1 Chronicles 7:4

And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, [were] bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand [men]: for they had many wives and sons.

And with them, by their generations ^{H8435}, after the house ^{H1004} of their fathers ^{H1}, were bands ^{H1416} of soldiers ^{H6635} for war ^{H4421}, six ^{H8337} and thirty ^{H7970} thousand ^{H505} men: for they had many ^{H7235} wives ^{H802} and sons ^{H1121}.

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.

Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. All five of them were chiefs. In addition to them, according to their genealogy, they had 36,000 troops for battle, for they had many wives and children.

And with them, by their generations, after their fathers’ houses, were bands of the host for war, six and thirty thousand; for they had many wives and sons.

Commentary

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles, particularly in its early chapters, meticulously records the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. This served several critical purposes for the post-exilic community: to establish identity, confirm land rights, validate priestly lines, and demonstrate the continuity of God's covenant with His people. Chapter 7 continues this detailed tribal census, specifically enumerating the descendants and military strength of various tribes. Verse 4 immediately follows the listing of the sons of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 7:1-3, highlighting their martial prowess and the reason for their impressive numbers.

Key Themes

Genealogical Strength and Identity: The verse underscores the importance of tribal genealogies in ancient Israelite society, not just for establishing identity and lineage, but for practical military power. Large families were considered a source of national strength and a sign of a thriving clan.
Military Readiness: It highlights the capacity of certain tribes, like Issachar, to muster significant fighting forces. The phrase "bands of soldiers for war" emphasizes their readiness and utility in defense and conquest, indicating a well-organized and numerous fighting unit.
Divine Blessing and Fertility: The explanatory clause "for they had many wives and sons" points to the cultural value placed on large families as a sign of prosperity and divine favor. In an agrarian and tribal society, more children meant more labor, more heirs, and more potential soldiers, ensuring the continuity and strength of the clan and tribe. This reflects the broader biblical theme of fruitfulness as a blessing from God, echoing the command to "be fruitful, and multiply" in Genesis 1:28 and the sentiment that children are a heritage from the Lord, as seen in Psalm 127:3.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "bands of soldiers for war" translates the Hebrew *gedudey tzava lamilchamah* (גְּדוּדֵי צָבָא לַמִּלְחָמָה), which literally means "troops of an army for war." The term *gedud* (bands/troops) often implies organized units or even raiding parties, but here it simply refers to structured military contingents. The concluding phrase, "for they had many wives and sons," provides the direct explanation for the large numbers of fighting men, emphasizing how fertility directly contributed to military might in this ancient context.

Related Scriptures

This verse is part of a larger genealogical record that emphasizes the strength of the tribes. For similar detailed enumerations of fighting men, particularly for military purposes, one can refer to the census records in the book of Numbers 1. The concept of numerous offspring being a sign of strength and blessing is a recurring theme in the Bible, notably in Psalm 127:3-5, where children are likened to arrows in the hand of a warrior.

Practical Application

While the specific context of ancient Israelite military organization differs from today, the underlying principles of strength through unity, growth, and the valuing of future generations remain relevant.

Valuing Growth and Development: The emphasis on "many wives and sons" for military strength reminds us that growth, whether in families, communities, or organizations, can be a vital source of resilience and capability. Investing in human capital and fostering healthy growth is crucial.
Investing in Future Generations: This verse implicitly highlights the importance of raising up the next generation. Just as ancient families provided soldiers for defense, modern communities thrive by nurturing, educating, and equipping their youth to meet future challenges and carry on core values.
Understanding God's Blessings: For the Israelites, large families were a tangible sign of God's blessing and faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially the promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). This encourages believers today to recognize and appreciate the various forms of blessing God provides, understanding that strength often comes from unexpected or foundational sources.

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Cross-References

1 Chronicles 12:32 (2 votes)

And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.