1 Chronicles 7:7
The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, heads of their families--five in all. There were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies.
The sons of Bela
This phrase introduces us to the descendants of Bela, who was one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name "Bela" in Hebrew means "destruction" or "devouring," which may reflect the turbulent times or the strength of the tribe. The listing of Bela's sons signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises through generations.

Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri
These names are significant as they represent the heads of families within the tribe of Benjamin. Each name carries its own meaning and historical context. For instance, "Ezbon" may mean "hastening to understand," suggesting a lineage characterized by wisdom or insight. "Uzzi" means "my strength," indicating reliance on divine strength. "Uzziel" translates to "God is my strength," reinforcing the theme of divine empowerment. "Jerimoth" means "heights," possibly symbolizing aspirations or achievements. "Iri" means "watchful," suggesting vigilance or protection. These names collectively reflect the values and characteristics esteemed by the tribe.

They were the heads of their families
This phrase underscores the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where family heads held significant authority and responsibility. Being a "head" of a family meant leadership, guidance, and the duty to uphold the family's honor and traditions. It also implies a role in maintaining the spiritual and social welfare of the family unit, aligning with the broader covenantal relationship between God and His people.

five in all
The number five here is not just a count but may symbolize completeness or wholeness in biblical numerology. It suggests that these five individuals collectively represented the full strength and potential of Bela's lineage. This completeness is a reminder of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to the tribes of Israel.

There were 22,034 mighty men of valor
This phrase highlights the military strength and capability of Bela's descendants. The term "mighty men of valor" (Hebrew: "gibborim chayil") denotes not only physical strength and bravery but also moral courage and integrity. These men were warriors who defended their people and upheld justice, embodying the virtues of courage and faithfulness. The specific number, 22,034, reflects the detailed record-keeping and organization within the tribes, emphasizing the importance of each individual in God's plan.

listed in their genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve as more than mere records; they are testimonies of God's faithfulness across generations. This phrase indicates that these men were recognized and remembered within the sacred history of Israel. It underscores the value of each life and the role of every individual in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive work. The meticulous recording of genealogies also points to the importance of identity and belonging within the covenant community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bela
The firstborn son of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Bela's lineage is significant in the context of the tribe's military strength and leadership.

2. Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri
These are the sons of Bela, each serving as heads of their respective families. Their mention highlights the importance of family leadership and the continuation of the tribe's legacy.

3. Mighty Men of Valor
The passage notes that there were 22,034 mighty men of valor, emphasizing the military strength and readiness of Bela's descendants. This reflects the importance of preparedness and strength in the context of Israel's history.
Teaching Points
Importance of Family Leadership
The passage highlights the role of family heads in maintaining the strength and continuity of the tribe. In our lives, we can reflect on the importance of leadership within our families and communities, ensuring that we uphold values and traditions that honor God.

Preparedness and Valor
The mention of mighty men of valor serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual and moral preparedness. As Christians, we are called to be ready to stand firm in our faith and to act with courage in the face of challenges.

Legacy and Heritage
The genealogical records emphasize the significance of legacy. We are encouraged to consider the spiritual heritage we are building and passing on to future generations, ensuring it aligns with biblical principles.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of family leadership in 1 Chronicles 7:7 inspire you to take on leadership roles within your own family or community?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself spiritually to be a "mighty person of valor" in your daily life?

3. How does understanding the genealogical connections in the Bible enhance your appreciation of God's faithfulness to His promises?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that the legacy you leave behind is one that honors God and reflects His teachings?

5. How do the military capabilities of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in related scriptures, inform your understanding of the importance of being prepared for spiritual battles today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:21
This verse lists the sons of Benjamin, including Bela, providing a genealogical connection and showing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants.

Numbers 26:38-40
This passage provides a census of the tribe of Benjamin, including the descendants of Bela, which aligns with the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles.

Judges 20:15-17
This scripture describes the military capabilities of the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating the historical context of their might and valor as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:7.
StatisticsW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 7:1-11
The Old Order ChangethW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 7:1-19
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
Bela, 34, Enrolled, Enrollment, Ezbon, Families, Fathers, Fighting, Genealogical, Genealogies, Genealogy, Heads, Households, Houses, Iri, Jerimoth, Jer'imoth, Listed, Mighty, Reckoned, Record, Recorded, Registered, Sons, Thirty, Thirty-four, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-two, Uzzi, Uzziel, Uz'ziel, Valor, Valour, War, Warriors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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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