1 Chronicles 7 22

1 Chronicles 7:22 kjv

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him.

1 Chronicles 7:22 nkjv

Then Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him.

1 Chronicles 7:22 niv

Their father Ephraim mourned for them many days, and his relatives came to comfort him.

1 Chronicles 7:22 esv

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him.

1 Chronicles 7:22 nlt

Their father, Ephraim, mourned for them a long time, and his relatives came to comfort him.

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 22 Meaning

1 Chronicles 7:22 states that Ephraim, the father of those killed (referring to Ezer and Elead in verse 21), mourned for an extended period, and his kinsmen came to console him. This verse highlights a specific tragedy within the lineage of Ephraim, one of the foundational tribes of Israel. It portrays a deep personal loss for the patriarch and underscores the communal support offered by his relatives in a time of profound grief, emphasizing the familial and tribal solidarity within early Israel.

1 Chronicles 7 22 Context

1 Chronicles 7 focuses extensively on the genealogies of various tribes, specifically Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher, and Dan (though Dan is not listed by name, his tribal territory might be implied through "the Transjordan"). This chapter, like much of Chronicles, aims to establish the continuity of the Israelite people, especially for the post-exilic community returning to their land. It meticulously details lineages, showing how each tribe fulfilled its role within God's covenant.

Verse 22 is found within the genealogy of Ephraim (1 Chron 7:20-29). The preceding verses (20-21) specifically detail Ephraim's sons (Shuthelah, Bered, Tahath, Eleadah, Tahath, Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead) and then shockingly state that "the men of Gath who were born in the land killed them because they came down to take their livestock." This provides the direct, tragic context for Ephraim's mourning mentioned in verse 22. The incident, unique to Chronicles, explains why some of Ephraim's early descendants were cut off and highlights the perilous environment of the early Israelites expanding their territory, possibly into Philistine land near Gath. The Chronicler includes this detail to show both the vulnerability of God's people and the importance of familial solidarity even amidst tragic loss, portraying an ideal picture of Israel's communal bonds.

1 Chronicles 7 22 Word analysis

• And Ephraim (וְאֶפְרָיִם, v'ephrayim): The initial "And" serves as a connective, linking Ephraim's grief directly to the killing of his sons described in the previous verse. Ephraim is a significant patriarch, progenitor of one of the largest and most influential tribes of Israel. His personal sorrow carries weight for the entire lineage he represents.
• their father (אֲבִיהֶם, avihem): This clarifies Ephraim's relationship to the slain sons, emphasizing his direct paternal bond and thus the depth of his personal loss. A father's role in ancient Israel included maintaining the lineage, making the loss of sons particularly devastating.
• mourned (אָבַל, 'aval): This Hebrew verb signifies deep grief and lamentation, often involving physical expressions like tearing clothes, sitting in ashes, and wailing. It denotes an inward sorrow manifested outwardly over a significant loss, representing a fundamental human response to death.
• many days (יָמִים רַבִּים, yamim rabbim): This phrase emphasizes the extended duration and profound intensity of Ephraim's mourning. It was not a fleeting sadness but a sustained period of grief, reflecting the monumental nature of his tragedy—the loss of multiple male heirs who were vital for the continuation and strength of his line.
• and his brethren (וְאֶחָיו, v'echav): "Brethren" here most likely refers to his immediate family and kinsmen within the larger tribal structure, possibly his half-brother Manasseh (sons of Joseph) or even leaders from other tribes who acknowledged their shared Israelite identity and kinship. It highlights the wider familial connection and solidarity.
• came (בָּאוּ, ba'u): An active verb implying deliberate action. They made an effort to physically approach Ephraim, showing intentional concern and empathy.
• to comfort him (לְנַחֲמֹו, l'nachemo): From the Hebrew root נָחַם (nacham), meaning to console, to show compassion, or to cause to repent/relent from grief. This act demonstrates communal compassion, a vital social practice in ancient Israel, offering solace and support during a time of immense sorrow.

Word Group Analysis:

• Ephraim their father mourned many days: This entire phrase conveys a powerful image of a patriarch steeped in profound, prolonged sorrow. It highlights that even those blessed with a large lineage could experience immense personal tragedy, reminding the reader of the realities of life in a perilous world. The chronicler emphasizes not just the genealogy, but the emotional human experience within it.
• and his brethren came to comfort him: This segment beautifully illustrates the strength of communal bonds within ancient Israel. In a society where family and tribe were central, mutual support in times of distress was paramount. It paints a picture of inter-tribal or inter-familial empathy and solidarity, which aligns with the Chronicler's broader themes of a united, God-fearing Israel.

1 Chronicles 7 22 Bonus section

The unique inclusion of this incident only in 1 Chronicles, and not in Genesis or Exodus where Ephraim's life is otherwise documented, suggests the Chronicler's specific intent. Scholars believe the Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, may have included this detail for several reasons:

• Completeness of Genealogy: To offer a more comprehensive tribal history, even including setbacks or tragedies, providing a fuller picture of Israel's journey.
• Explaining Tribal Dynamics: It may subtly explain the relative strength or specific territorial arrangements of Ephraim or why certain sub-clans might have been less prominent, linking early historical events to later tribal demographics.
• Moral and Theological Lesson: The verse, in its context, reinforces the idea of brotherly solidarity within Israel. Despite hardship, the nation, conceptualized through its tribal members, should demonstrate unity and compassion. This resonated deeply with the returning exiles who needed to rebuild their communal identity and support one another in the face of challenges.
• The Chronicler's focus on unity: The portrayal of "brethren" coming to comfort highlights the Chronicler's consistent theme of a unified Israel, idealizing the interconnectedness of the tribes and promoting a sense of shared destiny and responsibility among them. This theme was crucial for the renewed nation rebuilding itself after exile.

1 Chronicles 7 22 Commentary

This concise verse in 1 Chronicles 7, nestled within long genealogies, serves as a poignant break, revealing the human cost of early tribal expansion and the essential support systems within Israelite society. The unprecedented incident of Ephraim's sons being killed by the men of Gath underscores the perilous existence of early Israelite settlements and their confrontations with surrounding peoples like the Philistines. Ephraim's prolonged mourning ("many days") signifies the profound grief associated with losing heirs, which was a deeply significant aspect in a culture emphasizing lineage and inheritance. Crucially, the subsequent act of "his brethren" coming to comfort him emphasizes the vital role of communal solidarity. It portrays an idealized model of the covenant community—that in times of suffering, the broader family or tribe rallies together to offer solace and support, demonstrating mutual care as a foundational characteristic of God's people. This account serves as a reminder that even foundational figures within Israel experienced hardship, but found strength in their bonds of kinship and shared identity.