1 Chronicles 7:37

KJV

Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera.

KJV (with Strong's)

Bezer {H1221}, and Hod {H1936}, and Shamma {H8037}, and Shilshah {H8030}, and Ithran {H3506}, and Beera {H878}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Betzer, Hod, Shama, Shilshah, Yitran and Be'era.

Berean Standard Bible

Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.

American Standard Version

Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:37 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive tribal records of the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically listing six descendants from the tribe of Asher: Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. This verse, devoid of narrative context, functions primarily as a meticulous historical and theological record, underscoring the divine precision in preserving the lineage and identity of God's covenant people and affirming the continuity of Israel's heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:37 is embedded within the monumental genealogical section that comprises the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. This segment, specifically from [1 Chronicles 7:30](/1_chronicles/7-30 "1 Chronicles 7:30 - Descendants of Asher") onwards, meticulously details the descendants of the tribe of Asher, following similar extensive lists for other tribes such as Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim. The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of such exhaustive lists, often without accompanying narratives, serves a critical purpose: to establish and affirm the continuity of Israel's tribal identity and heritage for the post-exilic community. Verse 37 specifically concludes a segment of Asher's lineage, highlighting the thoroughness of the record-keeping and its vital role in connecting the returning exiles to their foundational origins and the ancient promises made to the patriarchs. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 7:30-36](/1_chronicles/7-30-36 "1 Chronicles 7:30-36 - Further Descendants of Asher")) provide the broader context of Asher's family lines, making verse 37 a direct continuation of this precise genealogical work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period, after the Jewish people had returned from their Babylonian captivity. For a community striving to re-establish its identity, land, and spiritual life in Judah, genealogies were far more than mere historical curiosities; they were indispensable legal and social documents. These records were crucial for practical purposes such as confirming tribal affiliations for land allocation (e.g., [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land by Tribe")), verifying priestly and Levitical lineages for legitimate temple service (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61-63 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Exclusion of Unverified Priestly Lines")), and establishing legitimate leadership. Culturally, lineage was paramount in ancient Israel, determining social standing, inheritance rights, and religious duties. Therefore, the meticulous preservation of such records by the Chronicler was an act of profound historical, social, and theological significance, providing a tangible link to their past and affirming their identity as the chosen people of God despite the disruptions of exile.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 7:37, like all genealogical passages, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. First, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Precision and Record-Keeping**. It demonstrates God's meticulous attention to every individual within His covenant plan, even those whose lives are briefly noted by only a name. This reflects a God who knows His people intimately, a truth echoed in the New Testament where Jesus affirms that God knows the very hairs on our head, as found in [Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God's Meticulous Care"). Second, these lists highlight the **Value of Every Individual**. Each name represents a life that contributed to the unfolding history of God's people, regardless of their fame or deeds. Their existence is affirmed and preserved in the divine record, emphasizing that every life has intrinsic worth in God's eyes. Third, these genealogies are crucial for the **Preservation of Heritage and Identity**. They provided the returning exiles with an undeniable link to their ancestral roots and the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This continuity of lineage is a recurring motif in biblical history, vital for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as exemplified by the foundational genealogies in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") and the crucial messianic lineages in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bezer (Hebrew, _Betser'_):** This name, according to the provided data, signifies "an inaccessible spot." While also the name of a city of refuge, its use here as a personal name might subtly evoke a sense of security, protection, or perhaps even a hidden strength within the lineage. In a broader theological sense, it could hint at the secure and protected nature of God's people within His covenant, even when their individual stories are not elaborated upon.
* **Hod (Hebrew, _Hôwd'_):** Meaning "splendor" or "majesty," this name stands out among the list. Its presence suggests an aspiration or a characteristic associated with the individual or their family line. Theologically, it can serve as a reminder that even within the seemingly mundane details of a genealogy, there is potential for divine glory and majesty to be reflected through the lives of God's people, however briefly recorded, pointing to the inherent dignity God bestows upon His creation.
* **Ithran (Hebrew, _Yithrân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be excellent" or "to excel," this name directly translates to "excellent." Its inclusion might signify a desired quality or a recognized attribute within this branch of Asher's family. In a spiritual sense, it subtly reminds us that God's people are called to a life of excellence, not for human praise, but as a reflection of the excellent God they serve, even when their lives are not marked by grand narratives but by faithful existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera."**: This clause, consisting solely of six proper nouns connected by the simple Hebrew conjunction "and" (waw-consecutive), functions as a direct and unadorned enumeration of individuals within the lineage of Asher. The absence of verbs, descriptive adjectives, or narrative context highlights the verse's singular purpose: to record and preserve names. Each name stands as a distinct unit, yet collectively they form a continuous chain within the tribal genealogy, emphasizing their sequential and integral place in the family tree. This direct listing serves as a powerful testament to the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler, underscoring the profound importance of individual identity within the larger collective of God's people. The very act of naming, without further comment, affirms their existence and their indispensable part in the unfolding story of Israel, ensuring their memory and lineage were not lost to time or exile.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:37, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured, comprehensive record of lineage, serving a critical theological and historical purpose: to connect the post-exilic community with their foundational past, establishing continuity with the patriarchs and the covenant. The detailed nature of these lists, including this specific verse, highlights the Chronicler's intent to affirm historical legitimacy and tribal identity. Closely related is **Enumeration**, the simple act of listing items or names. In this context, enumeration functions to provide an exhaustive and authoritative record, leaving no doubt as to the inclusion of these individuals within the designated tribal line. While not overtly symbolic in its structure, the very act of preserving these names carries profound **Symbolism** of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His meticulous care for His people across generations, and the enduring nature of His divine plan. Furthermore, as explored in the Key Word Analysis, the individual names themselves may carry subtle symbolic meanings, reflecting aspirations, characteristics, or even divine attributes, adding a latent layer of depth to what appears to be a straightforward historical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:37, though a simple list of names, profoundly contributes to the biblical understanding of God's meticulous sovereignty and His intimate knowledge of His creation. It underscores the theological truth that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned or seemingly insignificant in the grand narrative of salvation history, is known, valued, and purposed by God. This divine record-keeping reflects a God who is utterly faithful to His covenant promises across generations, ensuring the continuity of His people and the eventual fulfillment of His redemptive plan through a chosen lineage. The very act of preserving these names in sacred scripture testifies to the enduring significance of human lives within God's overarching purposes, affirming that no life is lived outside of His divine awareness and providence. This truth offers immense comfort and meaning, reminding us that our existence is not accidental but divinely ordained and eternally noted.

* [Exodus 32:32-33](/exodus/32-32-33 "The Book of Life and God's Knowledge")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "God's Knowledge of Our Days")
* [Isaiah 49:16](/isaiah/49-16 "Engraved on the Palms of His Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often measures worth by achievement, fame, or visible impact, 1 Chronicles 7:37 offers a profound counter-cultural truth: every life has intrinsic value and significance in the eyes of God. These names, devoid of accompanying narrative or heroic deeds, remind us that our significance is not solely determined by what we accomplish or how widely our stories are known, but by the simple fact of our existence within God's sovereign plan. Just as these individuals contributed to the unfolding history of Israel, so too does every believer play a unique and irreplaceable part in God's ongoing work in the world. This verse encourages us to embrace our place, however humble or unseen, within the grand tapestry of God's redemptive story, trusting that He knows us intimately, has a purpose for our lives, and meticulously records every detail. It calls us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faith and to live in a way that honors the God who remembers every name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in genealogies like this challenge or affirm your understanding of God's attention to detail in your own life?**
* **If your life were to be summarized by just your name in a divine record, what comfort or challenge would that bring to you?**
* **In what practical ways can you honor your spiritual heritage and the "names" (people, traditions, truths) that have shaped your faith journey?**

### FAQ
**What is the purpose of such extensive lists of names in the Bible, especially when no stories are attached to them?**

Answer: The purpose of extensive genealogical lists, such as the one found in 1 Chronicles 7:37, is multifaceted and profoundly important, particularly for the post-exilic community for whom 1 Chronicles was written. Primarily, these lists served as vital historical and legal documents. They established and confirmed tribal identity, which was essential for land inheritance after the return from exile, as seen in the detailed land divisions recorded in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land by Tribe"). They also meticulously verified priestly and Levitical lineages, ensuring that only those legitimately descended could serve in the rebuilt temple, a critical concern for maintaining ritual purity and order (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61-63 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priestly Lineages Disqualified")). Theologically, these lists underscore God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating the continuity of His people through generations, even through periods of national upheaval and exile. They affirm that God's redemptive plan unfolds precisely, with every individual having a place in His sovereign design, even if their personal story isn't recorded, thereby providing assurance of God's enduring commitment to His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:37 is a seemingly simple list of names from the Old Testament, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The meticulous preservation of genealogies throughout Scripture, culminating in the detailed lineages of Jesus Christ presented in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), underscores God's sovereign and precise plan to bring forth the Messiah through a specific, chosen lineage. Every name, including those briefly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:37, contributes to the grand tapestry of human history through which God orchestrated the perfect timing and arrival of His Son. Furthermore, these genealogies highlight the truth that God knows every individual by name, a truth that finds its ultimate and most intimate expression in Christ, who declares, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me" ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). In Christ, the concept of being "known" by God transcends mere historical record to encompass a deep, personal, and redemptive relationship. Through His atoning work on the cross, believers are not merely names in an ancient scroll but are eternally "written in the Lamb's Book of Life" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life")), signifying their eternal belonging, secure inheritance, and intimate relationship with God through Him. Thus, the seemingly mundane list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:37 ultimately points to the divine precision and personal care that culminated in the Incarnation, through whom all who believe become part of God's eternal family, known and cherished by name forever.

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.