1 Chronicles 7:7

KJV

And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of [their] fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Bela {H1106}; Ezbon {H675}, and Uzzi {H5813}, and Uzziel {H5816}, and Jerimoth {H3406}, and Iri {H5901}, five {H2568}; heads {H7218} of the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, mighty {H1368} men of valour {H2428}; and were reckoned by their genealogies {H3187} twenty {H6242} and two {H8147} thousand {H505} and thirty {H7970} and four {H702}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Bela were: Etzbon, 'Uzi, 'Uzi'el, Yerimot and 'Iri - five; they were leaders of fathers' clans, strong, brave men. They numbered 22,034, listed in genealogical records.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, heads of their families—five in all. There were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Bela: Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor; and they were reckoned by genealogy twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 7:7 meticulously details a segment of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically the descendants of Bela, one of Benjamin's sons. The verse highlights five prominent individuals from Bela's lineage who served as "heads of the house of their fathers" and were distinguished as "mighty men of valour." Crucially, it enumerates their vast numbers, totaling twenty-two thousand and thirty-four, underscoring the significant growth and strength of this particular family within the larger tribal structure, all meticulously recorded in their genealogies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles 7:7 is situated within the extensive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters serve as the foundational bedrock for the historical narrative that follows, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, this verse immediately follows the initial listing of Benjamin's sons in [1 Chronicles 7:6](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6 - Sons of Benjamin"), providing a more detailed expansion of Bela's descendants. The Chronicler's meticulous attention to these family lines, even for tribes like Benjamin that are not the primary focus (which is Judah and the Davidic line), emphasizes the unity and continuity of all Israel, even after the exile. This detailed enumeration of a specific family's strength and numbers within a tribal genealogy is characteristic of the Chronicler's method of establishing identity and demonstrating divine blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The books of Chronicles were compiled in the post-exilic period, likely for the community that had returned to Jerusalem and Judah. For this community, the detailed genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents that served several critical functions. They affirmed tribal identities, which had become blurred during the exile, establishing claims to ancestral land, validating rights to participate in temple service (especially for priests and Levites), and reinforcing a sense of national and religious continuity. In ancient Israelite society, one's lineage was paramount, determining social status, inheritance, and religious responsibilities. The description of individuals as "heads of the house of their fathers" indicates their patriarchal authority and leadership within their extended families, a crucial element in a tribal society where family units formed the bedrock of social and political organization.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader genealogical sections, contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Chronicles. First, it underscores **The Importance of Lineage and Identity**, demonstrating how the meticulous recording of names and numbers affirmed the heritage and tribal identity of the returning exiles. This was crucial for rebuilding a cohesive community rooted in its covenant history, as seen in the emphasis on family records throughout books like [Ezra](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Exiles Who Returned"). Second, the description of these men as "mighty men of valour" highlights the theme of **Strength, Leadership, and Military Prowess**. This term (Hebrew: *gibborê chayil*) is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe powerful warriors, influential leaders, or individuals of great capability, such as [David's elite warriors](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - David's Mighty Men"). This suggests that the tribe of Benjamin, through Bela's descendants, contributed significantly to the nation's military strength and leadership. Third, the sheer numbers mentioned ("twenty and two thousand and thirty and four") for just one branch of Benjamin's descendants reflect the theme of **Divine Preservation and Blessing**. Such growth, despite periods of hardship and exile, testifies to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to multiply His people, as first promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bela (Hebrew, _Bela'_):** Bela is identified as one of the sons of Benjamin in [Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "Genesis 46:21 - Sons of Benjamin") and [1 Chronicles 7:6](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6 - Sons of Benjamin"). His prominence here, with a detailed enumeration of his descendants, indicates that his lineage was particularly significant within the tribe of Benjamin, potentially due to their numbers, military strength, or leadership roles. The Chronicler's focus on specific family lines highlights their contribution to the overall strength and identity of Israel.
* **Heads of the house of their fathers (Hebrew, רָאשֵׁי בֵית אֲבֹתָם, _rashe bet avotam_):** This phrase denotes individuals who held a position of patriarchal leadership and authority within their extended family units or clans. These "heads" were responsible for the well-being, legal matters, and religious practices of their households. Their inclusion in this genealogy emphasizes their status and the organized structure of the tribal society, where leadership was often hereditary and deeply rooted in family lines.
* **Mighty men of valour (Hebrew, גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל, _gibborê chayil_):** This powerful descriptive phrase combines *gibborim* (plural of *gibbor*), meaning "strong, powerful, heroic individuals," often referring to warriors or champions, with *chayil*, which denotes strength, capability, wealth, or military force. Together, *gibborê chayil* describes men of considerable influence, courage, and military ability. They were not merely numerous but also possessed the qualities necessary for leadership, defense, and the successful execution of tribal responsibilities, signifying their vital contribution to the tribe's security and prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five;":** This clause begins by identifying the specific lineage under discussion – the descendants of Bela. It then lists five prominent individuals: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri. The explicit mention of "five" confirms that these are the direct sons or most significant immediate descendants being highlighted, serving as foundational figures for the subsequent enumeration of their vast progeny. This precise naming underscores the Chronicler's meticulous approach to genealogical record-keeping.
* **"heads of the house of [their] fathers, mighty men of valour;":** This phrase provides crucial qualitative descriptors for the listed individuals and, by extension, their descendants. "Heads of the house of their fathers" signifies their leadership and patriarchal authority within their respective family units or clans. They were not just names in a list but figures of significant social and religious standing. The subsequent description, "mighty men of valour," further characterizes them as individuals possessing strength, courage, and military prowess, indicating their active role in defending and leading their people. This dual description paints a picture of capable and influential leaders.
* **"and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.":** This final clause provides the quantitative measure of Bela's descendants, emphasizing their immense numbers. The phrase "reckoned by their genealogies" highlights the careful and systematic process by which these numbers were compiled and verified, reinforcing the authenticity and importance of the record. The figure "twenty and two thousand and thirty and four" (22,034) for just one branch of Benjamin's descendants is substantial, demonstrating the remarkable growth and vitality of this family line and, by extension, God's blessing upon the tribe of Benjamin.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 7:7 to convey its significance. **Enumeration** is a primary device, as the verse meticulously lists both individual names and a precise numerical total, emphasizing the sheer scale and growth of Bela's descendants. This detailed accounting serves to establish the legitimacy and extent of the lineage. **Emphasis through Detail** is also evident, as the Chronicler doesn't merely state that Bela had many descendants but provides specific names and a precise count, lending credibility and weight to the record. Furthermore, **Characterization** is achieved through the descriptive phrase "mighty men of valour." This epithet is not merely decorative; it immediately conveys the quality, strength, and leadership capabilities of these individuals, elevating them beyond simple demographic data to figures of historical and military importance. The combination of precise numbers and powerful descriptors creates a vivid picture of a thriving and formidable family line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Chronicles 7:7, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, is rich with theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise to multiply Abraham's descendants into a great nation. The sheer numbers recorded for a single family line within one tribe testify to the miraculous growth and preservation of God's people, even through periods of hardship and dispersion. This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's providential care for every individual and family within His chosen nation, demonstrating that His plan unfolds through specific people and their generations. It also highlights the divine value placed on identity, heritage, and community, reminding the post-exilic readers that their roots were firmly planted in God's historical work with Israel.

* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Census for Military Service")
* [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Israel's Growth in Egypt")
* [Genesis 46:26-27](/genesis/46-26 "Jacob's Descendants Entering Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we may not have our physical genealogies meticulously recorded in sacred texts, 1 Chronicles 7:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, who cares not only for the grand sweep of history but also for the individual lives and families that compose it. Our personal stories, our heritage (whether biological or spiritual), and the unique strengths God has given us are all part of His intricate design. This verse encourages us to value our spiritual heritage as part of God's family, the church, recognizing that we are connected to a long line of faith. Furthermore, the mention of "mighty men of valour" challenges us to identify and utilize the God-given strengths and gifts within our own lives and communities for the building up of God's kingdom. Just as these men contributed to the strength of their tribe, we are called to contribute our unique capabilities—be they leadership, service, teaching, or compassion—to the flourishing of the body of Christ, recognizing that every member plays a vital role.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies in Scripture, even for seemingly minor figures, impact your understanding of God's attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you recognize and affirm the "valour" or unique strengths that God has given to individuals within your family or faith community today?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual heritage (your connection to the history of God's people) contribute to your sense of identity and belonging in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in 1 Chronicles, especially a verse like 1 Chronicles 7:7?**

Answer: Genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 7:7, were critically important for the post-exilic community. They served as a vital means of re-establishing identity, particularly after the trauma of exile and the loss of land and temple. These detailed records helped to confirm tribal affiliations, validate claims to ancestral land, and ensure the purity of the priestly and Levitical lines for temple service. For the Chronicler, they also provided a theological framework, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and maintaining the continuity of His promises through generations, even when the Davidic kingdom was not fully restored. The enumeration of "mighty men of valour" also highlighted the strength and potential of the restored community.

**What does the phrase "mighty men of valour" truly signify beyond military strength?**

Answer: While "mighty men of valour" (Hebrew: *gibborê chayil*) certainly denotes military prowess and courage, its meaning extends beyond mere fighting ability. In the Old Testament, *chayil* can also refer to wealth, influence, capability, or moral excellence. Therefore, these individuals were likely men of significant standing, leadership, and influence within their families and tribe. They possessed not only physical strength but also the character, wisdom, and resources necessary to lead their "houses of fathers" and contribute substantially to the well-being and defense of the entire community. This term often describes individuals who are highly capable and effective in their sphere of influence, whether in battle, administration, or community leadership, as seen with the description of the virtuous woman in [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "The Virtuous Woman").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:7 meticulously traces the physical lineage of Bela's descendants, highlighting their numbers and valor, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate "mighty man of valour" and the true "head of the house of fathers" in Jesus Christ. The careful preservation of these genealogies in the Old Testament served a crucial redemptive purpose: to demonstrate the unbroken line through which the Messiah, the promised "seed" of Abraham and David, would come. Jesus' own genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "The Genealogy of Jesus") meticulously trace His descent, affirming His rightful claim as the Christ. Moreover, the "mighty men of valour" in this verse, who fought earthly battles, foreshadow Christ as the ultimate spiritual warrior who defeats sin, death, and the devil, as prophesied in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The First Prophecy of the Messiah") and fulfilled through His crucifixion and resurrection. He is the one who, through His sacrifice, gathers a new "house of fathers" – a spiritual family, the church – from every tribe and nation, making them "more than conquerors" through Him who loved them ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors")). The vast numbers of Bela's descendants, a testament to God's blessing and multiplication, find their ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the countless multitude redeemed by Christ, forming His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "A Great Multitude from Every Nation")).

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.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 17:17

And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.

2 Chronicles 17:18

And next him [was] Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

1 Chronicles 21:1

¶ And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:5

And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah [was] four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.