1 Chronicles 7:1

¶ Now the sons of Issachar [were], Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.

Now the sons {H1121} of Issachar {H3485} were, Tola {H8439}, and Puah {H6312}, Jashub {H3437}, and Shimron {H8110}, four {H702}.

The sons of Yissakhar were: Tola, Pu'ah, Yashuv and Shimron - four.

The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all.

And of the sons of Issachar: Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:1 opens a section detailing the descendants of the tribe of Issachar, listing his four direct sons: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. This verse serves as a foundational entry within the extensive genealogies found in the book of 1 Chronicles.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of 1 Chronicles, particularly chapters 1-9, is largely composed of genealogical records. These lists were crucial for post-exilic Israel to re-establish tribal identities, confirm land inheritances, ensure priestly lineages, and ultimately trace the lineage leading to King David and the promised Messiah. Unlike the genealogies in Genesis which often focus on individuals, these chronicles emphasize the family units and their contributions to the nation of Israel. The tribe of Issachar, mentioned here, was later noted for its understanding of the times and knowledge of what Israel ought to do.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Faithfulness: The meticulous recording of these lineages underscores God's precise and orderly nature. It demonstrates His faithfulness in preserving the tribal structures and fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  • Identity and Continuity: For the returning exiles, these genealogies provided a vital link to their heritage, confirming their place within the covenant community and their claim to the land. They highlight the continuity of God's people through generations.
  • Foundation for God's Plan: These seemingly dry lists are not arbitrary; they lay the groundwork for understanding the structure of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which ultimately culminates in the lineage of Christ, as seen in Matthew 1:1 and following.

Linguistic Insights

The name Issachar (Hebrew: יִשָּׂשכָר, Yissaskar) is derived from the Hebrew for "there is recompense" or "he is hired," a meaning explicitly linked to his birth narrative in Genesis 30:18. While the individual names of his sons (Tola, Puah, Jashub, Shimron) each have distinct Hebrew meanings, their primary significance in this context is their role in establishing the tribal lineage rather than their individual etymologies.

Practical Application

While a simple listing of names, this verse reminds us that God cares about every individual and family within His grand narrative. It encourages us to appreciate the faithfulness of God through generations and to recognize the importance of our own spiritual heritage. Even seemingly insignificant details in Scripture have a purpose in revealing God's character and His overarching plan for humanity.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 46:13 (4 votes)

    And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

  • Numbers 26:23 (2 votes)

    [Of] the sons of Issachar after their families: [of] Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:

  • Numbers 26:24 (2 votes)

    Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.