1 Chronicles 7:26

KJV

Laadan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

Laadan {H3936} his son {H1121}, Ammihud {H5989} his son {H1121}, Elishama {H476} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

his son La'dan, his son 'Ammihud, his son Elishama,

Berean Standard Bible

Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,

American Standard Version

Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:26 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Ephraim, one of Joseph's sons. It meticulously traces three successive generations—Laadan, his son Ammihud, and Ammihud's son Elishama—serving a crucial role in preserving tribal identity, land rights, and national heritage for the post-exilic Israelite community. More profoundly, this verse highlights God's sovereign hand in history, meticulously preserving specific lineages through which key figures, such as Elishama's grandson Joshua, would emerge to fulfill His divine purposes in salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously detail the lineages of the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim") focuses on the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim. The section concerning Ephraim's lineage begins around [1 Chronicles 7:20](/1_chronicles/7-20 "1 Chronicles 7:20 - Ephraim's Genealogy Begins"), providing a foundational record of this prominent tribe. The repetitive "his son" structure is characteristic of biblical genealogies, emphasizing direct paternal descent and the unbroken chain of generations. These lists are not merely dry records but serve as a theological statement about God's faithfulness in preserving His people and preparing the way for His redemptive plan, often subtly foreshadowing future events or key individuals through the inclusion of specific names.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The books of Chronicles were compiled after the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for Israel. The returned exiles faced the daunting task of rebuilding their nation, re-establishing their identity, and reaffirming their covenant relationship with God. In this context, genealogies were indispensable. They provided concrete evidence of tribal affiliation, which was crucial for reclaiming ancestral land inheritances, determining eligibility for priestly service, and reinforcing a sense of continuity with their pre-exilic past. Knowing one's lineage connected individuals to the covenant promises made to Abraham and David, offering assurance that God had not abandoned His people despite their exile. The meticulous nature of these records underscores their vital role in the social, religious, and political fabric of ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme evident in 1 Chronicles 7:26 and the surrounding genealogies is **Continuity and Lineage**. God's meticulous preservation of family lines underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating that His promises endure through successive generations. This continuity is not random but speaks to **Divine Providence in History**, highlighting God's active and sovereign hand in guiding the course of human events. Even in seemingly ordinary lists of names, God is at work, orchestrating the emergence of individuals who will play pivotal roles in His grand narrative. The inclusion of Elishama, specifically, points to the future leadership of his grandson, Joshua, who would lead Israel into the Promised Land, as detailed in [Numbers 13:16](/numbers/13-16 "Numbers 13:16 - Joshua's Name Change") and [Joshua 1:1](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1 - Joshua Succeeds Moses"). This demonstrates God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, as He patiently and precisely fulfills His promises across centuries, preparing the way for His ultimate redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laadan (Hebrew, _Laʻdân'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "for adornment" or "for a witness," Laadan here functions as the initial name in this specific three-generation sequence within the Ephraimite lineage. While the name itself carries potential meaning, its primary significance in this context is its role in establishing the direct line of descent leading to Ammihud.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This common Hebrew term, meaning "son," is derived from a root indicating "to build." It signifies not merely a male offspring but also one who "builds" or continues the family name and lineage. In genealogies like this, "son" emphasizes the direct, paternal succession, ensuring the unbroken transmission of tribal identity, rights, and heritage through generations.
* **Ammihud (Hebrew, _ʻAmmîyhûwd'_):** This name, meaning "people of splendor" or "my people are glory," serves as the crucial intermediate link in the sequence. As with many biblical names, it likely conveyed a hopeful or theological statement by the parents. In 1 Chronicles 7:26, Ammihud's role is to bridge the connection between Laadan and Elishama, maintaining the integrity of the genealogical record.
* **Elishama (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ'_):** Meaning "God of hearing" or "my God has heard," this name is particularly significant. Elishama is identified elsewhere in Scripture as the father of Nun and thus the grandfather of Joshua, the great leader who succeeded Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land. His inclusion in this verse, though brief, serves as a vital anchor point, connecting this Ephraimite lineage to one of Israel's most pivotal figures in the conquest and settlement of Canaan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Laadan his son":** This phrase establishes Laadan as the immediate descendant of the unnamed individual preceding him in the Ephraimite genealogy (likely Shuthelah, as per [1 Chronicles 7:20-21](/1_chronicles/7-20-21 "1 Chronicles 7:20-21 - Descendants of Ephraim")). It initiates the specific chain of paternal descent that the Chronicler wishes to record, demonstrating the meticulous tracking of tribal lines and the continuity of the Ephraimite family.
* **"Ammihud his son":** This clause continues the direct lineage, identifying Ammihud as the son of Laadan. The repetitive "his son" structure is a hallmark of biblical genealogies, emphasizing the direct, unbroken transmission of identity, heritage, and tribal rights from father to son across generations, reinforcing the legitimacy and historical accuracy of the record.
* **"Elishama his son":** This final clause in the verse names Elishama as the son of Ammihud. While seemingly just another name in a list, Elishama's presence is profoundly significant. As the grandfather of Joshua, his inclusion here subtly foreshadows the future leadership and divine intervention that will come through this very lineage, underscoring God's long-term plan for His people and His sovereign hand in raising up pivotal figures.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:26 is **Genealogy** itself, which functions as a structural and thematic framework throughout the early chapters of Chronicles. The **Repetition** of the phrase "his son" creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality, reinforcing the unbroken chain of paternal descent and the meticulous nature of the record. This repetitive structure serves to emphasize the continuity of God's covenant people through time and the divine faithfulness in preserving specific lines. Furthermore, the inclusion of Elishama, whose grandson Joshua is a monumental figure in Israelite history, employs a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**. By merely listing his name, the Chronicler implicitly points to the future significance that will emerge from this seemingly ordinary lineage, highlighting God's purposeful work through generations and His orchestration of key individuals for His redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:26, though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign orchestration of history. It reminds us that even seemingly minor individuals within a long line contribute to God's overarching plan. The preservation of these names underscores the divine commitment to maintaining a people through whom His promises would be fulfilled, culminating in the advent of the Messiah. These genealogies are not merely historical records; they are theological statements about God's faithfulness, His covenant keeping, and His patient work across generations to bring about His redemptive purposes. They affirm that every life, however obscure, has a place in God's grand narrative.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Generations of Adam to Noah")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names from ancient history might initially seem detached from modern life, 1 Chronicles 7:26 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness across generations. Just as He meticulously preserved the lineage of Ephraim, ensuring the emergence of leaders like Joshua, so too does He work through the seemingly ordinary details of our lives and the lives of those who came before us. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own heritage, whether familial or spiritual, recognizing that we are part of a larger story, a continuous thread woven by God's providence. It challenges us to consider how our "ordinary" lives contribute to God's ongoing work in the world, reminding us that every individual, every family, and every generation plays a vital role in His grand design. Our existence is not accidental but part of a divine tapestry, calling us to live with purpose and trust in the God who orchestrates all things for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness in preserving ancient lineages impact my trust in His plans for my own life and future, even when circumstances seem uncertain?**
* **In what ways can I recognize and appreciate the "ordinary" contributions of those who have come before me, both in my family and in my spiritual heritage, and how can I honor their legacy?**
* **How does the idea that every life, however seemingly minor, plays a part in God's grand design, encourage or challenge me to live with greater intentionality and purpose today?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons. First, they establish **identity and belonging**, connecting individuals and tribes to their historical roots and to the covenant people of God. For the post-exilic community of Chronicles, this was vital for re-establishing national and tribal identity after displacement. Second, they determine **inheritance and land rights**, ensuring that land promised by God (e.g., in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Allotment of Israel")) remained within designated tribal families. Third, they validate **religious offices**, particularly for the priesthood, which required proof of descent from Aaron (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61-63 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests Excluded from the Priesthood")). Finally, and most significantly, genealogies serve a **theological purpose**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving specific lines through which His promises would be fulfilled, ultimately leading to the Messiah (e.g., [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")).

**What is the specific significance of Elishama in 1 Chronicles 7:26?**

Answer: Elishama's significance in [1 Chronicles 7:26](/1_chronicles/7-26 "1 Chronicles 7:26 - Genealogy of Ephraim") lies primarily in his progeny. While the verse itself is brief, Elishama is identified in other biblical passages (such as [Numbers 1:10](/numbers/1-10 "Numbers 1:10 - Elishama, Leader of Ephraim")) as the father of Nun and, consequently, the grandfather of Joshua. Joshua was the pivotal leader who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, as recounted in the book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua"). Therefore, Elishama's inclusion in this genealogy, though seemingly minor, connects this Ephraimite lineage directly to a major figure in Israel's salvation history, underscoring God's meticulous plan and His sovereign hand in raising up leaders for His people.

**How does 1 Chronicles 7:26 relate to the broader message of the book of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: [1 Chronicles 7:26](/1_chronicles/7-26 "1 Chronicles 7:26 - Genealogy of Ephraim"), as part of the extensive genealogies in the book, is integral to the Chronicler's overarching message to the returned exiles. The book aims to remind them of their rich heritage, their covenant relationship with God, and the continuity of God's promises despite their exile. By meticulously listing these lineages, the Chronicler emphasizes that God has been faithful across generations, preserving His people and their tribal identities. This particular verse, highlighting a line that produced Joshua, reinforces the theme of God's active involvement in history, raising up leaders and fulfilling His purposes. It offers hope and reassurance that the same God who faithfully led their ancestors would continue to guide and restore them, affirming their place in God's ongoing plan for Israel and the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of lineages, as seen in [1 Chronicles 7:26](/1_chronicles/7-26 "1 Chronicles 7:26 - Genealogy of Ephraim") and throughout the Old Testament genealogies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The very purpose of these detailed records, often spanning centuries, was to demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining a chosen line through which His redemptive plan would unfold. While [1 Chronicles 7:26](/1_chronicles/7-26 "1 Chronicles 7:26 - Genealogy of Ephraim") highlights the lineage leading to Joshua, a deliverer who brought Israel into the physical Promised Land, this foreshadows the greater Deliverer, Jesus, who brings His people into the spiritual and eternal promised land of salvation. The genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") meticulously trace His descent, proving His rightful claim as the Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham, in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, every name in every Old Testament genealogy, including Laadan, Ammihud, and Elishama, contributes to the grand narrative of God's patient and precise work to bring forth the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), establishing a new and eternal covenant through His blood ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant")).

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.