What is the meaning of Genesis 46:17? The children of Asher “The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah.” (Genesis 46:17) • Asher, eighth son of Jacob (Genesis 30:12-13), arrives in Egypt with a growing family that will become a full tribe (Numbers 26:44-47). • The Lord’s promise to make Jacob “a great nation” (Genesis 46:3) is already visible; these seven named descendants preview the 53,400 fighting men counted from Asher at Sinai (Numbers 1:41). Imnah • First in the list, Imnah heads one of Asher’s clan divisions (1 Chronicles 7:30). • His inclusion underscores how every branch matters in God’s unfolding plan—no believer is overlooked (cf. Isaiah 49:16). Ishvah • Though later records drop his name (Numbers 26:44), Genesis preserves it to show the full family circle at the moment of migration. • The verse teaches that God’s Word captures even seemingly “minor” figures, affirming the reliability of the historical record (2 Timothy 3:16). Ishvi • Also called “Jesui” in some lists (Genesis 46:17 KJV), he becomes ancestor to another Asherite clan (1 Chronicles 7:30). • The appearance of alternate spellings elsewhere mirrors the way modern families record names—yet the identity remains secure, reflecting God’s unchanging knowledge of His people (Malachi 3:6). Beriah • Beriah stands out because the verse will expand on his sons, hinting at future prominence. • The name reappears in Benjamin’s line (1 Chronicles 8:13), reminding us that separate tribes can share common names without confusion in God’s economy. and their sister Serah • Serah is one of only two granddaughters of Jacob listed by name (the other is Dinah, Genesis 46:15). • Her mention highlights the value God places on women in redemptive history (cf. Exodus 15:20; Luke 2:36-38). • Serah resurfaces when Israel prepares to enter Canaan (Numbers 26:46), indicating an exceptionally long life—a living link between patriarchal promises and their near-fulfillment. The sons of Beriah “The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.” (Genesis 46:17) • Scripture pauses to trace a line within a line, showing how God often singles out particular branches for special roles (e.g., Judah leading to Messiah, Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:2-16). Heber • Heber’s clan name, later rendered “Hebrites” (Numbers 26:45), will camp under Asher’s banner in the wilderness. • Through him, the promise of fruitfulness to Asher—“May he be favored by his brothers and dip his foot in oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24-25)—finds tangible expression in settled territory rich in olive groves (Joshua 19:24-31). Malchiel • His descendants are called “Malchielites” (Numbers 26:45), another proof that none of these names are filler; they anchor real families in real geography. • By listing Malchiel, the Lord shows that every household, however small or obscure, shares in covenant blessings (Acts 2:39). summary Genesis 46:17 is more than a roll call; it is a snapshot of covenant faithfulness. Each name affirms God’s promise to build a nation from Jacob, preserves the individual worth of every family member, and foreshadows the tribal structure that will shape Israel’s future. From Imnah to Malchiel, the verse reminds us that the Lord knows, records, and values each person who belongs to His people. |
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