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1 Chronicles 7

40 verses

TL;DR

Chapter 7 of 1 Chronicles provides a detailed genealogical account of the sons of several Israelite tribes, emphasizing their numerical strength and martial readiness.

Summary

The chapter opens with the sons of Issachar—Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimrom—followed by extensive listings of Uzzi’s descendants and the large numbers of warriors they commanded. It then moves to the tribe of Benjamin, naming Bela, Becher, and Jediael and describing their respective sons, many of whom were considered mighty men of valor. The genealogy continues with Naphtali, Manasseh, and their intermarriages, detailing the offspring of Machir and Gilead. Ephraim’s sons and their settlements are enumerated, along with their tragic loss to the Gathians. Finally, Asher’s lineage is presented, concluding with the tally of twenty‑six thousand men fit for war. Throughout, the text stresses household leadership, warlike prowess, and geographic placement of each family’s dwellings.

Outline
  1. Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher
  2. Numerical accounts of warriors and household heads
  3. Geographic distribution of tribal towns and borders
Themes
Genealogical record keepingTribal identity and lineageMilitant preparedness and valor
Keywords
genealogyvalorwarsonstribesIsraelhousesnumbers
People
IssacharTolaPuahJashubShimromUzziRephaiahJerielJahmaiJibsamShemuelBenjaminBecherJediaelNaphtaliMachirGileadManassehEphraimAsherZeruahBelaBela's sonsBecher's sonsJediael's sonsNaphtali's sonsManasseh's sonsEphraim's sonsAsher's sons
Places
BethelNaaranGezerShechemGazaBethsheanTaanachMegiddoDor
Things
genealogyheads of housevaliant menwarriorsnumberstribeshouses
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 7:1: Introduces the genealogical list of Issachar’s sons.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:2: Highlights the warlike nature and numerical strength of Uzzi’s family.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:28: Shows the territorial borders of Manasseh’s descendants.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:40: Concludes the chapter with a summary of Asher’s sons and their martial capacity.
Questions
  • What does the emphasis on numerical strength and martial readiness reveal about Israelite social structure?
  • How might the detailed genealogies have functioned in maintaining tribal identity and authority?
  • In what ways does the geographic listing of towns serve a larger narrative purpose in 1 Chronicles?
  • Why is the recording of both sons and daughters significant in these genealogies?
  • How does the mention of specific towns, such as Bethel and Shechem, reflect religious or political significance?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage records facts with a descriptive tone, focusing on lineage and military capability.