1 Chronicles 7:25

KJV

And Rephah [was] his son, also Resheph, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rephah {H7506} was his son {H1121}, also Resheph {H7566}, and Telah {H8520} his son {H1121}, and Tahan {H8465} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

Refach was his son, and Reshef, then his son Telach, his son Tachan

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son,

American Standard Version

And Rephah was his son, and Resheph, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:25 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles, meticulously detailing a segment of the lineage of the tribe of Ephraim. This verse lists Rephah, Resheph, Telah, and Tahan as successive descendants in this crucial tribal line. Far from being a mere enumeration of names, this verse serves to meticulously document the continuity and preservation of Israel's tribal identities, land inheritances, and covenantal claims, particularly for the post-exilic community who sought to re-establish their heritage and connection to God's enduring promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with an unparalleled nine chapters dedicated almost exclusively to genealogies, tracing the lineage of God's chosen people from Adam through the various tribes of Israel. This exhaustive record serves as the foundational bedrock for the historical narratives that follow, establishing the identity and legitimacy of the community. Chapter 7 specifically focuses on the genealogies of the northern tribes, including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Within this chapter, 1 Chronicles 7:25 continues the detailed enumeration of the descendants of Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, whose lineage was blessed by Jacob with the promise of becoming a multitude of nations, as recorded in [Genesis 48:19](/genesis/48-19 "Genesis 48:19 - Jacob's Blessing on Ephraim"). The placement of this verse within such a comprehensive genealogical section underscores its role in demonstrating the unbroken chain of God's covenant people, ensuring that the post-exilic community could trace their heritage back to the patriarchs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary audience for the book of 1 Chronicles was the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile in the post-exilic period (c. 538 BCE onwards). For this community, who had lost their temple, their land, and much of their national identity during the seventy years of captivity, these detailed genealogies were absolutely vital. They provided an indispensable link to their ancestral past, confirming their tribal affiliations, validating claims to ancestral land inheritances, and establishing the legitimacy of priestly and Levitical roles essential for the re-establishment of temple worship. In a society where identity and rights were inextricably tied to one's lineage, the meticulous record-keeping, as exemplified by [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher"), was not merely historical curiosity but a practical necessity for rebuilding their society, reaffirming their covenant relationship with Yahweh, and ensuring proper order within the restored community.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of verses like 1 Chronicles 7:25, seemingly mundane lists of names, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Preservation** of God's people; despite exile and dispersion, God remained faithful to His covenant promises, ensuring the survival and continuity of Israel's lineage. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Continuity of Lineage and Covenant**, affirming that the post-exilic community was indeed the rightful heir to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of heritage and identity in God's redemptive plan, ensuring that the promises of a great nation and ultimately, a Messiah, would be fulfilled through a traceable line. Lastly, it subtly reveals **God's Meticulous Attention to Detail** and His comprehensive knowledge of every individual within His grand design, even those whose names appear only briefly in a list, reinforcing the truth that no life is insignificant to the Creator, as seen in passages like [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This ubiquitous Hebrew term (H1121), appearing four times in this short verse, is fundamental to its meaning. It signifies direct paternal lineage and generational succession. In the context of genealogies, `bên` is not merely a biological descriptor but a legal and covenantal one, establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the continuity of the family line through which God's promises would be passed down. Its repetition here emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent within the tribe of Ephraim, highlighting the foundational importance of generational links.
* **Rephah (Hebrew, _Rephach'_):** As the first name mentioned in this specific sequence (H7506), Rephah marks a point of origin for the subsequent generations listed. While its root meaning is "to sustain" or "support," its significance here lies primarily in its function as a vital link in the chain of Ephraimite descent. The Chronicler's inclusion of such names, even those without extensive narratives, underscores the meticulous nature of the genealogical record and God's attention to every individual within His redemptive plan.
* **Telah (Hebrew, _Telach'_):** This name (H8520), possibly derived from a root meaning "to dissever" or "breach," stands as a direct descendant in this lineage. While the etymology might suggest a break, its inclusion within an unbroken genealogical list paradoxically emphasizes the continuity despite any potential challenges or "breaches" in the family line. It serves as another specific marker in the divinely preserved succession, reinforcing the Chronicler's commitment to detailing the full extent of the tribal heritage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rephah [was] his son":** This opening clause establishes Rephah as a direct descendant within the Ephraimite lineage, likely referring to Shuthelah, who is named in 1 Chronicles 7:20-21 as a son of Ephraim. The phrase "his son" immediately places Rephah within a specific generational context, highlighting the sequential nature of the genealogy. It signifies the continuation of the family line and the passing of tribal identity and inheritance rights from one generation to the next.
* **"also Resheph":** This phrase introduces Resheph as another son, likely of Rephah, continuing the direct patrilineal succession. The conjunction "also" (Hebrew `wĕgam`) indicates an additional descendant in the same generational or familial context, reinforcing the depth and breadth of the Ephraimite family tree. Resheph's inclusion further validates the numerical and generational growth of the tribe, demonstrating its vitality and continuity.
* **"and Telah his son":** Telah is explicitly identified as the son of Resheph, creating a clear three-generational sequence (Rephah > Resheph > Telah). This precise naming of the father-son relationship underscores the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the paramount importance of establishing an unbroken chain of descent. It is a testament to the Chronicler's commitment to accuracy in detailing the tribal heritage, vital for the post-exilic community's identity.
* **"and Tahan his son":** Following the same pattern, Tahan is named as the son of Telah, extending the lineage to a fourth generation in this specific segment. The consistent "his son" formula throughout the verse reinforces the direct, legitimate, and divinely preserved line of Ephraim. This unbroken chain was essential for the post-exilic community to trace their heritage, re-establish their place in the land, and reaffirm their connection to God's covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:25, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a list but a structured narrative form that establishes identity, legitimacy, and historical continuity for the post-exilic community. Within this overarching genealogical structure, the device of **Repetition** is prominently employed, particularly the recurring phrase "his son." This repetition serves to emphasize the direct, unbroken, and legitimate succession of generations, reinforcing the meticulous nature of the record and the divine preservation of the lineage. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration**, systematically listing names to create a comprehensive record, which, while seemingly dry to a modern reader, was a vital tool for establishing tribal claims, confirming land inheritances, and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 7:25 appears as a simple list of names, its theological weight is profound. It serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those concerning the multiplication and preservation of Abraham's descendants. The very existence of such detailed genealogies, meticulously preserved through centuries of upheaval, including exile, underscores God's providential care over His people. Each name, though seemingly minor, represents a living link in the chain of God's redemptive history, demonstrating that His plan unfolds not just through major historical figures but through countless ordinary lives. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not abstract but are fulfilled through real people, real families, and real generations, ensuring the continuity of His chosen people until the coming of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 46:20](/genesis/46-20 "Genesis 46:20 - Joseph's Sons, Manasseh and Ephraim")
* [Numbers 26:35-37](/numbers/26-35-37 "Numbers 26:35-37 - The Clans of Ephraim")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values immediate impact and prominent figures, 1 Chronicles 7:25 offers a quiet but profound lesson: every life, even those seemingly lost in a long list, is significant in God's grand narrative. This verse invites us to reflect on our own place within God's ongoing story, reminding us that our lives, our heritage, and our contributions, however small they may seem, are known to God and play a part in His eternal purposes. It encourages us to appreciate the spiritual heritage we have received from those who came before us, recognizing that our faith is built upon a long line of faithfulness, a "cloud of witnesses" who have run the race before us ([Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Great Cloud of Witnesses")). Just as God meticulously preserved the lineage of Ephraim for His purposes, He orchestrates the details of our lives with intentionality and care. This should instill in us a deep sense of security in God's faithfulness, knowing that if He was so diligent in preserving ancient family lines, He is certainly attentive to the details of our individual lives and the unfolding of His promises in our time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 7:25, challenge our modern tendency to focus only on "famous" or "important" individuals?**
* **In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage (the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us) strengthen our faith and sense of identity today?**
* **What does God's faithfulness in preserving these ancient lineages teach us about His commitment to His promises in our own lives?**

### FAQ

**Why are these long lists of names, like 1 Chronicles 7:25, included in the Bible? Don't they seem irrelevant to a modern reader?**

Answer: While seemingly dry to a modern reader, these genealogical lists were profoundly significant to their original audience, particularly the post-exilic community. They served several crucial purposes: to establish and confirm tribal identities, validate claims to ancestral land inheritances, ensure the legitimacy of priestly and Levitical service, and demonstrate the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises. For a people rebuilding their nation and faith after exile, these records were vital for re-establishing their place in God's plan and their connection to their heritage. From a broader theological perspective, they underscore God's meticulous attention to detail, His faithfulness in preserving His chosen people, and the historical reality through which His redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, unfolded. They show that God works through real people and real families across generations, not just through abstract ideas, ensuring the historical accuracy of His divine narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:25 focuses on the lineage of Ephraim, its deeper significance, like all biblical genealogies, ultimately points to the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan culminating in Jesus Christ. These meticulous records, preserving the lines of Israel, foreshadow the ultimate "Son" who would emerge from a specific, divinely preserved lineage—the Messiah. The very persistence of these tribal records, despite centuries of national upheaval and exile, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, particularly the promise of a seed who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Jesus, as the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), and ultimately the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the supreme fulfillment of all these genealogies. He is the ultimate heir to all the covenant promises made to Abraham and David, the one through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")). Thus, even a seemingly obscure verse listing Ephraimite descendants indirectly contributes to the grand tapestry of salvation history, pointing to the faithfulness of God who meticulously prepared the way for the incarnation of His Son, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.