1 Chronicles 7:22

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

Study Bible

Their father Ephraim mourned for many days
Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph, is a significant figure in the history of Israel. The mourning mentioned here is due to the death of his sons, Ezer and Elead, who were killed by the men of Gath. This event highlights the ongoing conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines, as Gath was a Philistine city. Mourning for many days indicates the depth of Ephraim's grief, reflecting the cultural practices of extended mourning periods in ancient Israel, which were common for significant losses. This mourning also underscores the importance of family and lineage in Israelite society, as Ephraim's descendants were meant to carry on his legacy.

and his relatives came to comfort him
The act of relatives coming to comfort Ephraim is consistent with the communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where family and kinship ties were strong. Comforting the bereaved was an important social and religious duty, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Job's friends coming to comfort him (Job 2:11). This practice is rooted in the understanding of shared grief and the support system provided by the community. It also reflects the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2. The presence of relatives during mourning periods was a way to provide emotional support and to help the grieving process, emphasizing the value placed on family unity and compassion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ephraim
The son of Joseph and Asenath, Ephraim is one of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. In this verse, he is depicted as mourning the loss of his sons.

2. Ephraim's Sons
Though not named in this specific verse, the context reveals that Ephraim's sons were killed by the men of Gath, which led to his mourning.

3. Relatives
The family members of Ephraim who came to offer him comfort during his time of mourning.

4. Gath
A Philistine city, known for its warriors, which is implicated in the death of Ephraim's sons.

5. Mourning
A significant cultural and emotional event, mourning in ancient Israel involved specific practices and was a communal experience.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Grief
Grief is a natural and profound response to loss. Ephraim's mourning reminds us that even the faithful experience deep sorrow.

Community Support
The presence of Ephraim's relatives highlights the importance of community in times of grief. We are called to support and comfort one another.

God's Sovereignty in Suffering
While the text does not explicitly mention God's role, the broader biblical account assures us of His presence and sovereignty even in our suffering.

The Hope of Restoration
Though Ephraim mourned, the continuation of his lineage and the eventual blessings upon his descendants point to God's redemptive purposes.

The Role of Memory
Mourning allows us to honor and remember those we have lost, keeping their memory alive within the community of faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the mourning of Ephraim reflect the cultural practices of ancient Israel, and what can we learn from these practices about dealing with grief today?

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, better support those who are mourning, following the example of Ephraim's relatives?

3. How does the account of Ephraim's loss and subsequent comfort connect with the broader biblical theme of God's presence in times of suffering?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced loss. How did your faith community support you, and what impact did that have on your healing process?

5. Considering the hope of restoration seen in Ephraim's lineage, how can we find hope and purpose in our own times of loss and mourning?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41:50-52
Provides background on Ephraim's birth and his significance as Joseph's son, highlighting the blessings and promises associated with him.

Genesis 48:17-20
Describes Jacob's blessing of Ephraim, placing him before his older brother Manasseh, which underscores the importance of Ephraim's lineage.

2 Samuel 12:15-23
Offers a parallel in the mourning of David for his child, illustrating the deep personal and communal nature of grief in Israelite culture.

Matthew 5:4
Jesus' teaching on those who mourn being comforted, connecting the theme of divine comfort in times of loss.