1 Chronicles 7:3 kjv
And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
1 Chronicles 7:3 nkjv
The son of Uzzi was Izrahiah, and the sons of Izrahiah were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah. All five of them were chief men.
1 Chronicles 7:3 niv
The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel and Ishiah. All five of them were chiefs.
1 Chronicles 7:3 esv
The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah, all five of them were chief men.
1 Chronicles 7:3 nlt
The son of Uzzi was Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. These five became the leaders of clans.
1 Chronicles 7 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 1:1-9 | Adam, Seth, Enosh; Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared... Sons of Japheth: Gomer... | Genealogical records and their importance |
| Gen 5 | This is the book of the generations of Adam... | Tracing human lineage from creation |
| Gen 10 | These are the generations of the sons of Noah... | Table of nations, family divisions |
| 1 Chr 9:13 | and their kinsmen, heads of their fathers' houses, 1,760... chiefs. | Highlighting tribal heads and leadership |
| Neh 7:5 | My God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the common people, for registration by genealogies... | Emphasizing genealogies for post-exilic identity |
| Ezra 2:59-62 | These were the ones who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha... but they could not prove their fathers’ houses... excluded from priesthood. | Importance of verified lineage for roles |
| Num 1:4-16 | From each tribe there shall be a man... chiefs of their fathers' houses. | God ordains chiefs/leaders for Israel's tribes |
| Num 7:2-11 | the chiefs of Israel, the heads of their fathers' houses... | Leaders presented gifts to the tabernacle |
| Judg 5:15b | and the princes of Issachar were with Deborah... | Issachar's leaders taking an active role |
| 1 Chr 5:24 | These were the heads of their fathers' houses... mighty men of valor, chiefs. | Qualities and status of tribal leaders |
| 1 Chr 8:6 | These are the sons of Ehud, who were heads of fathers' houses... | Specific tribal leaders listed |
| Matt 1:1-17 | The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David... | New Testament emphasis on Messiah's lineage |
| Luke 3:23-38 | Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age...the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. | Extensive NT genealogy, reaching Adam |
| Eph 4:11 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers. | God appoints leaders in the church |
| Titus 1:5 | This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order... | Importance of establishing order and leadership |
| 1 Pet 5:2-3 | Shepherd the flock of God... not under compulsion, but willingly... not lording it over those entrusted to you... | Guidance for leadership within God's people |
| Exod 18:21 | Moreover, you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men who are trustworthy and hate a bribe... chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens. | God-given structure of leadership |
| 1 Sam 8:20 | we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles. | Shift from tribal chiefs to monarchy |
| Gen 49:14-15 | "Issachar is a strong donkey, couching between the sheepfolds... | Jacob's prophecy concerning Issachar |
| 1 Chr 12:32 | Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do... | Issachar's characteristic of discernment |
| Psa 78:70-72 | He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds... | God chooses and prepares leaders |
| Prov 28:15-16 | A roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people... | The nature of righteous and unrighteous leadership |
1 Chronicles 7 verses
1 Chronicles 7 3 Meaning
This verse meticulously records a specific segment of the tribal lineage of Issachar, focusing on the descendants of Uzzi through his son Izrahiah. It lists Izrahiah's five sons – Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah – and explicitly designates all of them as "chiefs." This detail highlights their collective prominence and leadership within their family line, emphasizing their significant role in maintaining the structure and identity of their clan within the broader tribe of Issachar during a period critical for the restoration of Israel.
1 Chronicles 7 3 Context
This verse is part of an extended genealogical record within 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9, which serve as an introductory section to the rest of the book. Specifically, chapter 7 provides genealogies for several tribes, with 7:1-5 focusing on Issachar. For the post-exilic audience, this comprehensive recounting of family lines was crucial for re-establishing tribal identity, land ownership, inheritance rights, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service after their return from Babylonian exile. The inclusion of specific family members, like the "chiefs" in 7:3, aimed to validate the leadership and prominence of certain lines, providing a blueprint for their societal and spiritual reorganization. Historically, these lists legitimized claims to land, determined communal responsibilities, and traced the continuity of God's covenant with His chosen people. The Chronicler emphasizes the order and structure within God's people, reflecting the importance of a well-organized community under God.
1 Chronicles 7 3 Word analysis
- The sons of Uzzi: (בְּנֵי עֻזִּי, B'nei Uzzi). This phrase denotes direct lineage, establishing Izrahiah as a descendant of Uzzi, whose name Uzzi means "my strength" or "strong one." The detailed tracing of "sons" is fundamental to Biblical genealogies, providing structure and validating claims.
- Izrahiah: (יִזְרַחְיָה, Yizraḥyah). This name is derived from a root meaning "to rise" or "to shine" (like the sun) combined with a shortened form of Yahweh. It means "Yahweh will shine" or "Yahweh causes to rise." Theologically, this name points to divine illumination or divine initiation, suggesting a person whom God made prominent or caused to succeed. Such names frequently reflected the parents' faith or hope for the child.
- And the sons of Izrahiah: This repeats the familial linkage, making it clear that the subsequent names are the direct offspring of Izrahiah, extending the named lineage.
- Michael: (מִיכָאֵל, Mîkhā’ēl). Meaning "Who is like God?" This is a rhetorical question that powerfully affirms God's incomparable greatness. It's a common and significant name in Hebrew culture, carrying deep theological resonance.
- Obadiah: (עֹבַדְיָה, ‘Ōvadhyāh). Meaning "Servant of Yahweh." This name expresses devotion and submission to God. It highlights a relationship of service, which was highly valued in ancient Israel, especially among leaders.
- Joel: (יוֹאֵל, Yō'ēl). Meaning "Yahweh is God." This is a strong confessional statement, declaring God's sole sovereignty. It represents a fundamental theological truth often embodied in names.
- Ishiah: (יִשְׁשִׁיָּה, Yishiyah). The meaning is debated, possibly related to "man of Yahweh" or "forgotten." Regardless of precise etymology, its inclusion alongside names with clear divine references signifies its place within a line of men deemed worthy of record.
- five: (חֲמִשָּׁה, ḥamishāh). This precise enumeration of "five" sons underscores the meticulousness of the Chronicler's record-keeping. Numbers in genealogies were not just counts but had legal and social implications, affirming the size and strength of a family unit and its potential for leadership.
- all of them chiefs: (כֻּלָּם רָאשִׁים, kulām râ'shem). The Hebrew term rosh (רֹאשׁ, plural rashim) literally means "head." Here, it signifies "chiefs," "heads of families," or "leaders." This specific designation is highly significant, indicating that all five sons held positions of authority within their clan or tribe. This collective leadership underscores the family's prominence and influence, which would have been vital for organizing society in the post-exilic period, where stable, God-ordained leadership was crucial for the restoration and cohesion of the community. It speaks to an established, influential lineage capable of contributing significantly to the social and spiritual life of Israel.
1 Chronicles 7 3 Bonus section
The detailed tribal genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including verses like 7:3, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. They helped legitimize claims to inherited land and status, confirming individuals' identity as part of covenant Israel. By focusing on influential lines like these "chiefs," the Chronicler was providing a practical guide for the rebuilding efforts, highlighting where true leadership (not based on human ambition, but on divine appointment and established lineage) could be found. This genealogical record also acted as a theological statement, affirming God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their organized structure through generations, even amidst periods of exile and hardship. The names, often reflective of theological affirmations, also serve as mini-sermons within the lists, reminding readers of God's character and ongoing work.
1 Chronicles 7 3 Commentary
1 Chronicles 7:3 offers a condensed yet profound insight into the tribal structure of Issachar, emphasizing the critical role of lineage and leadership. By detailing Izrahiah's five sons and explicitly noting their status as "chiefs," the Chronicler validates their communal authority and prominence. This verse, therefore, not only serves as a vital historical record but also underlines the importance of established, identifiable leadership within God's people, especially in times of rebuilding. The embedded meanings of the names, such as "Yahweh will shine," "Who is like God?," and "Servant of Yahweh," subtly affirm God's presence, sovereignty, and active involvement in raising up leaders. The precise number "five" further highlights the meticulous nature of the record, vital for asserting tribal claims and roles in the reconstituted Israelite community.