1 Chronicles 7:30

The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah.

Study Bible

The children of Asher:
Asher was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, making him one of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. His mother was Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher was known for its abundance and prosperity, as reflected in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20, which speaks of Asher's food being rich and providing royal delicacies. This tribe settled in the fertile region of Canaan, which corresponds to modern-day northern Israel, known for its olive oil production.

Imnah:
Imnah is one of the sons of Asher, and his name means "right hand" or "prosperity." While not much is detailed about Imnah in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage in Israelite culture. Genealogies served to establish tribal identity and inheritance rights, which were crucial for maintaining the covenant promises given to Abraham.

Ishvah:
Ishvah is another son of Asher. His name means "equal" or "level." The mention of Ishvah, like his brothers, highlights the continuity of Asher's lineage. The genealogical records in Chronicles were particularly significant for the post-exilic community, as they sought to re-establish their identity and connection to the land and promises of God.

Ishvi:
Ishvi, also a son of Asher, has a name meaning "he resembles" or "he is equal." The repetition of similar names among Asher's sons may reflect common naming practices of the time, where names often carried meanings related to family traits or aspirations. Ishvi's mention in the genealogies serves to reinforce the completeness of Asher's family line.

Beriah:
Beriah is another son of Asher, and his name means "in trouble" or "a gift." The name Beriah appears in other genealogies as well, such as in the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:23), indicating it was a relatively common name. The inclusion of Beriah in the list of Asher's sons emphasizes the importance of each family member in the tribal structure and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

and their sister Serah:
Serah is noted as the sister of Asher's sons, which is significant as women are not always mentioned in genealogies. Her inclusion may indicate her importance or a notable role within the family. In Jewish tradition, Serah is sometimes associated with wisdom and longevity, and she is said to have played a role in the preservation of Israel's history. Her mention here highlights the value of women in the biblical narrative and their contributions to the unfolding of God's plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asher
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, Asher was the eighth son, born to Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher is known for its prosperity and abundance.

2. Imnah
A son of Asher, mentioned in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. His name means "right hand" or "prosperity."

3. Ishvah
Another son of Asher, his name is less frequently mentioned, and little is known about him beyond his inclusion in the genealogical records.

4. Ishvi
Also a son of Asher, Ishvi's name appears in the genealogies, and like his brothers, he contributes to the lineage of the tribe of Asher.

5. Beriah
The fourth son of Asher, his name means "in trouble" or "a gift." He is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Asher.

6. Serah
The sister of Asher's sons, Serah is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogies, indicating her significance. Her inclusion suggests a noteworthy status or role within the family.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's people to His promises. They remind us of God's faithfulness through generations.

Significance of Names
The meanings of names in biblical genealogies often reflect character traits or prophetic insights. Understanding these can deepen our appreciation of God's work in history.

Role of Women in Scripture
Serah's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of women in God's plan. It encourages us to recognize and value the contributions of women in our faith communities.

Legacy and Heritage
The genealogies remind us of the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy. We are encouraged to live in a way that honors God and impacts future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the inclusion of genealogies in the Bible teach us about God's view of history and His people?

2. How can understanding the meanings of biblical names enhance our study of Scripture and our understanding of God's character?

3. In what ways can we recognize and honor the contributions of women in our faith communities, as seen in the inclusion of Serah?

4. How does the prosperity and blessing of the tribe of Asher, as seen in other scriptures, encourage us in our walk with God today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations, as seen in the genealogical records of the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 46:17
This verse lists the sons of Asher, providing a parallel account to 1 Chronicles 7:30. It highlights the continuity of the genealogical records from the time of Jacob's family entering Egypt.

Numbers 26:44-47
This passage provides a census of the tribe of Asher during the wilderness period, showing the growth and development of Asher's descendants.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25
Moses' blessing on the tribe of Asher emphasizes prosperity and strength, reflecting the meanings of the names of Asher's sons.