What does 1 Chronicles 7:35 mean?
What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 7:35?

The sons

1 Chronicles 7:35 records, “The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal”. Genealogical notices like this are more than roll calls:

• They confirm that God fulfills His promise to multiply His people (Genesis 17:6; Psalm 127:3-5).

• They anchor Israel’s tribal structure, which determined land inheritance, military organization, and worship service (Numbers 26:55-56; Joshua 13-19).

• They remind us that every generation matters in God’s unfolding plan, a theme echoed in Matthew 1:1-17 where another genealogy leads to Christ.


of his brother Helem

Helem stands within Asher’s family line (1 Chronicles 7:30-36). By noting “his brother Helem,” the writer highlights:

• Family interconnectedness—each branch supports the identity of the whole tribe.

• Continuity—Helem’s household carries forward the blessing given to Asher, “May he be favored by his brothers and dip his foot in oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24-25).

• Reliability of the record—linking Helem to his brothers Japhlet and Shemer (vv. 33-34) shows the chronicler’s careful preservation of history.


Zophah

First‐named among Helem’s sons:

• Found again in verse 36 with his own offspring (Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, and Imrah), illustrating fruitfulness.

• Demonstrates how God’s covenant faithfulness extends to each new household (Genesis 17:7).

• Reflects the prophetic blessing of abundance on Asher’s tribe (Genesis 49:20).


Imna

Second son listed:

• Variant spellings elsewhere (Imnah in Numbers 26:44) show the same family flourishing across passages.

• His inclusion underscores that even lesser-known figures are valued by God (Luke 12:7).

• Points to shared responsibility within the tribe; later, another Imnah assists in temple duties (2 Chronicles 31:14), showing generational service.


Shelesh

Third in sequence:

• Although Scripture records no exploits, his presence secures legal testimony for land and lineage (1 Kings 21:3 reflects how inheritance laws depended on such records).

• Reminds believers that quiet faithfulness is as significant to God as visible achievements (1 Corinthians 12:22).


Amal

Fourth son:

• His name closes the list, yet verse order does not imply lesser importance; all four inherit Asher’s blessing equally (Joshua 19:24-31).

• Demonstrates God’s impartiality within the covenant community (Acts 10:34-35).


summary

1 Chronicles 7:35 affirms that God faithfully extends His covenant through every branch of Asher’s family. By naming Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal, Scripture preserves their legacy, secures tribal inheritance, and highlights that each individual—famous or obscure—matters in God’s redemptive story.

Why are genealogies like in 1 Chronicles 7:34 important in the Bible?
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