1 Chronicles 7:5

KJV

And their brethren among all the families of Issachar [were] valiant men of might, reckoned in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And their brethren {H251} among all the families {H4940} of Issachar {H3485} were valiant {H1368} men of might {H2428}, reckoned in all by their genealogies {H3187} fourscore {H8084} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their kinsmen among all the clans of Yissakhar, strong, brave men, numbered 87,000, listed in genealogical records.

Berean Standard Bible

Their kinsmen belonging to all the families of Issachar who were mighty men of valor totaled 87,000, as listed in their genealogies.

American Standard Version

And their brethren among all the families of Issachar, mighty men of valor, reckoned in all by genealogy, were fourscore and seven thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, situated within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, specifically details the strength and numerical significance of the tribe of Issachar. It highlights the presence of "valiant men of might" among them, emphasizing not only their military potential but also their overall capability and standing within the community. The precise enumeration of eighty-seven thousand such men underscores God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His covenant people, providing a foundational record for the post-exilic community to re-establish their identity, land claims, and societal structure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:5 is embedded within the lengthy genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which serve as a foundational preamble to the historical narrative that follows. Chapters 2-8 meticulously trace the lineages of the twelve tribes of Israel, with particular emphasis on Judah (the royal line) and Levi (the priestly line). Chapter 7 specifically enumerates the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Within this chapter, verses 1-5 focus on Issachar, detailing his four sons and their numerous descendants, culminating in the impressive military census presented in verse 5. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's concern for continuity, identity, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding his descendants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written for the post-exilic community, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, after their return from Babylonian captivity. For a people whose national and religious identity had been severely disrupted, these genealogies were far from dry lists; they were vital documents. They served to re-establish tribal land claims, confirm eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and affirm their place within God's covenant. The emphasis on "valiant men of might" (גִּבּוֹרֵי חָיִל, _gibborê ḥayil_) was crucial in a time when the returned exiles faced external threats and the daunting task of rebuilding. Such a large number indicated a tribe's capacity for defense, labor, and contribution to the national well-being, reflecting the importance of military strength and communal vitality in ancient Near Eastern societies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **God's covenant faithfulness and preservation of His people**. Despite exile and dispersion, God maintained the tribal lineages and multiplied them, echoing the promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "God's Blessing and Promise to Abraham"). Secondly, the mention of "valiant men of might" highlights the theme of **strength, readiness, and capability** within the community. This was not merely a numerical count but an assessment of potential for service, whether in defense or civic leadership, aligning with Issachar's reputation for discernment in [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "1 Chronicles 12:32 - Issachar's Understanding of the Times"). Finally, the meticulous genealogical record reinforces the theme of **identity and order**, crucial for the reconstruction of the nation and its religious life after the exile, ensuring that each family and tribe understood its place and inheritance within the restored community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valiant Men of Might (Hebrew, _gibborê ḥayil'_):** This compound phrase is significant. _Gibborîm_ (גִּבּוֹרִים) refers to "mighty men," often denoting warriors, heroes, or powerful individuals. _Ḥayil_ (חָיִל) is a rich term that can mean strength, wealth, virtue, capability, or military force. When combined, _gibborê ḥayil_ describes men who are not only physically strong or courageous in battle but also possess significant standing, influence, and general competence within their community. This suggests a tribe that was not just numerous but also robust in its leadership and overall capacity.
* **Reckoned (Hebrew, _hityahăs_):** This verb, derived from the root _yāḥas_ (יָחַס), means "to be enrolled by genealogy," "to be registered," or "to be counted according to lineage." Its use here emphasizes the meticulous and official nature of the census. It wasn't a casual estimate but a formal, genealogical enumeration, highlighting the Chronicler's concern for accurate record-keeping and the established identity of each individual and family within the tribal structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their brethren among all the families of Issachar":** This clause establishes the scope of the census, indicating that the count includes not just the direct descendants of Issachar's sons but also their extended kin within the broader tribal structure. It emphasizes the collective strength and unity of the entire tribe, encompassing all its familial branches.
* **"[were] valiant men of might":** This phrase describes the quality of the men being counted. These were not just able-bodied men, but individuals of significant strength, courage, substance, and capability. This qualitative assessment elevates the numerical count beyond mere population figures, emphasizing the tribe's inherent strength and potential for military, economic, or civic contribution.
* **"reckoned in all by their genealogies":** This specifies the method by which these men were counted. The term "reckoned" (Hebrew _hityahăs_) points to a formal, genealogical registration. This underscores the importance of lineage and family identity in ancient Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community. It confirms that these numbers were derived from official records, lending them authority and precision in establishing tribal claims and roles.
* **"fourscore and seven thousand":** This precise numerical figure, 87,000, represents the total number of "valiant men of might" from the tribe of Issachar. Such a large number signifies the considerable size and strength of the tribe, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises of multiplication and providing a robust and capable population for the nation of Israel, ready for service and defense.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:5, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured, purposeful enumeration that serves to establish historical continuity, legitimate claims, and communal identity. The meticulous detail, including specific numbers of "valiant men," functions as a form of **Emphasis** on the strength and vitality of the tribe of Issachar. The large numerical figure itself can be seen as a significant statistical representation, intended to impress upon the reader the flourishing state of God's people, even after periods of decline or exile. Furthermore, the descriptive phrase "valiant men of might" serves as **Characterization**, painting a qualitative picture of the individuals being counted, adding depth beyond mere statistics and highlighting the tribe's inherent capabilities and potential.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly dry genealogical entry holds profound theological implications, primarily testifying to God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant people. The meticulous preservation of tribal lineages and the impressive numerical strength of Issachar, even after generations of history and the trauma of exile, serve as a tangible demonstration of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be innumerable and become a great nation. It underscores the divine hand in sustaining Israel's identity and preparing them for their role in redemptive history. The emphasis on "valiant men of might" also points to God's provision of strength and capability within His people, equipping them for the challenges of their time, whether in defense, leadership, or the rebuilding of their society and worship.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "God's Blessing and Promise to Abraham")
* [Numbers 1:29](/numbers/1-29 "Census of Issachar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While rooted in ancient Israel's tribal structure, 1 Chronicles 7:5 offers enduring principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God meticulously knows and values every individual within His covenant community. Just as each tribe contributed to the strength and identity of ancient Israel, so too does every believer and local church contribute uniquely to the global body of Christ. The description of "valiant men of might" challenges us to cultivate spiritual strength, courage, and capability in our own lives. We are called to be men and women of spiritual might, equipped by the Holy Spirit for service in God's kingdom, ready to stand firm in faith, engage in spiritual warfare, and contribute our unique gifts to the collective mission of the Church. Our individual and collective readiness, character, and faithfulness are vital to God's overarching plan for His people and the advancement of His gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in genealogies like 1 Chronicles 7:5 deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways can believers today embody the spirit of "valiant men of might" in their spiritual walk and service?**
* **How does recognizing your unique place and contribution within the body of Christ motivate you to live with greater purpose and commitment?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the specific numbers for Issachar in 1 Chronicles 7:5, served multiple critical purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they provided a vital link to their past, affirming their identity as the chosen people of God and demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving their lineage despite exile. Secondly, they were practical documents for societal reconstruction, establishing land claims, confirming tribal inheritances, and verifying eligibility for priestly and Levitical service in the newly rebuilt temple. They were not merely historical records but foundational blueprints for re-establishing the social, political, and religious order of Israel after their return from Babylon.

**What is the significance of "valiant men of might" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "valiant men of might" (Hebrew: _gibborê ḥayil_) is highly significant. It describes men who were not only physically strong or courageous warriors but also individuals of substance, character, and capability. This term often implies wealth, influence, and general competence. In the context of 1 Chronicles 7:5, it highlights that the tribe of Issachar was not just numerically large, but also possessed a significant number of capable leaders, warriors, and resourceful individuals. This was crucial for the nation's defense, economic stability, and overall societal function, particularly as they faced the challenges of rebuilding and securing their homeland after the exile. It speaks to the quality and potential of the tribe, not just its quantity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:5 speaks of the numerical and qualitative strength of an earthly tribe, its deeper fulfillment is found in the spiritual lineage and strength of God's people in Christ. The meticulous genealogies of Israel ultimately point to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom a new, spiritual Israel is formed, comprised of all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Just as Issachar's "valiant men of might" contributed to the earthly kingdom, believers in Christ are called to be spiritually "valiant," equipped by the Holy Spirit to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")). The countless thousands of Issachar foreshadow the innumerable multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language who will stand before the Lamb, redeemed by His blood ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude before the Throne")). Christ is the true "Head of every man" ([1 Corinthians 11:3](/1_corinthians/11-3 "1 Corinthians 11:3 - Christ as Head")), and in Him, all believers are counted, not by earthly genealogies, but by their adoption into God's family, becoming a spiritual army of "valiant men and women of might" empowered to advance His eternal kingdom.

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.