1 Chronicles 7 meticulously details the genealogies and military strengths of several Israelite tribes. It begins with Issachar, Benjamin, and Naphtali, highlighting their valiant men and numerous fighting forces. The chapter then traces the lineage of Manasseh and Ephraim, including a notable incident of Ephraim's sons being slain, before concluding with the extensive genealogies and military count of Asher.
The sons of Tola were: 'Uzi, Refayah, Yeri'el, Yachmai, Yivsam and Sh'mu'el. They were heads of their fathers' clans, descended from Tola; they were strong, brave men in their generations. In the time of David they numbered 22,600.
With them, by their generations, in their fathers' clans, were army troops organized for war, 36,000 of them, because they had many women and children.
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.
All these were descendants of Y'dia'el, leaders of their fathers' clans, who were brave, strong men; they numbered 17,200, all fit to fight with the army.
Makhir's wife was from the families of Hupim and Shupim, and his sister's name was Ma'akhah. M'nasheh's second son was Tz'lof'chad, and Tz'lof'chad had daughters.
Then he had sexual relations with his wife, and she conceived and bore a son whom he called B'ri'ah [in calamity], because his household had suffered a calamity.
Their possessions and settlements were Beit-El with its towns; Na'aran to the east; and to the west, Gezer with its towns; also Sh'khem with its towns, as far as 'Ayah and its towns;
and, near the territory of the descendants of M'nasheh, Beit-Sh'an with its towns, Ta'nakh with its towns, Megiddo with its towns and Dor with its towns. In these places lived the descendants of Yosef the son of Isra'el.
All these were descendants of Asher, leaders of their fathers'clans, elite, strong, brave men, the most important of the princes. Those fit for battle service, listed in genealogies, numbered 26,000 men.
Study Notes for 1 Chronicles 7
Verse 2
The Chronicler frequently emphasizes the military strength of the tribes (valiant men of might), linking the people’s vitality to their capacity for warfare and defense, a key concern for the post-exilic audience.
Verse 4
The large population and military size of Issachar are attributed directly to their fertility ('many wives and sons'), demonstrating the biblical value placed on large, effective families as the basis of national strength.
Verse 6
This list of Benjamin’s sons (Bela, Becher, Jediael) differs significantly from the list in Genesis 46:21. The Chronicler often focuses on the main clans that survived and were politically relevant in the post-exilic period, omitting others.
Verse 12
Shuppim and Huppim are difficult to place here; they appear elsewhere as sons of Benjamin (Gen. 46:21) or associated with Dan (Num. 26:42). The reference to 'Aher' (meaning 'another') may indicate a fragmented or uncertain lineage appended to the Benjamin list.
Verse 13
The genealogy of Naphtali is notably brief, listing only the four founding fathers. This brevity suggests that detailed records for this northern tribe may have been scarce or less relevant to the Chronicler's primary focus on the southern kingdom.
Verse 14
Manasseh is presented through the line of Machir, who was born to an Aramitess concubine. Machir is pivotal because he is the 'father of Gilead,' highlighting the importance of the Manassite settlement in Transjordan.
Verse 21
This passage recounts an unusual tragedy, likely referring to an early, ill-fated raid by Ephraimite clans into the coastal plain near Philistine Gath, pre-dating the main conquest. This detail emphasizes suffering within the tribal history.
Verse 23
The name Beriah means 'in trouble' or 'with evil,' serving as a memorial name commemorating the disaster where his brothers were killed (v. 21). This illustrates how clan names often served as historical markers of significant events.
Verse 24
Sherah is an important figure, credited with founding significant cities (Upper and Nether Beth-horon), which became strategic locations. The inclusion of a daughter as a city-builder is rare and highlights female leadership in this clan history.
Verse 27
This genealogy is crucial because Non is the father of Jehoshua (Joshua). The Chronicler thus embeds the greatest leader of the conquest period within the detailed lineage of the tribe of Ephraim.
Verse 28
This geographical summary emphasizes the vast and central territory held by Ephraim, ranging from Bethel in the south to Shechem and the towns around Gaza (though control over Gaza itself was temporary), defining the core of the Joseph tribes.
Verse 40
The chapter concludes by stressing the high military readiness of Asher (26,000 fighting men). The Chronicler consistently emphasizes the military capability of the northern tribes, integrating them into the unified strength of Israel.
Use ←→ arrow keys to navigate
Settings
Reading Style
Typeface
Font Size px
The Calling of Disciples
19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Reading Width chars
Options
Choose a Book
Study Note
Bible Version
Recent History
Get the App
Add TrulyRandomVerse to your home screen for instant access
TRV