1 Chronicles 7:35

KJV

And the sons of his brother Helem; Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of his brother {H251} Helem {H1987}; Zophah {H6690}, and Imna {H3234}, and Shelesh {H8028}, and Amal {H6000}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of his brother Helem were: Zofach, Yimnah, Shelesh and 'Amal.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:35 is a concise verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Asher, specifically detailing four sons of Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. This seemingly simple listing serves to meticulously document the lineage of one of Israel's twelve tribes, reinforcing the historical continuity and tribal identity of God's covenant people. It underscores the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the ancestral lines, which were foundational for land inheritance, social structure, and the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:35 is situated within the lengthy genealogical section that opens the First Book of Chronicles, spanning chapters 1 through 9. This particular verse is part of the detailed tribal records for Asher, which begins in [1 Chronicles 7:30](/1_chronicles/7-30 "1 Chronicles 7:30 - The Sons of Asher") and extends through [1 Chronicles 7:40](/1_chronicles/7-40 "1 Chronicles 7:40 - Asher's Mighty Men"). The Chronicler’s primary purpose in compiling these extensive lists was to re-establish the identity and continuity of post-exilic Israel with their pre-exilic heritage, emphasizing the unbroken covenant relationship with God. Following the genealogies of other tribes like Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, the listing of Asher's descendants, including Helem's sons, contributes to the comprehensive reconstruction of Israel's family tree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The First Book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th or 4th century BC, when the Jewish community had returned from Babylonian captivity and was rebuilding Jerusalem and its religious life. In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were vital legal and social documents. They established tribal affiliation, which determined land rights (as outlined in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Distribution")), eligibility for priestly service (critical for the Levites, as seen in [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests with Disputed Genealogies")), and overall social standing. The meticulous preservation of these records reflected a deep cultural value placed on heritage, ensuring that the covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants could be traced and affirmed through the generations, even after significant national upheaval.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse, along with the broader genealogical sections, highlights several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's meticulousness and sovereignty**, demonstrating His detailed knowledge of and care for every individual within His covenant people, even those whose names appear briefly in a list. Secondly, it underscores the **importance of heritage and continuity** for Israel's identity; their past was inextricably linked to their present and future, rooted in the promises made to their forefathers (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Thirdly, the genealogies serve as a testament to **God's faithfulness in preserving His people** despite exile and dispersion, ensuring the unbroken lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah (as seen in the emphasis on David's line in [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Helem (Hebrew, _ḥelem'_):** This name, meaning "strength" or "dream," identifies the father of the four sons listed. While the etymology itself doesn't carry explicit theological weight in this context, its inclusion signifies the individual's place within the tribal structure of Asher. The presence of such names, even seemingly minor ones, reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive and accurate record of Israel's families, emphasizing that every link in the chain of lineage was significant in God's eyes.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bānīm'_):** The term "sons" here denotes direct male descendants, crucial for the patrilineal system of ancient Israelite society. The listing of these sons—Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal—is not merely an arbitrary collection of names but a precise record of the next generation within Helem's family line. This highlights the importance of male lineage for tribal identity, inheritance, and the continuation of the family name, all vital components of the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of his brother Helem;":** This introductory phrase immediately connects Helem to a previously mentioned individual, likely Shamer (or Shemer) in [1 Chronicles 7:34](/1_chronicles/7-34 "1 Chronicles 7:34 - Sons of Heber"), establishing his familial relationship within the larger lineage of Asher. The possessive "his brother" clarifies Helem's position in the family tree, indicating a horizontal relationship to a sibling whose descendants were also being recorded. This meticulous cross-referencing within the genealogy ensures accuracy and proper placement of each family unit.
* **"Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.":** This is the direct enumeration of Helem's four sons. The simple listing of names, without further biographical detail, is characteristic of genealogical records. Each name represents an individual life, a family unit, and a link in the unbroken chain of the tribe of Asher. While these particular individuals are not prominent figures in biblical narrative, their inclusion affirms their existence and their contribution to the collective identity of Israel, emphasizing that every member, no matter how seemingly minor, was part of God's chosen people and His ongoing plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:35, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a highly structured literary form that lists the lineage of individuals or groups, typically in a hierarchical or chronological order. In this verse, the genealogy is presented as a simple enumeration, serving a documentary and historical purpose. The Chronicler uses this device not merely for historical accuracy but for theological ends: to establish the legitimate identity of post-exilic Israel, to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people, and to provide a framework for understanding the continuity of God's covenant promises. The repetitive nature of such lists emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations and the meticulousness with which God's people were recorded and remembered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 7:35 appears to be a dry list of names, it carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of human history. The very act of preserving these genealogies, especially after the trauma of exile, underscores God's commitment to His covenant people and His faithfulness in maintaining their identity. Every name, even those not elaborated upon, represents an individual known to God, contributing to the grand tapestry of His redemptive plan. This highlights that God's purposes are woven through the lives of ordinary people, and that even seemingly insignificant details are part of His divine record.

* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Foreknowledge")
* [Luke 12:7](/luke/12-7 "Luke 12:7 - God's Knowledge of Individuals")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of a verse like 1 Chronicles 7:35 in the inspired Word of God reminds us that every detail of our lives, and indeed the lives of all humanity, is known and recorded by our Creator. Just as God meticulously preserved the lineages of Israel, He knows each of us intimately, our past, present, and future. This should instill in us a sense of profound value and purpose, knowing that we are not random accidents but intentionally created beings within God's grand design. It also encourages us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations of believers, recognizing that our faith is built upon the faithfulness of those who came before us. This verse, therefore, calls us to live lives worthy of our calling, recognizing our place in God's ongoing story and trusting in His sovereign care for every aspect of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, impact your understanding of God's character and His attention to detail?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God records and remembers every individual, even those seemingly obscure, bring you comfort or challenge?**
* **How can we, in our modern context, honor and preserve our spiritual heritage, connecting with the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us?**

### FAQ
**Why are these long lists of names, like 1 Chronicles 7:35, included in the Bible?**

Answer: These genealogical lists, though often tedious to read, serve several crucial purposes. Historically, they established tribal identity, land rights, and eligibility for priestly service in ancient Israel. Theologically, they demonstrate God's meticulous care for His people, His faithfulness in preserving their lineage, and the continuity of His covenant promises across generations. They underscore that every individual, even those not prominent in narrative, is known to God and plays a part in His overarching plan. For the post-exilic community, these records were vital for re-establishing their national and spiritual identity, confirming their legitimate claim to the land and their place as God's chosen people, as seen throughout [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra - The Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah - Rebuilding Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:35 is a simple genealogical entry from the Old Testament, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the grand narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, culminating in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of Israel's lineages, including seemingly minor ones like Helem's, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which required a specific lineage through which the Messiah would come. Though this particular line of Asher is not directly messianic, it contributes to the broader tapestry of Israel's history, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in preserving the nation from which the [Savior would arise](/romans/9-5 "Romans 9:5 - Christ's Israelite Descent"). In the New Testament, we see genealogies presented in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") that trace Jesus' lineage, confirming His identity as the promised Son of David and Son of Abraham. Ultimately, in Christ, our identity is no longer primarily defined by physical lineage but by spiritual adoption into God's family. Through faith in Him, we become "sons of God" and "heirs according to the promise," fulfilling the spiritual intent behind the Old Testament's emphasis on lineage, as beautifully articulated in [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God by Faith"). Every name in the Old Testament genealogies ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in bringing forth the one Name above all names, Jesus, through whom all nations are blessed.

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.