1 Chronicles 7:3

KJV

And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Uzzi {H5813}; Izrahiah {H3156}: and the sons {H1121} of Izrahiah {H3156}; Michael {H4317}, and Obadiah {H5662}, and Joel {H3100}, Ishiah {H3449}, five {H2568}: all of them chief men {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of 'Uzi was Yizrachyah, and the sons of Yizrachyah were: Mikha'el, 'Ovadyah, Yo'el and Yishiyah - five, all of them leaders.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Isshiah, five; all of them chief men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:3 is a precise genealogical entry detailing a specific branch of the tribe of Issachar, tracing the lineage from Uzzi through his son Izrahiah, and then listing Izrahiah's five sons: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah. The verse culminates by identifying these five individuals as "chief men," underscoring their significant leadership and influence within their clan and the broader tribal structure of Issachar, thereby contributing to the meticulous record of Israel's heritage and organization.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, spanning chapters 1-9. These chapters serve as a foundational record, tracing the lineage of Israel from Adam through the patriarchs and into the twelve tribes, culminating in the Davidic line. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The section on Issachar begins in [1 Chronicles 7:1](/1_chronicles/7-1 "1 Chronicles 7:1 - Sons of Issachar") by listing the four primary sons of Issachar. Verse 3 then narrows the focus to a specific and prominent line within this tribe, highlighting the descendants of Uzzi, one of Issachar's grandsons mentioned in [1 Chronicles 7:2](/1_chronicles/7-2 "1 Chronicles 7:2 - Sons of Uzzi"). The detailed enumeration of Izrahiah's sons and their designation as "chief men" indicates a particular emphasis on leadership and familial prominence within this tribal record, setting it apart from mere name-listing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled primarily for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. After generations in exile, the precise identification of tribal affiliations, land rights, priestly and Levitical lineages, and the royal succession was paramount for re-establishing the nation's identity and order. These lists helped confirm who belonged to the covenant community, who had rights to ancestral lands, and who was qualified for religious service. The designation "chief men" (Hebrew: *rashei avot*, "heads of fathers' houses") points to a well-defined social and political structure where clan leaders played crucial roles in governance, justice, and military organization. Their authority was not merely honorary but functional, ensuring the stability and continuity of the community in a period of national rebuilding.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping in 1 Chronicles 7:3, as part of the broader genealogical record, underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Order and Preservation** of God's people, demonstrating His faithfulness in maintaining the identity and heritage of Israel through generations, even amidst exile and dispersion. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Lineage and Identity** for ancient Israel, where one's ancestry determined social standing, inheritance, and religious roles within the covenant community, as seen in the detailed records of those returning from exile in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - Those Who Returned from Exile") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Returnees"). Finally, the mention of "chief men" points to the theme of **Leadership and Responsibility**, indicating that God raises up individuals to guide and govern His people. These leaders were vital for the stability and organization of the community, much like the "heads of thousands in Israel" mentioned in [Numbers 1:16](/numbers/1-16 "Numbers 1:16 - Leaders Chosen from the Assembly").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief Men (Hebrew, _rashei avot'_):** This phrase, translated as "chief men" in the KJV, literally means "heads of fathers' houses" or "heads of clans/families." It refers to the patriarchal leaders of extended families or sub-clans within a tribe. These were not merely honorary titles but denoted individuals who held significant administrative, judicial, and often military authority. They were responsible for the well-being, order, and representation of their respective family units within the larger tribal structure. Their role was foundational to the social and political organization of ancient Israel, ensuring continuity and order. The mention of "five" such men from Izrahiah's direct lineage underscores the prominence and strength of this particular family within the tribe of Issachar.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah:"** This clause establishes the immediate lineage, identifying Izrahiah as a son of Uzzi. Uzzi himself is a grandson of Issachar, as noted in [1 Chronicles 7:2](/1_chronicles/7-2 "1 Chronicles 7:2 - Sons of Uzzi"). This precise naming convention is typical of biblical genealogies, ensuring accurate tracing of family lines and tribal affiliations.
* **"and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five:"** This segment continues the lineage, listing the four named sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah. The explicit numerical count, "five," is significant. It implies that there was an unnamed fifth son, or perhaps the number "five" refers to Izrahiah himself plus his four named sons, or it could be a summary of the total number of "chief men" from this specific branch, including Izrahiah. Given the context of "all of them chief men" referring to the listed individuals, it's most likely that the "five" refers to the four named sons plus an unlisted fifth, or it is a summary of the total number of chief men from this line, with Izrahiah being the fifth. The meticulous counting highlights the importance of each individual within the family unit.
* **"all of them chief men."** This concluding phrase provides a critical qualitative assessment of Izrahiah's sons. It signifies that these five individuals were not just ordinary members of their clan but held positions of leadership and authority. This designation elevates their status and implies their active involvement in the governance and welfare of the tribe of Issachar. It underscores the theme of leadership emerging from specific family lines, which was crucial for the stability and organization of Israelite society.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:3, and indeed throughout the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **Enumeration**. This involves the systematic listing of names and relationships, serving not merely as a historical record but also as a theological statement. The repetitive structure, such as "the sons of X; Y," creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing continuity and divine oversight across generations. The specific inclusion of the number "five" and the qualitative descriptor "chief men" adds a layer of **Emphasis** and **Specificity**, drawing attention to the prominence of this particular family line within the broader tribal record. While not a narrative in the traditional sense, the careful selection and presentation of these names function as a form of **Historical Record-Keeping**, affirming identity and legitimacy for the post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 7:3, as part of Israel's genealogies, carries profound theological weight. It affirms God's meticulous care for His covenant people, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving their identity and heritage through countless generations. The detailed record underscores the importance of belonging and lineage within God's redemptive plan, showing that every individual, even within a vast family tree, has a place and purpose in His grand design. The designation "chief men" further highlights God's raising up of leaders within His community, individuals entrusted with responsibility for the well-being and order of His people. This divine ordering of society through appointed leaders reflects God's desire for structure, justice, and flourishing within His covenant nation.

* [Genesis 10:1-32](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Register of Genealogies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values individual achievement over communal identity, 1 Chronicles 7:3 serves as a quiet but powerful reminder of the significance of our roots, our heritage, and our interconnectedness. It invites us to consider our place within a larger story—God's story of redemption. Just as God meticulously recorded the lineage of Issachar, He knows and values each of us, placing us within families, communities, and the broader family of faith. This verse also speaks to the enduring importance of faithful leadership. The "chief men" were entrusted with the welfare of their clans, embodying responsibility and service. For us, this means recognizing that leadership, whether in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities, is a sacred trust. We are called to exercise our influence, however great or small, with integrity, wisdom, and a heart for the well-being of others, contributing to the order and flourishing of the spheres God has placed us in.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the importance of ancient genealogies like this one deepen your appreciation for God's meticulous care for His people throughout history?**
* **In what ways does your own family or spiritual heritage inform your identity and sense of belonging today?**
* **What does the designation "chief men" teach us about the nature and responsibility of leadership within God's community?**
* **How can you, in your current sphere of influence, embody the qualities of faithful leadership for the good of those around you?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent and detailed in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in biblical texts, especially in 1 Chronicles, served multiple vital purposes for the ancient Israelite community, particularly for the post-exilic returnees. Firstly, they established **identity and belonging**, confirming who was part of the covenant people of Israel after generations in exile. Secondly, they validated **land rights and inheritance**, ensuring that families could reclaim their ancestral territories. Thirdly, they confirmed **religious legitimacy**, tracing the lineages of priests and Levites to ensure proper temple service. Fourthly, they preserved the **Davidic royal line**, maintaining the hope of a restored monarchy. Finally, they served as a **historical record** of God's faithfulness in preserving His people through successive generations, demonstrating His meticulous oversight of His covenant promises, as seen in the detailed genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:3 details a specific earthly lineage, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The meticulous preservation of genealogies in the Old Testament, including this one, underscores God's faithfulness in tracing the line through which His promised Messiah would come. Jesus, though born into a specific human lineage, transcends all earthly genealogies. He is the eternal Son of God, not defined by human ancestry but by divine nature, as highlighted in [Hebrews 7:3](/hebrews/7-3 "Hebrews 7:3 - Melchizedek, Without Genealogy"), where Melchizedek's lack of recorded lineage foreshadows Christ's eternal priesthood. In Christ, the old emphasis on tribal identity and "chief men" gives way to a new spiritual family where all who believe are united, regardless of their earthly lineage. As [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ") declares, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Through faith in Him, we are adopted into God's family, becoming "fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the ultimate "chief men" and leaders in God's eternal kingdom are those who are found in Christ, drawn from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - People from Every Tribe")).

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.