1 Chronicles 7:24

KJV

(And his daughter [was] Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.)

KJV (with Strong's)

(And his daughter {H1323} was Sherah {H7609}, who built {H1129} Bethhoron {H1032} the nether {H8481}, and the upper {H5945}, and Uzzensherah {H242}.)

Complete Jewish Bible

His daughter was She'erah, who built upper and lower Beit-Horon and Uzen-She'erah.

Berean Standard Bible

His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon, as well as Uzzen-sheerah.

American Standard Version

And his daughter was Sheerah, who built Beth-horon the nether and the upper, and Uzzen-sheerah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:24 is a remarkable verse nestled within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Ephraim, highlighting Sherah, a daughter of Beriah, whose significant architectural achievements earned her a unique and explicit mention in the sacred record. This concise statement not only identifies her lineage but also credits her with the construction of three vital towns—Bethhoron the nether, Bethhoron the upper, and Uzzensherah—thereby preserving her legacy as a formidable builder and contributor to the foundational infrastructure of ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy genealogical section in [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Israelite Tribes"), which meticulously details the descendants of several Israelite tribes, including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim. The Chronicler’s primary purpose in these genealogies was to establish the continuity of God's covenant people, affirm tribal identities, delineate land inheritances, and trace the lineage leading to the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 7:20-29](/1_chronicles/7-20 "1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - Descendants of Ephraim") focuses on the tribe of Ephraim, a prominent son of Joseph, whose descendants were numerous and influential. Within this list, Sherah is identified as the daughter of Beriah, a key figure in Ephraim's line, making her inclusion particularly noteworthy as a female figure in a predominantly male-centric record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was largely patriarchal, with genealogies typically tracing male lines and focusing on male achievements. The explicit mention of a woman, Sherah, and her architectural accomplishments is therefore highly unusual and significant, suggesting her contributions were exceptionally impactful and widely recognized. The towns she built, Bethhoron the nether and Bethhoron the upper, were strategically crucial, controlling a vital pass that connected the coastal plain with the central highlands. This pass was a key military and trade route, frequently mentioned in biblical narratives (e.g., [Joshua 10:10-11](/joshua/10-10 "Joshua 10:10-11 - Battle at Bethhoron")). The construction of such fortified towns would have been a massive undertaking, requiring significant resources, leadership, and engineering skill. The naming of Uzzensherah after her further underscores her profound and lasting impact on the land and its people, a rare honor typically reserved for male founders or conquerors.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Sherah in this genealogy contributes to several key themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it subtly highlights **God's inclusive use of individuals**, regardless of gender, to fulfill His purposes and contribute to the development of His people and their land. In a society that often marginalized women's public roles, Sherah's recognition serves as a testament to her unique gifts and God-given agency. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **lasting legacy and contribution**. Sherah's work was not ephemeral; she built enduring structures that shaped the geography and defense of the Ephraimite territory. This resonates with the Chronicler's broader interest in the establishment and maintenance of the Israelite nation and its institutions. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **divine recognition of human effort**, showing that even within the seemingly dry lists of names, God's inspired Word acknowledges those who made significant, tangible contributions to the community, echoing the importance of faithful stewardship seen in passages like [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-31 - The Virtuous Woman").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sherah (Hebrew, _Shĕ’ērāh'_):** The name itself is not directly translatable in a way that reveals her character or actions, but her mention is highly significant. In a patriarchal society where genealogies predominantly trace male lines, Sherah's explicit inclusion and the detailed description of her accomplishments are extraordinary. This highlights her exceptional influence and the lasting impact of her work, deemed worthy of permanent record in the sacred text. Her existence challenges assumptions about the roles and recognition of women in ancient Israel.
* **Bethhoron (Hebrew, _Bēth Ḥōrôn'_):** Meaning "House of Horon" (possibly referring to an ancient Canaanite deity or a geographical feature), Bethhoron refers to two strategically vital towns, "the nether" (lower) and "the upper." These cities guarded a crucial mountain pass between the coastal plain and the central highlands. Their construction, particularly as a pair, suggests a sophisticated defensive or logistical strategy. Their importance is attested by their frequent mention in military contexts (e.g., [Joshua 10:11](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11 - God's Hailstones at Bethhoron"), [1 Samuel 13:18](/1_samuel/13-18 "1 Samuel 13:18 - Philistine Raids near Bethhoron"), [2 Chronicles 8:5](/2_chronicles/8-5 "2 Chronicles 8:5 - Solomon Rebuilds Bethhoron")). Sherah's role in building them underscores her significant contribution to the security and infrastructure of the Ephraimite territory.
* **Uzzensherah (Hebrew, _‘Uzzēn Shĕ’ērāh'_):** This unique place name literally means "Ear of Sherah" or "Portion/Stronghold of Sherah." The fact that a town was named directly after her is an exceptionally rare honor, especially for a woman. It serves as a permanent memorial to her, indicating that her influence was so profound that a place was identified by her very being or her contribution to its establishment. This onomastic detail powerfully conveys the depth of her legacy and the respect she commanded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(And his daughter [was] Sherah,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes Sherah's identity as the daughter of Beriah, a descendant of Ephraim. The simple declarative statement, embedded within a male-dominated lineage, sets the stage for the remarkable revelation of her achievements. The use of "his daughter" clearly positions her within the tribal structure, while simultaneously drawing attention to her unique status.
* **"who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper,"**: This clause reveals Sherah's primary accomplishment: the construction of the two Bethhoron cities. The act of "building" (`bānāh`) implies not just physical construction but also establishment, development, and fortification. The dual mention of "the nether" (lower) and "the upper" (upper) indicates a comprehensive and strategically important building project, likely involving significant resources, labor, and architectural planning. This was a monumental undertaking for anyone, let alone a woman in that era.
* **"and Uzzensherah.)"**: The final clause adds a third city to Sherah's impressive list of accomplishments. The naming of "Uzzensherah" directly after her is the ultimate testament to her lasting impact and recognition. This detail elevates her from merely a builder to a foundational figure whose identity became intertwined with the very landscape she helped shape, ensuring her name would be remembered through the place itself.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices, despite its brevity. The primary device is **Genealogy**, which serves as the overarching framework for the entire chapter, placing Sherah within the historical and tribal continuity of Israel. Within this genealogical context, the specific mention of Sherah represents a powerful instance of **Inclusivity** or **Counter-Cultural Detail**. In a record overwhelmingly focused on male lineage and achievement, the explicit highlighting of a woman's architectural prowess is highly unusual and draws attention to her unique significance. This deviation from the norm underscores the exceptional nature of her contribution. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Onomastics**, the study of names, particularly in the naming of "Uzzensherah." The act of naming a city directly after her provides a permanent **Memorialization** of her work and identity, transforming her name into a geographical marker and ensuring her legacy. This specific naming convention functions as a form of **Eponymy**, where a place derives its name from a person, further emphasizing her profound impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Sherah's story, though brief, offers profound theological insights. Her inclusion in the sacred record demonstrates God's recognition and valuing of contributions from all individuals, regardless of societal norms or gender. It challenges the notion that only men or those in traditionally powerful positions are used by God for significant kingdom work. Her act of building enduring cities speaks to the theme of leaving a lasting legacy, not for personal glory, but for the benefit and security of the community, reflecting a divine call to stewardship and constructive engagement with the world. The fact that her work was deemed worthy of inclusion in a divinely inspired text underscores that God sees and honors faithful labor, even when it might be overlooked by human historians.

* [Judges 4:4-5](/judges/4-4 "Judges 4:4-5 - Deborah, a Judge of Israel")
* [Proverbs 31:16](/proverbs/31-16 "Proverbs 31:16 - The Virtuous Woman Buys a Field")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Male or Female in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Sherah's story is a powerful reminder that God uses diverse individuals, often those overlooked by conventional history, to accomplish His purposes. Her legacy as a builder of vital infrastructure challenges us to consider how we are using our own unique gifts and resources to "build" in our communities—whether physically, spiritually, or relationally. Her example encourages us to recognize and affirm the often-unsung contributions of others, especially those whose efforts might be marginalized or go unnoticed. Just as Sherah's work provided security and stability for her people, our faithful efforts can create spaces of flourishing, safety, and growth for those around us, leaving a positive mark for generations to come. We are called to be active participants in God's ongoing work of creation and redemption, building up His kingdom through our vocations and relationships, knowing that every act of faithful service, no matter how seemingly small, is seen and valued by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be overlooking or underestimating the contributions of individuals in my own community, especially those who don't fit traditional molds of leadership or influence?**
* **What "cities" (i.e., communities, relationships, institutions, or spiritual foundations) is God calling me to build or strengthen with my unique gifts and resources?**
* **How can I cultivate a legacy of lasting, positive impact that benefits future generations, rather than just seeking immediate gratification or personal recognition?**
* **How does Sherah's story challenge my preconceived notions about who God uses and how He works in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why is Sherah, a woman, specifically mentioned in these genealogies, which primarily trace male lines?**

Answer: Sherah's explicit mention is highly unusual and significant precisely because ancient Israelite genealogies were overwhelmingly patriarchal. Her inclusion underscores the extraordinary nature of her achievements. She built three crucial cities—Bethhoron the nether, Bethhoron the upper, and Uzzensherah—which were vital for the security and infrastructure of the Ephraimite territory. Her contributions were so substantial and impactful that they were deemed worthy of permanent record in the sacred text, indicating divine recognition of her unique role and gifts. It serves as a subtle but powerful reminder that God uses individuals from all walks of life, including women, to fulfill His purposes.

**What was the strategic importance of Bethhoron?**

Answer: Bethhoron the nether and Bethhoron the upper were strategically critical towns located along a vital pass that connected the coastal plain (Shephelah) with the central highlands of Judah and Ephraim. This pass was a key military and trade route, making control of these cities essential for defense and commerce. Numerous biblical accounts highlight their strategic importance, such as [Joshua's victory](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11 - The Battle of Bethhoron") over the Amorite kings, where God intervened with hailstones, and later instances where armies marched through or fought near them (e.g., [1 Samuel 13:18](/1_samuel/13-18 "1 Samuel 13:18 - Philistine Raids")). Sherah's role in building these fortified cities demonstrates her significant contribution to the security and stability of her people.

**What does the name Uzzensherah signify?**

Answer: The name Uzzensherah (עֻזֶּן שְׁאֵרָה, _‘Uzzēn Shĕ’ērāh_) is particularly telling. While its precise etymology is debated, it is often interpreted as "Ear of Sherah" or "Portion/Stronghold of Sherah." The fact that a town was named directly after her is an exceptionally rare honor, especially for a woman in that era. It signifies that her influence was so profound that a place was identified by her very being or her foundational contribution to its establishment. This naming convention served as a permanent memorial to her, immortalizing her work and ensuring her name would be remembered through the very landscape she helped shape.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Sherah, the builder of cities, stands as a remarkable figure in the Old Testament genealogies, and her story finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While she literally built physical structures that provided security and identity for her people, Christ is the ultimate builder of a spiritual kingdom and a new humanity. Just as Sherah's inclusion in a male-dominated lineage foreshadows an unexpected inclusivity, Christ radically breaks down all societal barriers, declaring that in Him "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). He is the chief cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of the church is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")), transforming believers into "living stones" built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Sherah's legacy was in the enduring cities she constructed; Christ's legacy is the eternal church, His body, which He promised to build, and "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Her work points to the ultimate work of the Messiah, who builds not merely physical strongholds, but an everlasting kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace, welcoming all who come to Him, regardless of their earthly standing or gender, to participate in His divine construction project.

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

Joshua 16:3

And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

Joshua 16:5

¶ And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

2 Chronicles 8:5

Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;

1 Kings 9:17

And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

Joshua 10:10

And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.