1 Chronicles 7 1

1 Chronicles 7:1 kjv

Now the sons of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimrom, four.

1 Chronicles 7:1 nkjv

The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron?four in all.

1 Chronicles 7:1 niv

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

1 Chronicles 7:1 esv

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

1 Chronicles 7:1 nlt

The four sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 1 Meaning

This verse initiates a further detailing of the genealogies of the Israelite tribes, specifically listing the immediate sons who became the progenitors of five major tribal branches: Issachar, Benjamin (though not fully detailed until chapter 8), Naphtali, Manasseh (who has a unique double portion), Ephraim, and Asher. It highlights the continued record of God's people through their tribal and family lineages.

1 Chronicles 7 1 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 7 is part of an extended genealogical section spanning chapters 1-9. This larger section serves a crucial purpose in the book of Chronicles: to reaffirm the national and spiritual identity of post-exilic Israel. It establishes continuity from creation to the returned exiles, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness through traceable lineages. Chapter 7 specifically continues the tribal records, after focusing on Judah (ch. 2-4), Simeon (ch. 4), the Transjordanian tribes Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (ch. 5), and Levi (ch. 6). While some tribes, like Judah and Levi, receive extensive and detailed genealogies due to their importance for the Davidic monarchy and the priesthood, others, like those listed in this verse, receive more concise or selective accounts. This selective focus often reflects the Chronicler's specific interests in land inheritance, military service, and continuity of worship, providing a foundational record for the re-establishment of the community in their land.

1 Chronicles 7 1 Word analysis

• And (וּבְנֵ֨י - u'venei): This common Hebrew conjunction connects this verse to the preceding genealogical material. It initiates the enumeration of the "sons of" a new set of tribal patriarchs. The prefixed "וּ" (u) means "and" or "now."
• the sons of: This phrase is fundamental in biblical genealogies. It denotes direct lineage and is critical for establishing family trees, tribal identity, inheritance rights, and roles within ancient Israelite society. It affirms generational continuity.
• Issachar (יִשָּׂכָר֙ - Yissakhar): Derived from Hebrew words possibly meaning "there is a reward/recompense." Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth of Leah (Gen 30:18). His tribe was known for understanding times and wisdom (1 Chr 12:32).
• Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִן֮ - Binyamin): "Son of the right hand" or "son of good fortune." Jacob's youngest son, Rachel's second. This mention is a brief placeholder, as his genealogy is greatly elaborated in chapter 8, likely due to their prominence in the return from exile and proximity to Judah.
• Naphtali (נַפְתָּלִי֮ - Naphtali): "My struggle." Jacob's sixth son, second by Bilhah (Rachel's servant). His tribe settled in the northern part of Israel, known for swiftness and freedom (Gen 49:21).
• Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה֮ - Menashsheh): "Causing to forget." Firstborn son of Joseph, and grandson of Jacob. His tribe, along with Ephraim, formed the two half-tribes that received an inheritance. Manasseh's territory was split east and west of the Jordan River.
• Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם֮ - Ephrayim): "Doubly fruitful." Second son of Joseph. Though younger, Jacob blessed Ephraim over Manasseh (Gen 48:19), indicating his future prominence, which led to "Ephraim" often representing the northern kingdom of Israel.
• Asher (אָשֵׁר֮ - Asher): "Happy" or "blessed." Jacob's eighth son, second by Zilpah (Leah's servant). His tribe was blessed with rich land (Gen 49:20; Deut 33:24-25) and resided along the Phoenician coast.
• Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher: These are six distinct sons of Jacob, representing foundational heads of major Israelite tribes. Their inclusion reinforces the Chronicler's intent to record the entirety of Israel (the "all Israel" concept) as God's chosen people, not just the Judahite line crucial for the Davidic kingship. The order varies from typical biblical lists, highlighting the selective and thematic organization unique to Chronicles.

1 Chronicles 7 1 Bonus section

The order of the tribes in this chapter, including 1 Chr 7:1, does not strictly follow the birth order of Jacob's sons, nor any consistent geographical arrangement as found in other biblical lists (e.g., Num 2 or Josh 13-19). This deviation suggests a thematic or literary organizing principle rather than strict chronology or geography by the Chronicler. For example, Benjamin's very brief mention here, only to be followed by an extensive listing in chapter 8, indicates that the Chronicler groups details thematically rather than just linearly. This emphasis on all tribal families reinforces the "all Israel" concept so central to Chronicles, advocating for the unity of the entire nation, encompassing both Judah and remnants of the northern tribes. The careful preservation and reiteration of these family records underscore the value God places on lineage and continuity in His covenant people, providing the foundation for their identity, inheritance, and ultimately, their place in God's redemptive plan leading to the Messiah.

1 Chronicles 7 1 Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:1 serves as a bridge within the expansive genealogies of Chronicles. It signifies a pivot from more detailed accounts of tribes like Judah and Levi, or the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh) which often focus on land possession or specific historical events, to a more concise listing of several central Israelite tribes. While not as historically rich in detail for these tribes compared to other parts of Chronicles, this verse, and the subsequent chapters (7-8), firmly place these tribal groups within the larger fabric of "all Israel" before the detailed account of Benjamin in chapter 8. It reinforces the theological message that every segment of Israel's lineage is important in God's eyes and to the re-established community after the exile, emphasizing the divine preservation of the chosen people. These seemingly bare lists are crucial for demonstrating the continuity of covenant promises through successive generations, proving their ancestral rights and identity.