchor, demonstrating how God's people were meant to care for one another, even in times of profound tragedy, reinforcing themes of community and mutual support that are central to the Chronicler's message for the post-exilic community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The poignant scene of Ephraim's deep mourning and the comfort offered by his brethren finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ephraim grieved the loss of his sons, Christ, the ultimate Son, experienced the deepest sorrow and loss on behalf of humanity. He is the Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief, who Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus, demonstrating a profound empathy for human suffering ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")). Unlike Ephraim, whose comfort came from his brethren, Jesus is the source of all comfort, and through His Holy Spirit, He provides an enduring solace that transcends human limitations ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Helper")). The comfort offered to Ephraim was temporary, but the comfort Christ offers is eternal, rooted in His victory over sin and death on the cross. He not only understands our grief because He experienced it in His humanity ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Understands Our Weakness")), but He also promises a future where all tears will be wiped away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, Ephraim's experience foreshadows the ultimate Comforter, Jesus, who bore our sorrows, conquered the sting of death, and now empowers His church to be agents of His comfort in a grieving world, echoing the very compassion shown to Ephraim by his kin.

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.