1 Chronicles 7:11
All these sons of Jediael were heads of their families, mighty men of valor; there were 17,200 fit for battle.
All these sons of Jediael
Jediael is listed as a descendant of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The mention of his sons highlights the importance of lineage and family heritage in Israelite society. This reflects the tribal structure of ancient Israel, where family and tribal affiliations were crucial for identity and inheritance. The genealogies in Chronicles emphasize the continuity of God's people and their covenant relationship with Him.

were heads of their families
Being heads of their families indicates leadership roles within their clans. In ancient Israel, family heads were responsible for the welfare and spiritual guidance of their households. This role often included making decisions in legal and religious matters, reflecting the patriarchal structure of society. Leadership in the family was seen as a reflection of God's order and authority.

mighty men of valor
This phrase denotes their reputation as warriors and their capability in battle. The term "mighty men of valor" is used throughout the Old Testament to describe individuals who demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill in warfare. This highlights the importance of military strength in maintaining the security and stability of the nation. It also reflects the biblical theme of God empowering His people to overcome their enemies.

there were 17,200 fit for battle
The specific number of 17,200 indicates a substantial military force, emphasizing the strength and preparedness of Jediael's descendants. This number underscores the importance of being ready for conflict in a time when Israel faced threats from surrounding nations. The precision of the number also reflects the chronicler's attention to detail and the importance of record-keeping in ancient Israel. This readiness for battle can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual preparedness, a theme echoed in the New Testament where believers are called to be spiritually vigilant and equipped.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jediael
A descendant of Benjamin, Jediael is noted as the patriarch of a family of warriors. His lineage is significant in the context of the tribe of Benjamin, known for its military prowess.

2. Sons of Jediael
These individuals are recognized as leaders and mighty warriors, indicating their importance in the military structure of Israel.

3. Tribe of Benjamin
This tribe is historically known for its skilled warriors and strategic importance in Israel's military campaigns.

4. Military Readiness
The mention of 17,200 men ready for battle highlights the preparedness and strength of Jediael's descendants, reflecting the broader theme of Israel's military organization.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Legacy
The passage highlights the importance of strong leadership within families and communities. Jediael's sons were not only warriors but also leaders, suggesting that leadership is both inherited and cultivated.

Preparedness for Spiritual Battles
Just as Jediael's descendants were ready for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared. Ephesians 6:10-18 speaks of the armor of God, emphasizing readiness in spiritual warfare.

The Role of Heritage and Identity
Understanding one's heritage and identity can provide strength and purpose. The Benjamites' identity as warriors influenced their role in Israel, reminding believers of the importance of knowing their spiritual heritage in Christ.

Unity and Strength in Numbers
The large number of warriors ready for battle underscores the strength found in unity. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to work together in unity to fulfill God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the leadership of Jediael's sons reflect the importance of family leadership in your own life?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself for spiritual battles, drawing parallels from the military readiness of Jediael's descendants?

3. How does understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ empower you to face challenges today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin's role in Israel's history that apply to the church's mission today?

5. How can you contribute to the unity and strength of your local church community, similar to the collective readiness of Jediael's warriors?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 20
The tribe of Benjamin is involved in a significant conflict, showcasing their military capabilities and the importance of unity and leadership within the tribe.

1 Samuel 9
Saul, the first king of Israel, is from the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating the tribe's continued influence and leadership in Israel's history.

1 Chronicles 12
This chapter lists the warriors who joined David, including those from Benjamin, emphasizing the ongoing role of Benjamite warriors in Israel's military endeavors.
Fit for WarNew Science Review1 Chronicles 7:11
The Need for PreparationJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 7:11
StatisticsW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 7:1-11
The Old Order ChangethW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 7:1-19
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 7, 8
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abiah, Abiezer, Abijah, Aher, Ahi, Ahian, Ahishahar, Aiah, Alameth, Alemeth, Amal, Ammihud, Anathoth, Aniam, Ara, Arah, Aram, Asher, Ashriel, Ashvath, Asriel, Becher, Bedan, Beera, Bela, Benjamin, Bered, Beri, Beriah, Bezer, Bilhah, Bilhan, Bimhal, Birzavith, Chenaanah, Dan, David, Ehud, Eladah, Elead, Eliezer, Elioenai, Elishama, Ezbon, Ezer, Guni, Hammoleketh, Haniel, Hanniel, Harnepher, Heber, Helem, Hod, Hotham, Huppim, Huppites, Hushim, Hushites, Imna, Imnah, Imrah, Iri, Ishiah, Ishod, Ishuai, Issachar, Isshiah, Isuah, Ithran, Izrahiah, Jahmai, Jahziel, Japhlet, Jashub, Jediael, Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Jehubbah, Jephunneh, Jeremoth, Jeriel, Jerimoth, Jether, Jeush, Jezer, Jibsam, Jimna, Jimnah, Joash, Joel, Joseph, Joshua, Laadan, Likhi, Maacah, Maachah, Machir, Mahalah, Mahlah, Malchiel, Manasseh, Michael, Naphtali, Non, Nun, Obadiah, Omri, Pasach, Peresh, Pispah, Puah, Rakem, Rekem, Rephah, Rephaiah, Resheph, Rezia, Rohgah, Samuel, Serah, Shallum, Shamer, Shamma, Shaul, Shelesh, Shemer, Shemida, Shemidah, Shemuel, Sherah, Sheresh, Shillem, Shilshah, Shimrom, Shimron, Shomer, Shua, Shual, Shuppim, Shuppites, Shuthelah, Suah, Tahan, Tahath, Tarshish, Telah, Tharshish, Tola, Ulam, Ulla, Uzzi, Uzziel, Zabad, Zelophehad, Zemira, Zethan, Zophah
Places
Ayyah, Bethel, Beth-horon, Beth-shan, Dor, Gath, Gezer, Gilead, Heshbon, Megiddo, Naaran, Shechem, Taanach, Upper Beth-horon, Uzzen-sheerah
Topics
17, 200, Families, Fathers, Fighting, Forth, Heads, Houses, Hundred, Jediael, Mighty, Ready, Seventeen, Sons, Thousand, Valor, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:1-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 7:4-11

     7230   genealogies

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 7:11 NIV
1 Chronicles 7:11 NLT
1 Chronicles 7:11 ESV
1 Chronicles 7:11 NASB
1 Chronicles 7:11 KJV

1 Chronicles 7:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 7:10
Top of Page
Top of Page