1 Chronicles 7:28

KJV

And their possessions and habitations [were], Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

And their possessions {H272} and habitations {H4186} were, Bethel {H1008} and the towns {H1323} thereof, and eastward {H4217} Naaran {H5295}, and westward {H4628} Gezer {H1507}, with the towns {H1323} thereof; Shechem {H7927} also and the towns {H1323} thereof, unto Gaza {H5804} and the towns {H1323} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

Their possessions and settlements were Beit-El with its towns; Na'aran to the east; and to the west, Gezer with its towns; also Sh'khem with its towns, as far as 'Ayah and its towns;

Berean Standard Bible

Their holdings and settlements included Bethel and its villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages as far as Ayyah and its villages.

American Standard Version

And their possessions and habitations were Beth-el and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Azzah and the towns thereof;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:28 meticulously details the geographical scope of the tribe of Ephraim's inheritance within the Promised Land, listing significant cities and their surrounding towns. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies of Chronicles, serves as a tangible record of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises of land to the descendants of Joseph, underscoring the established presence and territorial claims of one of Israel's most prominent tribes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy and foundational genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribal divisions. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Verse 28 provides a detailed territorial description for the tribe of Ephraim, one of the two tribes descended from Joseph. The Chronicler's meticulous inclusion of such geographical details highlights the fulfillment of God's promise of land, demonstrating the tangible reality of their inheritance and establishing a clear connection between the post-exilic community and their ancestral roots. This detailed record reinforces the legitimacy of their claim to the land upon their return.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, land ownership was inextricably linked to tribal identity, social structure, and covenant blessings. The distribution of land, as initially detailed in the book of [Joshua](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - Ephraim's Allotment"), was a foundational act demonstrating God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation in their promised territory. The Chronicler, writing centuries later (likely during or after the Babylonian exile), compiled these genealogies to remind the returning exiles of their identity as God's covenant people, their rightful inheritance in the land, and the continuity of God's redemptive plan despite the intervening exile. The mention of specific cities like Bethel, Shechem, and Gezer underscores the historical reality of their occupation and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 7:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Inheritance**, serving as concrete evidence of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The detailed list of cities like [Bethel](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel"), Shechem, and Gezer underscores the tangible nature of God's provision. Secondly, it reinforces **Tribal Identity and Boundaries**, as these geographical markers precisely define Ephraim's sphere of influence, distinguishing them from neighboring tribes and peoples, reflecting the ordered and specific way the land was distributed among the tribes, as outlined in [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - Ephraim's Territory"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes the **Historical Record and Continuity** of Israel, demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to preserving a vital historical document that confirms the lineage and territorial claims of the post-exilic community, connecting them directly to their ancestral roots and the original distribution of the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Habitations (Hebrew, _moshav'_):** This term refers to dwelling places, settlements, or established residences. Its use here emphasizes not merely a temporary encampment but a permanent, settled presence of the Ephraimites within these listed territories. It denotes a place where people live and have established their lives, reinforcing the idea of a secure and inherited possession.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bet-El'_):** Meaning "House of God," Bethel was a site of profound spiritual and historical significance. It was where Jacob had his dream of a ladder to heaven and renewed God's covenant promises (see [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). Its inclusion here indicates not just a geographical marker but a place deeply embedded in Israel's sacred history and identity, reinforcing the theological weight of their land inheritance.
* **Gaza (Hebrew, _'Azzah'_):** As a prominent Philistine city on the southwestern coast, the mention of "unto Gaza" indicates the southern extent or claim of Ephraim's territory, reaching towards the Philistine plain. While often contested and not always firmly held by Israel, its inclusion here suggests the ideal or intended breadth of Ephraim's inheritance, pushing towards the traditional boundaries of the Promised Land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their possessions and habitations [were], Bethel and the towns thereof":** This clause establishes the central and foundational part of Ephraim's inherited territory. Bethel, a city of immense historical and spiritual importance, served as a key anchor for their tribal lands, signifying a well-established and divinely sanctioned presence. The phrase "and the towns thereof" indicates that the Ephraimite control extended beyond the main city to its surrounding villages and agricultural lands, forming a comprehensive territorial unit.
* **"and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof":** This part of the verse delineates the east-west expansion of Ephraim's territory. Naaran (likely modern Na'aran or near Jericho) marked their eastern boundary, while Gezer (a strategically important city often contested between Israel and other powers) defined their western reach. The repeated "with the towns thereof" reinforces the idea of a consolidated and extensive territorial claim, encompassing not just isolated cities but their entire regional spheres of influence.
* **"Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof":** This final clause further elaborates on the extent of Ephraim's land. Shechem, another city of great historical and covenantal significance (where Joshua gathered Israel for a covenant renewal in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address at Shechem")), signifies a key northern or central possession. The concluding "unto Gaza and the towns thereof" indicates the furthest southern or southwestern reach of their claim, extending towards the coastal plain and the Philistine territories. This comprehensive listing paints a picture of a vast and significant tribal inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs **Cataloging** and **Geographical Listing** as primary literary devices in 1 Chronicles 7:28. This meticulous enumeration of cities and their associated towns serves to provide a precise and verifiable record of Ephraim's territorial inheritance. The cumulative effect of listing specific place names creates a sense of historical authenticity and concrete fulfillment of divine promises. Furthermore, the use of **Merism** can be observed in the east-west directional markers ("eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer") and the implied north-south span from Shechem to Gaza, effectively encompassing the entire breadth of Ephraim's territory. This detailed geographical description is not merely a dry list but a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness and the tangible reality of Israel's promised land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:28, though a seemingly simple list of place names, is profoundly theological. It stands as a testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the gift of the land. This meticulous detailing of Ephraim's inheritance underscores that God's word is not abstract but concretely realized in history and geography. For the post-exilic community, this record would have served as a powerful reminder of their identity, their divine heritage, and the certainty of God's restorative purposes, even after periods of judgment and displacement. It affirmed their right to the land and provided a foundation for hope in God's continued provision and the re-establishment of His people.

* [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Joshua 16:1-10](/joshua/16-1 "Joshua 16:1-10 - The Allotment for Ephraim")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Enduring Covenant with Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed geographical record of 1 Chronicles 7:28, while seemingly remote, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's promises are not vague spiritual platitudes but have tangible, historical reality. Just as He faithfully provided a physical inheritance for Ephraim, He continues to fulfill His promises to us, whether in the daily provisions of life or the ultimate spiritual blessings in Christ. This verse encourages us to trust in the detailed and precise nature of God's providence, recognizing that even the "mundane" details of Scripture affirm His meticulous care and the certainty of His plans. It invites us to reflect on our own spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is far more enduring and glorious than any earthly territory, yet equally secure and guaranteed by God's faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this geographical list deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways do you see God's "possessions and habitations" for you, both spiritually and practically, being fulfilled in your life today?**
* **How can the historical certainty of Israel's land inheritance encourage your trust in God's future promises for your life and for His church?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Chronicler include such detailed geographical lists in a book primarily focused on genealogies?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of detailed geographical lists, like that in 1 Chronicles 7:28, serves several crucial purposes for his post-exilic audience. Firstly, it provides concrete evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The lists demonstrate that the promise was indeed realized in history. Secondly, for a people returning from exile, these lists affirmed their legitimate claim to the land and their tribal identity. Land ownership was fundamental to Israel's national and religious identity, and these records connected the returning exiles to their ancestral heritage and specific territorial rights. Thirdly, it underscored the continuity of God's plan and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel, even after the disruption of the exile. It was a reminder that God's purposes for His people and their land remained steadfast.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:28 details a physical inheritance in the land for the tribe of Ephraim, its ultimate theological trajectory points towards the spiritual inheritance found in Christ. The land of promise, with its specific boundaries and cities, was a tangible foretaste of God's ultimate provision and dwelling place for His people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the true and ultimate "inheritance" for believers (e.g., [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Our Inheritance in Light") and [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is the one who secures for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Just as Ephraim's territory was a gift of God's faithfulness, so too is our spiritual adoption and eternal dwelling with God in the new heavens and new earth, a reality secured by Christ's atoning work and resurrection ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). The specific physical boundaries of Ephraim's land ultimately find their boundless fulfillment in the universal spiritual domain of Christ's kingdom, where all who are in Him are co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and possess an eternal dwelling "not made with hands" ([2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Heavenly Dwelling")).

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 16:2

And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

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.

Judges 1:22

And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD [was] with them.

Genesis 28:19

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.

1 Chronicles 6:66

And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.

1 Chronicles 6:67

And they gave unto them, [of] the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; [they gave] also Gezer with her suburbs,