1 Chronicles 7:34

KJV

And the sons of Shamer; Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Shamer {H8106}; Ahi {H277}, and Rohgah {H7303}, Jehubbah {H3160}, and Aram {H758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shemer were: Achi, Rohgah, Hubah and Aram.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Shemer: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Shemer: Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:34 meticulously lists Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram as the sons of Shamer, a descendant within the tribe of Asher. This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record spanning the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, serving to preserve the tribal identities and family lines of Israel. While seemingly a simple enumeration of names, it underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on God's faithfulness in maintaining the covenant people and their distinct lineages, which was crucial for the post-exilic community to re-establish their societal and spiritual foundations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which meticulously trace the lineages of the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Verses 30-40 are dedicated to the descendants of Asher, one of Jacob's sons, detailing his sons, grandsons, and their families. Verse 34 specifically names four sons of Shamer (also known as Shomer in [1 Chronicles 7:32](/1_chronicles/7-32 "1 Chronicles 7:32 - Shomer, a descendant of Asher")), who was a son of Heber, a son of Beriah, a son of Asher. This precise listing demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to maintaining a complete and accurate record of the tribal structure, essential for understanding the continuity of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity. For this community, establishing and confirming their tribal identities, land claims, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service was paramount. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents. They provided a tangible link to their heritage, validated their place within the covenant community, and affirmed God's enduring promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The meticulous nature of these lists, including seemingly minor family branches like Shamer's, reflects the cultural importance placed on lineage and the practical necessity of such records for societal reconstruction.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by 1 Chronicles 7:34, within its broader genealogical context, is the **preservation of lineage and tribal identity**. This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people, even through periods of exile and dispersion. It emphasizes that every individual, regardless of their prominence in the historical narrative, plays a part in God's overarching plan. The genealogies also serve as a foundational element for understanding the fulfillment of covenant promises related to land inheritance, the structure of the nation, and ultimately, the lineage through which the Messiah would come, as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy Through Mary"). The inclusion of these detailed lists demonstrates the biblical writers' profound respect for historical continuity and God's detailed involvement in human affairs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shamer (Hebrew, _Shamer_):** While the name itself means "keeper" or "guardian," in this genealogical context, its primary significance is its function as an identifier. Shamer is a direct descendant of Asher, and his sons are listed to complete the family line. The Chronicler's inclusion of this name, along with others, emphasizes the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, ensuring that no branch of the tribal lineage was overlooked, reinforcing the idea of a comprehensive and unbroken chain of descent.
* **Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram (Hebrew, _Aḥi, Roḡah, Yeḥubbah, Aram_):** These are proper nouns, names of individuals. Their specific etymological meanings (e.g., Ahi meaning "my brother," Aram referring to a high place or region) are secondary to their primary function here: to identify distinct individuals within Shamer's family. In a genealogy, the names themselves are the data points that build the family tree, demonstrating the reality and particularity of each person within the larger tribal structure. Their inclusion affirms the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a complete and verifiable record of the people of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Shamer;":** This introductory phrase establishes the direct lineage, indicating that the following names are the offspring of Shamer. It signals the continuation of the family tree being traced within the tribe of Asher, moving from the father to his immediate male descendants. This structure is typical of biblical genealogies, providing clarity and order to the complex web of family relationships.
* **"Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.":** This clause lists the four specific individuals who are identified as Shamer's sons. Each name represents a distinct person, a living link in the chain of generations. The simple enumeration highlights the factual nature of the record, emphasizing the existence of these individuals and their place within the broader Israelite community. The inclusion of these names, even without further narrative, underscores the Chronicler's dedication to preserving the full scope of Israel's family history.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 7:34, and indeed throughout the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This involves the systematic listing of ancestors and descendants to establish lineage, heritage, and tribal identity. The meticulous nature of these lists serves not only as a historical record but also as a theological statement, emphasizing God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. Within the broader device of genealogy, **Enumeration** is also evident, as the verse simply lists the names of Shamer's sons. This straightforward listing technique ensures clarity and precision, allowing the reader to easily follow the family lines without narrative embellishment. The Chronicler's use of these devices underscores the importance of historical continuity and the foundational role of family in God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 7:34 contributes significantly to the overarching theological themes of God's faithfulness and meticulous providence. It demonstrates that God's plan unfolds not just through prominent figures and grand events, but also through the ordinary lives and lineages of individuals, many of whom remain unnamed in the broader biblical narrative. The preservation of these detailed records underscores the sanctity of every life within the covenant community and the importance of each link in the chain of generations. It affirms that God is intimately involved in the details of human history, meticulously orchestrating events and preserving lines to fulfill His promises, especially concerning the coming Messiah. This verse, therefore, is a testament to divine order and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Numbers 26:1-65](/numbers/26-1 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel")
* [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - The Importance of Genealogies for Priestly Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values fame and outward accomplishment, a verse like 1 Chronicles 7:34 reminds us of the profound significance of every individual within God's grand narrative, even those whose lives are simply recorded by name. It challenges us to consider our own place within the unfolding story of God's people. Just as Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram were integral to their lineage, so too are we, by God's grace, part of a spiritual heritage that spans generations. This verse encourages us to appreciate the continuity of faith, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and that our lives contribute to the ongoing legacy for those who will follow. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, reminding us that God sees and values every detail of our lives, even the seemingly mundane, as part of His intricate design. Our faithfulness, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this verse, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does being part of a spiritual lineage (your church, your family of faith) give you a sense of identity or purpose?**
* **What "unseen" contributions are you making today that might be part of God's larger, long-term plan, even if they aren't widely recognized?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 7:34, so important in the Bible, especially for us today?**

Answer: These genealogies are critically important for several reasons, both historically and theologically. Historically, for the post-exilic community, they served as vital records for re-establishing tribal identities, land claims, and eligibility for priestly and Levitical service after the Babylonian captivity (as seen in [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Genealogies and Priestly Claims")). They confirmed who was truly part of the covenant people. Theologically, they underscore God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises through specific lineages, demonstrating His meticulous involvement in human history. For us today, they highlight that God's plan unfolds through real people and families, emphasizing the value of every individual in His eyes. Most significantly, these genealogies lay the groundwork for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, whose lineage is meticulously traced in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). They show that God's grand redemptive narrative is rooted in historical reality and precise detail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:34, like all biblical genealogies, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping underscores God's unwavering commitment to preserving a specific lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. Every name, every family, every tribe, including Asher and the sons of Shamer, was a link in a divinely orchestrated chain leading to the Messiah. The Old Testament genealogies, though often dry to read, are a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining the seed of Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). This painstaking preservation culminates in the New Testament, where the genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy Through Mary") confirm His rightful claim as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, the promised King and the true Israel. Thus, 1 Chronicles 7:34, in its quiet detail, points forward to the one who perfectly embodies the faithfulness of God and brings the long-awaited redemption, 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.