1 Chronicles 7 12

1 Chronicles 7:12 kjv

Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, and Hushim, the sons of Aher.

1 Chronicles 7:12 nkjv

Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir, and Hushim was the son of Aher.

1 Chronicles 7:12 niv

The Shuppites and Huppites were the descendants of Ir, and the Hushites the descendants of Aher.

1 Chronicles 7:12 esv

And Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir, Hushim the son of Aher.

1 Chronicles 7:12 nlt

The sons of Ir were Shuppim and Huppim. Hushim was the son of Aher.

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 12 Meaning

This verse continues the genealogical record of the Israelite tribes, specifically focusing on the tribe of Naphtali. It lists four direct descendants or key family heads within Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum. The crucial detail "Bilhah’s descendants" clearly identifies their ancestral origin through Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, confirming their legitimate place within the twelve tribes of Israel and establishing their historical lineage.

1 Chronicles 7 12 Context

First Chronicles chapter 7 presents a concentrated block of genealogical lists for several Israelite tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. These lists are generally more concise compared to the extensive genealogies of Judah (1 Chr 4) and Levi (1 Chr 6), which underscore the Chronicler's specific interest in the Davidic royal line and the Aaronic priestly line.

Verse 12 is situated within this larger enumeration of tribal identities, focusing on Naphtali, a tribe predominantly associated with the northern kingdom of Israel and greatly impacted by the Assyrian deportations. For the post-exilic community in Judah (the primary audience of Chronicles, c. 5th-4th century BC), these detailed records were vital. They served to reconnect the returning exiles with their ancestral heritage, authenticate their claims to covenant identity, and perhaps even hold a hope for a future reunion of all twelve tribes. Maintaining an accurate family register was crucial for land tenure, religious roles, and establishing an individual's place within the renewed covenant community. The inclusion of Naphtali, despite its northern roots, signals the Chronicler's theological vision of a restored, unified Israel.

1 Chronicles 7 12 Word analysis

• The sons of Naphtali:
  • "sons": The Hebrew bᵊnê (בְּנֵי) primarily means "sons of," but in genealogical lists, it frequently extends to "descendants of" or "clans of." This signifies continuity through generations, establishing the lineage from the tribal patriarch.
  • "Naphtali": Naphtālî (נַפְתָּלִי). Naphtali was the sixth son born to Jacob, through Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid (Gen 30:7-8). His name, according to Rachel, reflected her "struggle" or "wrestlings" with her sister Leah. The tribe of Naphtali received land in the Galilee region, often bordering the Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor. Despite its association with the northern kingdom and early dispersion by the Assyrians, the Chronicler records their lineage, reaffirming their enduring place in the broader Israelite narrative and covenant community.
• Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum,
  • "Jahziel": Yahṣîʾēl (יַחְצִיאֵל). Means "God divides" or "God apportions." This name also appears as Jahzeel in Gen 46:24 and Num 26:48. Such slight spelling variations are common due to orthographic fluidity and scribal transmission across centuries. He is a primary son/founder of a major clan within Naphtali. The naming itself reflects a theology that God is the distributor of fates and inheritances.
  • "Guni": Gûnî (גּוּנִי). The meaning of this name is less certain, possibly related to "my garden" or "my defender." Consistently listed as one of Naphtali's key descendants.
  • "Jezer": Yēṣer (יֵצֶר). Means "formation" or "purpose" (related to the verb "to form" or "fashion"). Another significant descendant and head of a clan within Naphtali.
  • "Shallum": Šallûm (שַׁלּוּם). Means "peace" or "retribution." This name appears as Shillem in Gen 46:24 and Num 26:49. This final name in the list confirms the complete ancestral line for Naphtali's immediate descendants relevant for tribal identification.
• Bilhah’s descendants.
  • "Bilhah": Bilhāh (בִּלְהָה). Rachel's maidservant, who bore Dan and Naphtali for Jacob when Rachel was unable to conceive. This specific mention distinguishes the lineage and confirms their specific maternal link back to the patriarch Jacob through a handmaid. In a society where patrilineal descent was paramount, acknowledging the maternal lineage solidified their identity within Jacob's broader family. This was not a demotion, but an accurate genealogical qualifier.
  • Words-Group Analysis: "The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum" collectively serves as the foundational enumeration of Naphtali’s primary clans or familial divisions. For a post-exilic community, this detail helped identify fellow Israelites, especially those whose family records might have been incomplete due to the chaos of exile. "Bilhah's descendants" reinforces the authenticity of their inclusion within the Israelite twelve tribes, counteracting any potential challenge to their identity or claim to covenant heritage, distinguishing them specifically within the broader lineage of Jacob’s sons. It asserts the genealogical precision required to reaffirm identity within God’s covenant people.

1 Chronicles 7 12 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's inclusion of detailed genealogies, even for tribes outside Judah and Levi, reflects a comprehensive theological vision. It points towards a future hope for the reunification of all twelve tribes of Israel under God's covenant, even centuries after the division of the kingdom and the northern tribes' dispersion.
• These lists subtly argue against cultural assimilation, a strong temptation for post-exilic communities. By detailing specific Israelite lineages, the Chronicler reinforced a distinct identity for God's chosen people, helping to guard against foreign religious or social practices.
• The exactness in naming all key ancestral lines, including the often-overlooked handmaids (Bilhah and Zilpah), shows the Chronicler's respect for the complete historical record of Israel's foundation, valuing every legitimate familial link back to Jacob.
• Such genealogical meticulousness would have been practical for the process of allocating land and duties upon the return from exile, as tribal and familial lines dictated inheritance and social order.
• The presence of these "dry" lists in the Bible demonstrates that God values the details of His people's history and personal connections, revealing that individual identity within the covenant community matters to Him.

1 Chronicles 7 12 Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:12 is a precise genealogical entry that, though brief, carries significant weight within the Chronicler's overarching purpose. For the returning exiles from Babylon, genealogies were not mere academic records; they were vital for reconstructing society, re-establishing land claims based on tribal inheritance, and ensuring proper participation in the renewed temple worship. The careful recording of "The sons of Naphtali" — a tribe from the often-forgotten northern kingdom — underscores the Chronicler's theological commitment to the unity of all Israel and God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people across generations, even amidst severe trials and scattering. The mention of "Bilhah’s descendants" further validates Naphtali's authentic link to Jacob, securing their place within the twelve tribes and against any perceived claim of being "lesser" because their progenitor was from a handmaid. This meticulous detail demonstrates God's purposeful memory and maintenance of His people's identity, valuing each tribal branch.