1 Chronicles 7:39

KJV

And the sons of Ulla; Arah, and Haniel, and Rezia.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Ulla {H5925}; Arah {H733}, and Haniel {H2592}, and Rezia {H7525}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of 'Ula were: Arach, Hani'el and Ritzya.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Ulla: Arah, and Hanniel, and Rizia.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:39 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive tribal registers of the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing three sons—Arah, Haniel, and Rezia—descended from Ulla within the tribe of Asher. This seemingly brief verse serves as a testament to the Chronicler's meticulous preservation of Israel's tribal heritage, underscoring the importance of lineage for identity, land rights, and the continuity of God's covenant people in the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping genealogical record spanning the first nine chapters, tracing the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes. This foundational section establishes the historical continuity and identity of God's people. Chapter 7 specifically delineates the genealogies of several northern tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Verse 39 concludes a detailed segment focusing on the descendants of Asher, following a list of other prominent families and individuals within that tribe (1 Chronicles 7:30-38). The inclusion of Ulla and his sons—Arah, Haniel, and Rezia—at this point underscores the Chronicler's commitment to completeness, affirming the intricate web of relationships that constituted the nation of Israel and their connection to the promises of God. This meticulous record-keeping serves to ground the subsequent narrative of the united monarchy and the temple in a solid, divinely ordained heritage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled in the post-exilic period, after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this community, establishing clear tribal affiliations, land rights, and priestly lineages was paramount for rebuilding their society and religious life. Without these records, the returned exiles would struggle to re-establish their identity as the covenant people of God, to claim their ancestral lands, or to properly organize temple service. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures like Ulla's sons, reflects the critical need for an accurate and authoritative record to legitimize claims and reinforce communal identity. In ancient Israelite society, one's lineage determined social status, inheritance, and often one's role in the community, making these lists far more than mere names; they were foundational documents for national and individual existence. The preservation of these records despite the upheaval of exile speaks to a profound cultural commitment to heritage and divine continuity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogies, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **importance of lineage and identity**, demonstrating how an individual's place within the tribal structure was fundamental to their self-understanding and communal belonging. These lists connected the present generation to their historical roots and the divine promises made to their ancestors, such as those found in [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Secondly, the meticulous detail, even for less prominent figures, speaks to **God's meticulous care and comprehensive knowledge** of every individual within His people. It suggests that even the seemingly "ordinary" are significant in God's grand plan, reflecting the divine gaze that sees and values every life, as echoed in [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Intimate Knowledge"). Finally, the preservation of these records across generations, despite periods of apostasy and exile, powerfully illustrates the **continuity of God's covenant faithfulness**. It affirms that God's promises to Israel endured, and His people, though scattered, remained distinct and connected to their heritage, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, a theme also central to [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haniel (Hebrew, _Ḥanî’ēl_):** This name literally means "grace of God" or "God is gracious." While the text provides no specific narrative for Haniel, the very meaning of his name serves as a subtle theological statement embedded within the genealogy. It reminds the reader that even in the seemingly mundane listing of names, there is an underlying acknowledgment of divine favor and benevolence. The presence of such a name within the sacred record suggests that God's grace is a pervasive reality, touching even those whose lives are not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative.
* **Arah (Hebrew, _’Āraḥ_):** The name Arah is derived from a root meaning "to journey" or "to wander." While its specific significance for this individual is not elaborated, it resonates with the broader narrative of Israel as a people on a journey, from their nomadic origins to their return from exile. Names in ancient Israel often reflected hopes, circumstances, or characteristics, and Arah's name could subtly hint at the transient nature of life or the journey of faith.
* **Rezia (Hebrew, _Rəṣîyā’_):** This name is thought to mean "delight" or "pleasure." Like Haniel and Arah, the meaning of Rezia's name is not explicitly tied to his life story in the text. However, its inclusion, alongside names like "grace of God," paints a picture of a community where names carried intrinsic meaning, often reflecting positive attributes or divine blessings, even if the individuals themselves remain in the background of the larger biblical narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Ulla;":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the patrilineal descent, a standard convention in biblical genealogies. "Ulla" serves as the immediate patriarch, linking his sons to the broader lineage of Asher. This structure reinforces the tribal and familial organization that was crucial for Israelite identity and societal structure, ensuring that each individual's place within the collective was clearly defined and recorded.
* **"Arah, and Haniel, and Rezia.":** This is a straightforward enumeration of Ulla's three sons. The simple listing emphasizes the fact of their existence and their inclusion in the divinely preserved record of Israel's families. While no deeds or specific roles are attributed to them, their very presence in this sacred text signifies their importance within the lineage and, by extension, within God's overarching plan for His people. The conjunction "and" repeatedly links each name, creating a sense of continuity and completeness within this particular familial branch.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:39, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form with specific purposes: to establish historical continuity, confirm tribal identity, legitimize claims to land and office, and underscore God's faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations. The use of **Listing** is evident in the simple enumeration of names, which serves to systematically record and preserve the tribal data. While seemingly dry, this repetitive listing creates a sense of comprehensive inclusion, implying that every family and individual, no matter how minor their historical role, is accounted for in God's divine record. Furthermore, the very act of **Inclusion** of these seemingly obscure names highlights a theological point: God's meticulous attention to detail and His valuing of every individual within His covenant community, even those who do not achieve fame or prominence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:39, though a simple genealogical entry, profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His intimate knowledge of His people. The meticulous recording of names, even those without an accompanying narrative, underscores the divine principle that every individual life holds significance in God's eyes. This verse affirms that God remembers and values each person within His grand redemptive story, a truth that extends far beyond ancient Israel. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's care, where no one is overlooked or forgotten, and His promises are sustained through generations, regardless of human failings or historical upheaval. This continuity of lineage serves as a tangible reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, ensuring their identity and heritage endure.

* [Exodus 32:32-33](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32-33 - The Book of Life")
* [Luke 12:7](/luke/12-7 "Luke 12:7 - God's Knowledge of Every Hair")
* [Hebrews 12:23](/hebrews/12-23 "Hebrews 12:23 - The Assembly of the Firstborn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values fame, achievement, and prominence, 1 Chronicles 7:39 offers a quiet but profound counter-narrative. It reminds us that God's economy of value is not based on human metrics of success or visibility. The inclusion of Arah, Haniel, and Rezia—individuals about whom we know nothing else—in the sacred text assures us that every life, every person, every family, and every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unseen, is known and valued by God. This verse challenges us to appreciate the "unsung heroes" in our own communities and churches, those who faithfully live out their callings without seeking recognition. It also invites us to find comfort in the knowledge that our own lives, with all their details and quiet moments, are deeply known and cherished by the Creator. We are not forgotten, but are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated story, connected to a spiritual lineage that spans generations and culminates in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in genealogies like 1 Chronicles 7:39 challenge your understanding of what God values in a person's life?**
* **In what ways might you be an "unsung hero" in your own sphere of influence, and how does this verse encourage you in that role?**
* **How does the idea of being "known" by God, even when your story isn't fully told, bring you comfort or challenge?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly tedious to read for a modern audience?**

Answer: For the original post-exilic audience, these genealogies were anything but tedious; they were foundational and vital. They served multiple critical purposes: establishing identity and tribal affiliation after the Babylonian exile, legitimizing claims to ancestral land inheritances, confirming priestly and Levitical lineages for temple service, and demonstrating the historical continuity of God's covenant promises to Israel. For a modern reader, while the names may seem obscure, understanding their original function reveals their profound theological and historical significance. They underscore God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His meticulous attention to every detail of their heritage, ultimately pointing to the broader narrative of salvation history that culminates in Christ, whose own lineage is meticulously traced in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

**What is the significance of individual names in these lists, especially when no story is attached to them?**

Answer: Even without accompanying narratives, the individual names in these genealogies carry significance. Firstly, their very inclusion signifies that each person was known and valued within God's covenant community; no one was overlooked. Secondly, many Hebrew names, like "Haniel" ("grace of God") in this verse, carried inherent meanings that could serve as miniature theological statements or reflections of parental hopes. While we don't know the specific life circumstances of Arah, Haniel, or Rezia, their presence in the sacred text affirms God's comprehensive knowledge of all His people. It also reminds us that God's plan unfolds not just through famous heroes but through countless faithful individuals, each playing their part in the grand tapestry of redemptive history, much like the "cloud of witnesses" described in [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Great Cloud of Witnesses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:39 is a specific genealogical entry from the Old Testament, its underlying themes find profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous record-keeping of Israel's lineage, designed to establish identity and continuity, ultimately points to the ultimate Seed of Abraham and Son of David—Jesus Christ. His own genealogies in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")) are crucial for demonstrating His legitimate claim to be the Messiah, the one through whom all God's covenant promises are fulfilled. The idea that every name matters to God, as subtly conveyed in the detailed lists of Chronicles, culminates in Christ, who knows each of His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). Through His atoning work, believers are no longer defined solely by earthly lineage but are grafted into the ultimate family of God, becoming children of Abraham by faith ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith")) and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, the ancient records of Israel's families foreshadow the new spiritual family formed through Christ, where every believer's name is written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"), ensuring an eternal identity and inheritance far surpassing any earthly tribal claim.

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.