1 Chronicles 7:37
Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.
Bezer
Bezer is mentioned as one of the cities of refuge in the Transjordan region, specifically allocated to the tribe of Reuben (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8). These cities were designated as places where individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter could seek asylum. The concept of a city of refuge is a type of Christ, who provides refuge and salvation for those who seek Him. Bezer's location in the wilderness plateau suggests a place of safety and separation, symbolizing spiritual refuge.

Hod
Hod is a less prominent figure in the biblical narrative, with limited information available. The name may be associated with splendor or majesty, reflecting the glory of God. In the context of genealogies, names like Hod serve to connect the tribes and families of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people. The inclusion of such names underscores the importance of every individual in God's plan.

Shamma
Shamma, meaning "astonishment" or "desolation," is a name that appears in various contexts in the Bible. It is important to distinguish this Shamma from others, such as Shammah, one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:11). The repetition of similar names in genealogies highlights the commonality of certain names and the shared heritage among the tribes of Israel. It also reflects the cultural practice of naming children after ancestors or notable figures.

Shilshah
Shilshah is another name with limited biblical reference, and its meaning is uncertain. It may be related to the Hebrew word for "third" or "triplet," suggesting a possible connection to birth order or family structure. The mention of Shilshah in the genealogy emphasizes the detailed record-keeping of the Israelites and their commitment to preserving family lineage. This practice underscores the importance of heritage and identity in the biblical narrative.

Ithran
Ithran, meaning "abundance" or "advantage," is a name that appears in other genealogical lists, such as in the descendants of Seir the Horite (Genesis 36:26). The recurrence of the name in different contexts may indicate a shared cultural or familial significance. The inclusion of Ithran in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7 highlights the interconnectedness of various tribes and families within Israel, reflecting the unity and diversity of God's people.

Beera
Beera, meaning "well" or "fountain," is noted as a leader or prince of the Reubenites who was taken into exile by the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser (1 Chronicles 5:6). This historical context underscores the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the resulting exile. The name Beera, associated with a source of water, symbolizes life and sustenance, pointing to God's provision even in times of judgment. The exile narrative serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and reliance on God's mercy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bezer
A descendant of Asher, Bezer is mentioned here as part of the genealogical record. The name Bezer means "fortress" or "stronghold" in Hebrew, which may symbolize strength and protection.

2. Hod
Another descendant of Asher, Hod's name means "splendor" or "majesty" in Hebrew, suggesting a person of notable presence or character.

3. Shamma
This name appears in various contexts in the Bible, often associated with individuals of valor or significance. In Hebrew, Shamma can mean "astonishment" or "desolation."

4. Shilshah
Little is known about Shilshah beyond this genealogical mention. The name may derive from a root meaning "third" or "triplet," indicating a possible birth order or family significance.

5. Ithran
Also a descendant of Asher, Ithran's name means "abundance" or "advantage" in Hebrew, suggesting prosperity or blessing.

6. Beera
The name Beera means "well" or "fountain" in Hebrew, often symbolizing life-giving resources or sustenance.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can provide insight into God's plan and purpose for our lives. Just as the genealogies in Chronicles trace the lineage of God's people, we are reminded of our place in God's family.

Names Reflecting Character
The meanings of names in the Bible often reveal character traits or divine purposes. Reflect on the significance of your own name and how it might relate to your identity in Christ.

God's Faithfulness Through Generations
The genealogies remind us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His people across generations. We can trust that God is working in our lives and the lives of our descendants.

The Role of Each Individual
Every person listed in the genealogies, no matter how briefly mentioned, played a role in God's redemptive history. Recognize that your life has significance and purpose in God's plan.
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 the meanings of the names listed in 1 Chronicles 7:37 inspire us to reflect on our own identity and purpose in Christ?

3. How do the genealogies in the Bible, such as those in 1 Chronicles, connect to the promises made to the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

4. What can we learn from the fact that each individual, even those mentioned briefly in genealogies, has a role in God's account?

5. How can we apply the concept of God's faithfulness through generations to our own family and community relationships today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genealogies in Scripture
The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 7:37 connect to other genealogies in the Bible, such as those in Genesis and Matthew, highlighting the importance of lineage and God's faithfulness through generations.

Tribe of Asher
The descendants of Asher are mentioned in various parts of the Bible, including the blessings of Jacob in Genesis 49, where Asher is promised abundance and prosperity.

Names and Meanings
The significance of names in the Bible often reflects character traits or prophetic insights, as seen in other scriptures where names are given with specific meanings or purposes.
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
Beera, Be-e'ra, Bezer, Hod, Ithran, Jithran, Shamma, Shilsha, Shilshah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:14-40

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 7:30-40

     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

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