1 Chronicles 7:32

Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer, and Hotham, and of their sister Shua.

Study Bible

Heber was the father of Japhlet
Heber is a descendant of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name Heber means "comrade" or "enclave," suggesting a sense of community or separation. Japhlet, his son, is not widely mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, indicating that this genealogy serves to preserve the lineage and heritage of the tribe of Asher. The tribe of Asher was known for its abundance and prosperity, as seen in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20.

Shomer
Shomer, another son of Heber, is also part of the lineage of Asher. The name Shomer means "watchman" or "guardian," which may imply a role of protection or oversight within the family or tribe. This name reflects a common biblical theme of vigilance and responsibility, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17, where God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel.

and Hotham
Hotham, the third son, is part of the genealogical record that emphasizes the continuity and stability of the tribe of Asher. The name Hotham means "seal" or "sign," which could symbolize a mark of identity or covenant. This concept of a seal is echoed in Ephesians 1:13, where believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance.

and of their sister Shua
Shua, the sister, is mentioned alongside her brothers, highlighting the importance of women in biblical genealogies, even though they are less frequently named. The name Shua means "wealth" or "opulence," which aligns with the blessings associated with the tribe of Asher. The inclusion of Shua underscores the value of family unity and the role of women in the preservation of tribal identity, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the virtues of a noble woman.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Japhlet
A descendant of Asher, one of the tribes of Israel. Japhlet is mentioned as the father of three sons, indicating his role in the genealogical record of the tribe.

2. Pasach
One of the sons of Japhlet. His name is listed in the genealogies, but little else is known about him.

3. Bimhal
Another son of Japhlet. Like his brothers, Bimhal is part of the genealogical record, emphasizing the importance of lineage in Israelite culture.

4. Ashvath
The third son of Japhlet. His inclusion in the genealogy highlights the continuation of the family line.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the importance of family heritage and God's faithfulness through generations. They encourage us to value our own family histories and recognize God's work in our lineage.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The genealogical records demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well.

Every Person Matters
Even though we know little about Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath, their inclusion in Scripture shows that every person has a role in God's plan. This encourages us to see value in our own lives and the lives of others.

Legacy and Influence
The mention of Japhlet's sons highlights the impact of a parent's legacy. It challenges us to consider the spiritual and moral legacy we are leaving for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout history?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in our own family histories?

3. How can we apply the lesson that every person matters in God's plan to our daily interactions with others?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations?

5. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles connect with the broader account of God's covenant with Israel, and what does this teach us about His covenant with us today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:20
This verse contains Jacob's blessing to Asher, the ancestor of Japhlet, which speaks of prosperity and abundance. It connects to the genealogies in Chronicles by showing the fulfillment of blessings through descendants.

Numbers 1:40-41
These verses list the census of the tribe of Asher, providing context for the genealogical records in Chronicles and emphasizing the importance of each family within the tribe.

1 Chronicles 7:30-31
These preceding verses provide the broader context of Asher's descendants, showing the family line leading to Japhlet and his sons.