1 Chronicles 2:1

¶ These [are] the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

These are the sons {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; Reuben {H7205}, Simeon {H8095}, Levi {H3878}, and Judah {H3063}, Issachar {H3485}, and Zebulun {H2074},

These are the sons of Isra'el: Re'uven, Shim'on, Levi, Y'hudah, Yissakhar, Z'vulun,

These were the sons of Israel:

These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:1 opens the second major section of the book of 1 Chronicles, shifting from broad genealogies of humanity and patriarchs to the detailed lineage of the twelve tribes of Israel, beginning with the direct sons of Jacob, also known as Israel.

Context

The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely written after the Babylonian exile, addressing a returned community seeking to re-establish their identity and connection to God's covenant promises. The Chronicler meticulously traces genealogies to demonstrate the continuity of God's people and to validate the lineage of the priests and, crucially, the Davidic kingship. This verse serves as the immediate introduction to the detailed tribal lists, which will extend through several chapters, setting the stage for the narrative focus on King David and the temple. It immediately follows the extensive lists in 1 Chronicles 1, which established the lineage from Adam through Abraham and his descendants.

Key Themes

  • Identity and Continuity: This verse immediately establishes the foundational identity of the nation of Israel, emphasizing their descent from Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel by God Himself (Genesis 32:28). It underscores the unbroken line of God's covenant people.
  • Foundation of the Nation: The listing of these sons—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun (with the rest to follow)—highlights the twelve foundational tribes from whom the entire nation of Israel sprang. This is consistent with other biblical accounts of the sons of Jacob found in books like Genesis and Exodus.
  • Preparation for the Davidic Line: While seemingly a straightforward list, the order and subsequent emphasis in Chronicles are strategic. The mention of Judah here is particularly significant, as the Chronicler will soon devote extensive attention to the tribe of Judah and the lineage of King David, from whom the Messiah would come.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sons of Israel" is a direct translation of the Hebrew b'nei Yisrael (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל), which is the common term for the Israelite people. The KJV's use of "¶" (pilcrow) is a historical typesetting mark indicating a new paragraph, not part of the original Hebrew text. The names themselves are foundational to Jewish history and identity, each carrying its own meaning derived from the circumstances of their birth, as recorded in Genesis.

Practical Application

While genealogies might seem dry to a modern reader, they carry profound spiritual lessons:

  • God's Faithfulness: They demonstrate God's meticulous care in preserving a specific lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Understanding Identity: Just as the Israelites found their identity in their heritage, believers today find their identity in being spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs of God's promises through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:29).
  • Divine Purpose: Every individual and family plays a part in God's larger plan, even if their specific role isn't explicitly detailed in Scripture. These lists remind us that God works through generations and families to accomplish His purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 32:28 (6 votes)

    And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

  • Genesis 35:22 (5 votes)

    And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

  • Genesis 35:26 (5 votes)

    And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these [are] the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

  • Revelation 7:5 (5 votes)

    Of the tribe of Juda [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand.

  • Revelation 7:8 (5 votes)

    Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

  • Genesis 49:4 (3 votes)

    Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.

  • Genesis 49:28 (3 votes)

    ¶ All these [are] the twelve tribes of Israel: and this [is it] that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.