1 Chronicles 7:40 kjv
All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valor, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.
1 Chronicles 7:40 nkjv
All these were the children of Asher, heads of their fathers' houses, choice men, mighty men of valor, chief leaders. And they were recorded by genealogies among the army fit for battle; their number was twenty-six thousand.
1 Chronicles 7:40 niv
All these were descendants of Asher?heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.
1 Chronicles 7:40 esv
All of these were men of Asher, heads of fathers' houses, approved, mighty warriors, chiefs of the princes. Their number enrolled by genealogies, for service in war, was 26,000 men.
1 Chronicles 7:40 nlt
Each of these descendants of Asher was the head of an ancestral clan. They were all select men ? mighty warriors and outstanding leaders. The total number of men available for military service was 26,000, as listed in their genealogical records.
1 Chronicles 7 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 1:3 | "From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war, you… shall list them..." | Census for military service. |
| Num 2:7 | "The tribe of Asher, the leader of the people of Asher shall be Pagiel..." | Tribal organization and leadership. |
| Josh 1:14 | "Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain... but all your mighty men of valor shall pass over armed before your brothers..." | Preparedness for battle. |
| Judg 6:12 | "The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor." | Definition of a strong warrior (Gideon). |
| 2 Sam 23:8 | "These are the names of the mighty men whom David had..." | Lists of exceptional warriors. |
| 1 Chr 5:18 | "The sons of Reuben, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh... valiant men, able to bear shield and sword..." | Description of military strength. |
| 1 Chr 12:8 | "From the Gadites there went over to David in the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and men of war..." | Mighty men joining service. |
| 1 Chr 21:5 | "And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David... of Judah, 470,000." | Another military census. |
| Ezr 2:62 | "These searched for their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies..." | Importance of lineage for post-exilic community. |
| Neh 7:5 | "My God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy." | Importance of lineage for post-exilic community. |
| Ps 33:16 | "No king is saved by the greatness of his army; no warrior delivered by his great strength." | Military might vs. divine deliverance. |
| Prov 21:31 | "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD." | Preparation vs. ultimate divine sovereignty. |
| Is 2:4 | "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." | Contrast with future ultimate peace. |
| Eph 6:10 | "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." | Spiritual strength and preparedness. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | "But all things should be done decently and in order." | Principle of divine order. |
| 2 Tim 2:3-4 | "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits..." | Call to readiness and focused service. |
| Heb 11:34 | "Quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war..." | Faith empowering "mighty men." |
| Rev 7:6 | "of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand," | Asher counted among the tribes in Revelation. |
| Ex 12:51 | "And on that very day the LORD brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts." | Israel organized in "hosts" or armies. |
| Deut 20:1 | "When you go out to battle against your enemies... you shall not be afraid of them..." | God's presence in battle. |
| Ps 144:1 | "Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;" | Divine empowerment for warfare. |
| Neh 11:1 | "Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem..." | Leadership in post-exilic community. |
1 Chronicles 7 verses
1 Chronicles 7 40 Meaning
This verse serves as a concluding summary for the genealogy of the tribe of Asher (detailed in 1 Chronicles 7:30-39). It highlights the exceptional quality of their male descendants who were leaders within their patriarchal families, demonstrating their fitness for both civil administration and military service. The verse specifically identifies them as "chosen men," "mighty men of valor," and high-ranking "chiefs of the princes," indicating a significant pool of skilled and powerful leadership. Furthermore, it quantifies their military readiness, stating that 26,000 men from Asher were qualified and available for army duty. This indicates the tribe's strength and organization, underscoring their potential contribution to Israel's military might and national security.
1 Chronicles 7 40 Context
First Chronicles chapter 7 details the genealogies of several Israelite tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Following a common pattern in the Book of Chronicles, the meticulous listing of family lines served multiple crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. It was essential for re-establishing land claims, organizing temple service roles (especially for priests and Levites), and providing a sense of identity and continuity for a people returning to their land after decades in Babylon. The particular focus on men of valor and those ready for battle highlights the need for national security and the rebuilding of Israel’s strength during that period. Asher, a less prominent northern tribe, is given considerable detail, perhaps to affirm its place within the broader tapestry of Israel and to acknowledge its significant contribution in terms of manpower and leadership, dispelling any notion that God had forgotten any part of His people.
1 Chronicles 7 40 Word analysis
- All these: Refers inclusively to the previously mentioned descendants of Asher in verses 30-39, indicating that the summary qualities apply broadly to them.
- were the children of Asher: Identifies the tribal lineage. "Children" (Hebrew: bnei) emphasizes direct descent and belonging to the tribe.
- heads of their fathers' houses: Hebrew: roshei batei avotam. Signifies patriarchal leadership; these individuals were responsible leaders within their extended families or clans, demonstrating an established hierarchy and organization. This structure was foundational to Israelite society.
- chosen men: Hebrew: bachurim (from bachur). This term implies selection based on merit, fitness, and prime age for service. It speaks to quality and distinction, not just raw numbers. These were elite individuals, carefully selected or inherently qualified.
- mighty men of valor: Hebrew: giborei chayil. "Gibor" means powerful, strong, mighty; "chayil" implies strength, ability, wealth, or valor. In this military context, it refers to men of great physical strength, courage, military prowess, and perhaps even influential standing. This is a common phrase in the Old Testament to denote distinguished warriors and leaders (e.g., Gideon in Judg 6:12, David's warriors in 2 Sam 23).
- chiefs of the princes: Hebrew: roshei ha-nasi'im. This denotes a very high level of leadership. "Nasi" can mean prince, leader, chief, or noble. Thus, "chiefs of the princes" refers to the leading figures among the high-ranking tribal or military leaders. They were influential decision-makers and commanders.
- The number of them ready for battle in the army was twenty-six thousand: Hebrew: mesappar tzava, literally "counted for the army." "Ready for battle" (yotzei tzava) signifies those who were physically capable, trained, and available for military service, likely fitting the age criteria for warfare (typically 20-50 years old as seen in Num 1). The specific number, 26,000, reflects a careful census or muster, emphasizing accuracy and military potential. This precision highlights the practical value and organizational capacity of the tribe of Asher.
1 Chronicles 7 40 Bonus section
The Chronicler’s attention to precise numbers, especially for military muster rolls, echoes earlier biblical accounts (like in the Book of Numbers). This served as an important theological and practical statement. The accuracy reassured the returning exiles of their valid heritage and collective strength. Spiritually, it implicitly communicates God's detailed knowledge of and continued interest in each tribe. This record wasn't merely historical; it functioned as a declaration of hope and potential for the Israelite community rebuilding after the exile, emphasizing that God had maintained a strong remnant with capabilities for both leadership and defense.
1 Chronicles 7 40 Commentary
First Chronicles 7:40 encapsulates the ideal qualities and practical strength of the tribe of Asher from the perspective of the Chronicler. It emphasizes that the genealogical records were not just dry lists but celebrated the quality of leadership and military potential within the tribes. The description "chosen men, mighty men of valor, chiefs of the princes" reveals a highly organized and capable leadership structure. This combination of "chosen men" (signifying quality and suitability), "mighty men of valor" (emphasizing strength and courage), and "chiefs of the princes" (denoting high-ranking authority) presents Asher as a tribe possessing both a significant quantity of able-bodied men and an impressive quality of leadership. For the post-exilic community, such details would reinforce their identity and inspire confidence in God's faithfulness to His people, even through periods of disarray. It showcases God's care in preserving lineages and talents for the rebuilding of His nation, underscoring the importance of preparedness, skilled leadership, and faithful service within the community of faith.