How does 1 Chronicles 7:35 demonstrate God's attention to genealogical details? Setting the Scene 1 Chronicles 7:35 falls inside a long list of Asher’s descendants. It tells us: “The sons of his brother Helem were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.” (1 Chronicles 7:35) At first glance, a simple roll call of names—yet it highlights how carefully the Lord records every branch of Israel’s family tree. Why This One Verse Matters • Exact names, exact order • Placement within a multigenerational chain (vv. 30-40) • Included even though these men never reappear in Scripture or history books Such precision reveals that God keeps track of people the world forgets. Scripture’s Consistent Pattern of Detailed Genealogies • Genesis 5; 10; 11—patriarchal lines recorded name by name • Ruth 4:18-22—genealogy bridges Ruth to David • Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38—genealogies anchor Jesus’ legal and blood lines • Numbers 26—tribal census before entering Canaan, showing God’s care for tribal inheritances 1 Chronicles 7:35 sits comfortably in this pattern of meticulous record-keeping. Insights into God’s Attention to Detail • Individual significance – If the Lord lists Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal, He notices every believer today. (Luke 12:7) • Historical accuracy – Chronicles was written after the exile; it could be checked by surviving family records. Inspired Scripture retains those exact names, underscoring reliability. (2 Timothy 3:16) • Covenant faithfulness – By preserving Asher’s lineage, God shows He has not abandoned any tribe in His covenant people. (Psalm 105:8-10) • Prophetic preparation – Precise tribal data allowed later generations to verify messianic qualifications (cf. Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:4-5). Encouragement for Believers • Your life is not lost in the crowd; God knows and remembers you by name. (Isaiah 49:15-16) • Obscure service still matters. These four brothers never headline a story, yet the Spirit preserves them forever in Scripture. (1 Corinthians 15:58) • The God who numbers the stars (Psalm 147:4) and hairs (Luke 12:7) also numbers generations—assuring us He will keep every promise down to the last detail. Takeaway 1 Chronicles 7:35 is far more than a roster; it is a quiet, powerful reminder that the Lord’s knowledge is personal, precise, and purposeful—anchoring our confidence that He sees, remembers, and values every person who belongs to Him. |