What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 7:7? The sons of Bela Bela is the firstborn son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:38), and the Chronicler highlights him to show how God preserved Benjamin’s line after the exile. By beginning with “The sons of Bela,” Scripture reminds us that covenant faithfulness is traced through real families, not abstract ideas. Just as “the LORD remembers His covenant forever” (Psalm 105:8), He remembers the offspring of Bela. Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri Five sons are named—Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, Iri—showing the breadth of Bela’s line. Numbers 26:38-39 lists comparable names, underscoring that Chronicles harmonizes with earlier revelation. God’s Word consistently records the same family branches, assuring us that every detail is trustworthy (Proverbs 30:5). These five men also mirror the five-fold blessing Jacob spoke over Benjamin’s tribe (Genesis 49:27), reflecting God’s generous multiplication. Heads of their families—five in all Being “heads of their families” indicates recognized leadership (Exodus 18:21; 1 Chronicles 15:12). The verse counts “five in all,” emphasizing completeness and order. God values structure within His people; strong, godly leadership in each household becomes the backbone of the entire nation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 1 Timothy 3:4-5). There were 22,034 mighty men of valor The Chronicler tallies 22,034 fighting men, celebrating Benjamin’s strength. These “mighty men of valor” echo warriors like Gideon (Judges 6:12) and David’s elite troops (1 Chronicles 12:8). Such a large number for one clan shows God’s blessing of fruitfulness (Deuteronomy 1:10-11) and His provision of defense for His people (Psalm 144:1). The precise figure also assures us that Scripture’s historical data are reliable, not approximate guesses. Listed in their genealogies The phrase points to written family records kept over centuries (Nehemiah 7:5). Genealogies in Scripture guard identity, land inheritance, and ultimately the messianic line (Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:1-17). By preserving these lists, God demonstrates that He “knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). Our names, too, are recorded in His book of life when we belong to Christ (Luke 10:20). summary 1 Chronicles 7:7 showcases God’s careful preservation of Benjamin’s lineage through Bela’s five sons, each a family head. Their 22,034 warriors testify to divine blessing and protection, while the written genealogies affirm the Bible’s historical precision and God’s intimate knowledge of every believer’s place in His redemptive plan. |
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