1 Chronicles 7:4
In addition to them, according to their genealogy, they had 36,000 troops for battle, for they had many wives and children.
In addition to them
This phrase refers to the descendants of Issachar mentioned earlier in the chapter. The context is a genealogical record, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. The tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32. This highlights the significance of their contribution to the military strength of Israel.

according to their genealogy
Genealogies were crucial in ancient Israel for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. They served as a record of God's faithfulness in preserving His people. The genealogical records in Chronicles emphasize the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, tracing the lineage from the patriarchs to the post-exilic community.

they had 36,000 troops for battle
The mention of 36,000 troops underscores the military capability and readiness of the tribe of Issachar. This reflects the broader theme in Chronicles of highlighting the strength and organization of the tribes of Israel. The number signifies a substantial force, indicating the tribe's significant role in the defense and warfare of the nation.

for they had many wives and children
Polygamy was a common practice in ancient Israel, often associated with wealth and status. Having many wives and children was seen as a blessing and a means to ensure the growth and continuation of one's lineage. This practice contributed to the large number of troops, as more descendants meant more potential soldiers. The cultural context of polygamy is evident in the lives of several biblical figures, such as King David and Solomon, though it often led to familial and spiritual complications.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tribe of Issachar
This verse is part of the genealogical record of the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe is known for its wisdom and understanding of the times.

2. Genealogy
The verse emphasizes the importance of genealogical records in Israel, which were crucial for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights.

3. Troops for Battle
The mention of 36,000 troops highlights the military strength and readiness of the tribe of Issachar, reflecting the importance of defense and warfare in ancient Israel.

4. Wives and Children
The reference to many wives and children indicates the social and familial structures of the time, where large families were common and often necessary for labor and defense.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family and Community
The verse underscores the value of family and community in providing strength and support. In our lives, investing in family relationships and community can lead to greater resilience and readiness to face challenges.

Preparedness and Readiness
The mention of 36,000 troops for battle serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for spiritual and physical battles. Christians are called to put on the full armor of God and be ready to stand firm in faith.

Legacy and Heritage
The genealogical records highlight the significance of legacy and heritage. As believers, we are encouraged to consider the spiritual legacy we are leaving for future generations.

God's Provision and Blessing
The large number of descendants and troops reflects God's blessing and provision. Trusting in God's provision can lead to abundance and strength in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogical record of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 7:4 reflect the importance of family and community in your own life?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself spiritually and physically for the battles you face, drawing inspiration from the readiness of Issachar's troops?

3. How does the concept of legacy and heritage in this passage challenge you to think about the spiritual legacy you are building?

4. What are some practical ways you can trust in God's provision and blessing, as seen in the growth and strength of the tribe of Issachar?

5. How can the understanding of Issachar's role and characteristics in other scriptures (e.g., Genesis 49, Deuteronomy 33) enhance your appreciation of their mention in 1 Chronicles 7:4?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:14-15
This passage describes Issachar as a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds, which can be connected to the tribe's strength and readiness for battle as seen in 1 Chronicles 7:4.

Numbers 1:28-29
This passage provides an earlier census of the tribe of Issachar, showing their growth and military capability over time.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Moses' blessing on Issachar highlights their prosperity and role in the community, which aligns with their large families and military strength.
StatisticsW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 7:1-11
The Old Order ChangethW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 7:1-19
The Divine Gift of Physical StrengthR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 7:2-5
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
36000, Army, Bands, Battle, Beside, Families, Fathers, Fighting-men, Genealogy, Generations, Host, Households, Houses, Military, Multiplied, Ready, Recorded, Six, Soldiers, Sons, Thirty, Thirty-six, Thousand, Troops, Units, War, Wives
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:4

     5732   polygamy

1 Chronicles 7:1-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 7:4-11

     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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