1 Chronicles 7:30

KJV

The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Asher {H836}; Imnah {H3232}, and Isuah {H3438}, and Ishuai {H3440}, and Beriah {H1283}, and Serah {H8294} their sister {H269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The children of Asher were: Yimnah, Yishvah, Yishvi, B'ri'ah and their sister Serach.

Berean Standard Bible

The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah.

American Standard Version

The sons of Asher: Imnah, and Ishvah, and Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:30 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive tribal records of Israel, specifically listing the immediate children of Asher, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This verse enumerates Asher's four sons—Imnah, Isuah, Ishuai, and Beriah—and uniquely highlights the inclusion of his daughter, Serah, underscoring the meticulous preservation of Israelite lineage and the occasional, significant mention of women within these otherwise male-dominated lists.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the lengthy genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, specifically chapters 2-9. These chapters serve as a foundational block, detailing the tribal lineages of Israel from Adam through the post-exilic period. Following the genealogies of Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Levi, Issachar, Benjamin, and Naphtali, 1 Chronicles 7:30 introduces the family of Asher, preceding the lists for Manasseh and Ephraim. The Chronicler's intense focus on these lists reflects a deliberate theological and historical purpose: to reaffirm the identity, heritage, and continuity of God's covenant people to a community returning from Babylonian exile, re-establishing their claims to land, tribal roles, and the continuity of the Davidic line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), 1 Chronicles addresses a community grappling with questions of identity, land ownership, and their place in God's plan after decades in Babylon. Genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents. They established tribal affiliations, justified claims to ancestral lands, and determined eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. Asher, whose name means "happy" or "blessed," was the eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. His tribal territory was located in the fertile coastal plain of northern Israel, a region known for its agricultural abundance, a detail that resonates with Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 49:20](/genesis/49-20 "Genesis 49:20 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessing on Asher"), which speaks of Asher's rich food and royal dainties.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping of these genealogies, including the specific mention of Asher's children, highlights several crucial themes. First, it powerfully demonstrates the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining the tribal identities of Israel despite periods of immense hardship, dispersion, and exile. This preservation underscores His commitment to the Abrahamic covenant. Second, these lists reinforce the **Importance of Identity and Heritage** for the Israelites. Knowing their lineage connected them directly to the promises of God, their ancestral lands, and their role in God's unfolding redemptive plan. Finally, the explicit inclusion of Serah, Asher's daughter, speaks to the **Significance of Individual Inclusion**, particularly for women, within these patriarchal records. Her mention is not incidental; she is also listed among those who went down to Egypt with Jacob in [Genesis 46:17](/genesis/46-17 "Genesis 46:17 - Serah's Journey to Egypt") and reappears in the census records of [Numbers 26:46](/numbers/26-46 "Numbers 26:46 - Serah in the Wilderness Census"), indicating her enduring historical and possibly ancestral importance within the tribe of Asher.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asher (Hebrew, _'Āshēr_):** Meaning "happy" or "blessed." This name, given by Leah (Genesis 30:13), reflects a sense of divine favor and prosperity. The tribe of Asher was known for its fertile land and abundance, living up to the promise inherent in its patriarch's name.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bānîm_):** While the verse begins with "The sons of Asher," it then proceeds to list four sons and one daughter. This initial collective term for male offspring is immediately qualified by the specific enumeration, highlighting the unique and intentional inclusion of Serah, the daughter, within a list primarily focused on the male line, which was typical for establishing patriarchal lineage.
* **Serah (Hebrew, _Śeraḥ_):** This name, possibly meaning "abundance" or "princess," stands out due to its singular mention of a female in a predominantly male genealogical list. Her repeated appearance in other significant biblical texts ([Genesis 46:17](/genesis/46-17 "Genesis 46:17 - Serah in Jacob's Descent to Egypt") and [Numbers 26:46](/numbers/26-46 "Numbers 26:46 - Serah in the Wilderness Census")) suggests her unique historical or ancestral significance, perhaps as the ancestress of a prominent clan or as a guardian of tribal memory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Asher;":** This introductory phrase establishes the subject of the verse, indicating that the following names are the direct descendants of Asher, one of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. It sets the stage for a list of his immediate offspring.
* **"Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah,":** These are the four sons of Asher explicitly listed. Their names, while not extensively detailed in scripture beyond their mention in genealogies, represent the foundational male lines through which the tribe of Asher would grow and be organized. Each name signifies a distinct family branch that contributed to the larger tribal identity.
* **"and Serah their sister.":** This concluding phrase is particularly significant. The explicit mention of Serah, the daughter, alongside her brothers, is a notable deviation from the typical male-centric nature of biblical genealogies. It highlights her unique importance within the family and the tribe, suggesting a role or status that warranted her inclusion in this vital record of lineage. Her presence ensures that the family unit is fully represented, even if the primary focus of the genealogy is on the male line.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:30, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself. This systematic listing of ancestors and descendants serves multiple purposes: it establishes lineage, validates tribal claims, reinforces national identity, and demonstrates the continuity of God's covenant promises through generations. Within this broader device, there is a subtle but powerful use of **Inclusion**, specifically seen in the explicit mention of Serah. While genealogies typically trace male lines to establish inheritance and succession, the deliberate naming of a daughter highlights her unique significance, perhaps as a key figure in the family's history, a matriarch of a prominent clan, or simply as a testament to the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping that occasionally broke from convention to note individuals of particular importance, regardless of gender. This inclusion adds a layer of depth to what might otherwise appear as a dry list of names.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:30, though brief, powerfully reiterates God's faithfulness and meticulous care for His people, even in the seemingly mundane details of lineage. The preservation of these names, particularly in a post-exilic context, served as a tangible reminder to the returning exiles that God had not forgotten His covenant promises to Abraham and Jacob. Every name recorded was a testament to His sovereign hand guiding the history of Israel, ensuring the continuity of the tribes and, ultimately, the line through which the Messiah would come. The inclusion of Serah, a woman, in a male-dominated list, further underscores God's valuing of every individual within His grand design, demonstrating that His plan encompasses all, regardless of gender or societal prominence, and that even seemingly minor figures play a part in His overarching narrative.

* [Genesis 46:17](/genesis/46-17 "Genesis 46:17 - Serah's Journey to Egypt")
* [Numbers 26:46](/numbers/26-46 "Numbers 26:46 - Serah in the Wilderness Census")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often obsessed with individual achievement and fleeting fame, 1 Chronicles 7:30 reminds us of the profound significance of our heritage and our interconnectedness within God's vast, unfolding story. Just as God meticulously preserved the lineages of Israel, caring for each name and family, so too does He orchestrate the lives of His people today. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own spiritual heritage in Christ, understanding that we are not isolated individuals but part of a larger, divinely ordained family, the Church. It challenges us to consider how our lives contribute to this grand narrative and how we honor those who came before us in faith. Furthermore, the inclusion of Serah, a woman, in a list of sons, subtly but powerfully emphasizes the value of every person—male or female, prominent or obscure—in God's eyes and in His kingdom. It calls us to recognize and affirm the unique place and contribution of every individual within the body of Christ, ensuring that no one is overlooked or deemed insignificant in the divine tapestry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous preservation of lineage in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for His faithfulness in your own life and the life of the Church today?**
* **In what ways can we better recognize and value the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their societal role or gender, within our faith communities, mirroring the significance of Serah's inclusion?**
* **What does it mean to be part of a "spiritual heritage" in Christ, and how can we live in a way that honors this heritage for future generations?**

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

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons, particularly in Chronicles. They serve as a historical record, establishing the identity and continuity of the Israelite people, especially important for the post-exilic community returning to their land. They validate land claims, determine tribal affiliations, and confirm eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. For the Chronicler, these lists reinforced the enduring nature of God's promises and provided a sense of hope and continuity for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual identity after exile.

**What is the significance of Serah being mentioned in this genealogy?**

Answer: The mention of Serah, Asher's daughter, is highly significant because biblical genealogies predominantly trace male lines for purposes of inheritance and succession. Her explicit inclusion in [1 Chronicles 7:30](/1_chronicles/7-30 "1 Chronicles 7:30 - Asher's Children") (and also in [Genesis 46:17](/genesis/46-17 "Genesis 46:17 - Serah's Journey to Egypt") and [Numbers 26:46](/numbers/26-46 "Numbers 26:46 - Serah in the Wilderness Census")) suggests her unique importance within the tribe of Asher. She may have been a matriarch of a prominent clan, a significant historical figure, or her inclusion simply highlights the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that certain key individuals, regardless of gender, were remembered for their role in Israel's history. Her presence underscores that God's plan encompasses and values all individuals.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:30 appears to be a simple list of names, it subtly points forward to Christ in profound ways. The very act of meticulously preserving genealogies throughout Israel's history, including seemingly minor figures like Serah, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly the promise of a coming Redeemer from the line of Abraham and David. The detailed genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") are not mere historical footnotes but are essential for establishing His rightful claim as the Messiah, the fulfillment of all Old Testament hopes. Furthermore, the unique inclusion of Serah, a woman, in a male-dominated lineage, foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant established by Christ. In Him, the old distinctions of gender, ethnicity, or social status are transcended, as declared in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"): "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Christ's redemptive work brings all who believe into a new spiritual lineage, making them children of God, fulfilling the meticulous care for individuals seen even in the ancient genealogies.

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

Genesis 46:17

And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.

Numbers 26:44

[Of] the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.

Numbers 26:46

And the name of the daughter of Asher [was] Sarah.