1 Chronicles 7:23

And again he slept with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. So he named him Beriah, because tragedy had come upon his house.

Study Bible

And again he slept with his wife
This phrase indicates a continuation of the marital relationship between Ephraim and his wife. The Hebrew root for "slept" is "שָׁכַב" (shakab), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote the act of conjugal relations. This phrase underscores the sanctity and continuity of marriage as ordained by God, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative. It reflects the resilience of Ephraim and his wife in the face of previous loss, highlighting the hope and renewal that can come through faithfulness and perseverance.

and she conceived and gave birth to a son
The act of conception and birth is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing God's blessing and the continuation of His promises through generations. The Hebrew word for "conceived" is "הָרָה" (harah), and "gave birth" is "יָלַד" (yalad). These terms are often associated with divine intervention and favor. In the context of Ephraim's family, this birth represents a new beginning and a restoration of hope after a period of mourning and loss, illustrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

So he named him Beriah
Naming in the biblical context is significant, often reflecting circumstances surrounding the birth or prophetic insights into the child's future. The name "Beriah" is derived from the Hebrew root "בְּרָעָה" (bera'ah), meaning "in trouble" or "in misfortune." This name serves as a poignant reminder of the family's recent tragedy, yet it also signifies the resilience and strength that can emerge from adversity. It is a testament to the belief that God can bring purpose and meaning even from difficult situations.

because tragedy had come upon his house
The word "tragedy" here is translated from the Hebrew "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which can mean evil, distress, or calamity. This phrase acknowledges the sorrow and hardship that Ephraim's family endured, likely referring to the loss of his sons mentioned earlier in the chapter. It serves as a reminder of the reality of suffering in the world, yet it also points to the hope of redemption and restoration. In the broader biblical narrative, such moments of tragedy are often precursors to divine intervention and blessing, reinforcing the theme of God's sovereignty and compassion in the lives of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ephraim
A prominent figure in the tribe of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph. His lineage is significant in the history of Israel.

2. Beriah
The son born to Ephraim after a time of tragedy, whose name means "in trouble" or "with disaster," reflecting the circumstances of his birth.

3. Ephraim's House
Refers to the family and descendants of Ephraim, who experienced a period of calamity leading to the naming of Beriah.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Sovereignty in Trials
Even in times of disaster, God is sovereign and has a purpose for our trials. Ephraim's experience reminds us that God can bring new beginnings out of difficult circumstances.

The Significance of Names
In biblical times, names often reflected circumstances or prophetic insights. Beriah's name serves as a reminder of the trials his family faced, but also of God's faithfulness in continuing the lineage.

Hope and Restoration
Despite the disaster, the birth of Beriah signifies hope and the continuation of God's promises to His people. We can trust in God's restorative power in our own lives.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Ephraim's account encourages believers to remain faithful during adversity, trusting that God is working for our good even when we cannot see it.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the naming of Beriah reflect the circumstances of Ephraim's family, and what can we learn about the importance of names in the Bible?

2. In what ways does Ephraim's experience of disaster and subsequent blessing mirror the broader account of Israel's history?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in trials from Ephraim's account to our own lives today?

4. What other biblical figures experienced significant trials, and how did God use those situations for His purposes?

5. How can we find hope and encouragement in the midst of our own "disasters," drawing from the account of Ephraim and Beriah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41:52
This verse connects to the naming of Ephraim, which means "fruitful," highlighting the contrast between the prosperity associated with Ephraim's name and the disaster that led to the naming of Beriah.

Exodus 1:8-14
The oppression of the Israelites in Egypt can be seen as a parallel to the disaster that befell Ephraim's house, showing how God’s people often face trials.

Psalm 34:19
This verse speaks to the many afflictions of the righteous, yet God delivers them from all, offering hope amidst the disaster that Ephraim's family faced.