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 succinct verse embedded within the extensive genealogies of the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing six descendants from the tribe of Asher: Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. This verse, devoid of narrative, serves primarily as a historical record, meticulously preserving the lineage and identity of a segment of God's covenant people, underscoring the divine precision in the unfolding of Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:37 is situated within a vast genealogical record that spans the first nine chapters of the book, a monumental undertaking by the Chronicler. Specifically, this verse is part of the detailed lineage of the tribe of Asher, following the genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim. The meticulous listing of names, often without accompanying narratives, serves to establish the continuity of Israel's tribal identity and heritage. This particular verse concludes a segment of Asher's descendants, emphasizing the exhaustive nature of the record and its function in linking the post-exilic community back to its foundational origins and the promises made to the patriarchs. The immediate preceding verses (1 Chronicles 7:30-36) detail other families within Asher, making verse 37 a continuation of this precise record-keeping.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period, after the return of the Jewish people from Babylon. For a community striving to re-establish itself in the land, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents. They served practical purposes: confirming tribal affiliations for land allocation, verifying priestly and Levitical lineages for temple service, and establishing legitimate leadership. These lists provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their identity as the chosen people of God despite the disruptions of exile. Culturally, lineage was paramount in ancient Israel, determining social standing, inheritance rights, and religious duties, making the preservation of such records an act of profound historical and theological significance for the newly reconstituted nation.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 7:37, like all genealogical passages, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. First, it underscores the **Divine Precision and Record-Keeping**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to every individual within His covenant plan, even those briefly mentioned. This reflects a God who knows His people intimately, as seen in the assurance that He knows the very hairs on our head, a sentiment echoed in [Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God's Meticulous Care"). Second, it highlights the **Value of Every Individual**, asserting that 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. Third, these genealogies are crucial for the **Preservation of Heritage and Identity**, providing the returning exiles with an undeniable link to their ancestral roots and the 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 (בֶּצֶר, _betser_):** This name can carry the meaning of "gold ore" or "fortress." Its inclusion here, alongside other names, might subtly evoke a sense of inherent value or strength within the lineage. While not explicitly stated, the potential meaning could hint at the enduring worth and resilience of God's people, even in the seemingly mundane act of listing names. Bezer was also the name of a city of refuge in the territory of Reuben, suggesting a place of safety and protection.
* **Hod (הוֹד, _hod_):** Meaning "splendor," "majesty," or "glory," this name stands out among the list. Its potential significance could lie in the aspiration or character associated with the individual or their family. In a broader sense, the presence of such a name within a simple genealogy might serve as a reminder that even in the ordinary, there is potential for divine glory to be manifest through the lives of God's people, however briefly recorded.
* **Beera (בְּאֵרָא, _be'era'_):** This name translates to "well" or "spring." In an arid ancient Near Eastern context, a well or spring was a vital source of life and sustenance. The name could symbolize provision, refreshment, or a source of blessing within the family line. Its inclusion, therefore, might carry an implicit blessing or a recognition of the life-giving role played by individuals within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera."**: This clause, consisting solely of six proper nouns, represents a concise enumeration of individuals within the lineage of Asher. The absence of verbs or descriptive phrases highlights the primary purpose of the verse: to record and preserve names. Each name functions as a distinct unit, yet collectively they form a continuous chain within the tribal genealogy. The simple "and" conjunctions (waw-consecutive) link them together, emphasizing their sequential place in the family tree. This direct listing serves as a testament to the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler, underscoring the 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 part in the unfolding story of Israel.

#### 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 record of lineage, serving to connect the present (post-exilic community) with the past (patriarchs and the covenant). The detailed nature of these lists, including this verse, highlights the Chronicler's intent to establish historical continuity and legitimate 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, the very act of preserving these names carries **Symbolism** of God's faithfulness to His covenant, His meticulous care for His people, and the enduring nature of His promises across generations. The names themselves, as explored in Key Word Analysis, may also carry subtle symbolic meanings, reflecting aspirations or characteristics, 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, is known and valued by God. This divine record-keeping reflects a God who is 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.

* [Exodus 32:32-33](/exodus/32-32 "The Book of Life")
* [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 in the eyes of God. These names, devoid of accompanying narrative, 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 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 and has a purpose for our lives. 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 meticulously records every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in genealogies like this challenge 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?**
* **In what ways can you honor your spiritual heritage and the "names" (people, traditions, truths) that have shaped your faith?**

### 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, like the one in 1 Chronicles 7:37, is multifaceted and crucial, particularly for the post-exilic community for whom 1 Chronicles was written. Primarily, these lists served as vital historical and legal documents. They established tribal identity, which was essential for land inheritance, as seen in the detailed land divisions in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"). They also verified priestly and Levitical lineages, ensuring that only those legitimately descended could serve in the temple, a critical concern after the return from exile (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priestly Lineages")). Theologically, these lists underscore God's 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 plan unfolds precisely, with every individual having a place in His sovereign design, even if their personal story isn't recorded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:37 is a 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 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 plan to bring forth the Messiah through a specific, chosen lineage. Every name, including those in 1 Chronicles 7:37, contributes to the grand tapestry of human history through which God orchestrated the arrival of His Son. Furthermore, these genealogies highlight the truth that God knows every individual by name, a truth that finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who knows His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")). In Christ, the concept of being "known" by God transcends mere historical record to encompass a deep, personal relationship. Through His atoning work, believers are not merely names in an ancient scroll but are "written in the Lamb's Book of Life" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "The Lamb's Book of Life")), signifying their eternal belonging and inheritance in 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.

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.