What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 7:34? The sons of Shemer “The sons of Shemer: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram.” (1 Chronicles 7:34) • This short verse sits within a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:30-40). Like the earlier lists in Genesis 46:17 and Numbers 26:44-47, it underlines how God kept His promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 22:17). • Every name records a real person; each family line helped fill the portion of land later assigned to Asher on the Mediterranean coast (Joshua 19:24-31). • Genealogies also preserve legal rights to inheritance (Numbers 27:7-11) and guard the purity of Israel’s covenant community (Ezra 2:59-62). Ahi • Placed first, Ahi likely became a clan head. First-listed sons often carried leadership responsibilities (Deuteronomy 21:17). • His line would have shared in the blessings Moses pronounced on Asher—“Most blessed of sons is Asher… let him dip his foot in oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24-25). • The presence of Ahi’s clan centuries later is hinted at when Asherite warriors “prepared for battle” in David’s day (1 Chronicles 12:36), showing continuity from the chronicled genealogy to Israel’s monarchy. Rohgah • Rohgah’s name signals another branch of Shemer’s house, illustrating how God “made you as numerous as the stars of the sky” (Deuteronomy 1:10). • Multiple clans within a tribe protected against the loss of heritage; should one line falter, another sustained the tribal identity (Ruth 4:10-12). • During the divided-kingdom era, Asherites still responded to Hezekiah’s Passover invitation (2 Chronicles 30:10-11), implying that Rohgah’s descendants may have traveled south to worship. Hubbah • Hubbah’s mention reminds us that no individual is overlooked in God’s record (Psalm 139:16). • Though Scripture gives no exploits for Hubbah, his clan helped fill Asher’s allotment “from Carmel westward to Lebanon” (Judges 5:17), supporting Israel’s trade and agriculture. • The verse quietly affirms that every name—famous or obscure—shares in the covenant blessings promised “to you and your offspring after you throughout their generations” (Genesis 17:7). Aram • This Aram is an Israelite, distinct from the neighboring Arameans defeated by David (2 Samuel 8:12). • His inclusion shows God’s desire for diversity within unity: varied families, one people (1 Corinthians 12:12). • The Chronicler closes Asher’s genealogy by calling these men “choice, mighty warriors, chiefs of the princes” (1 Chronicles 7:40), so Aram’s line likely contributed to that reputation. summary 1 Chronicles 7:34 may appear as a simple list, yet it testifies to God’s faithfulness in multiplying and preserving His people. Each son—Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram—became a living link in the covenant chain stretching from Abraham to the Exile and beyond. Their names encourage us that God records every life, honors faith across generations, and weaves even the quietest family into His grand redemptive story. |
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