1 Chronicles 7:17
The son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
The son of Ulam: Bedan.
Ulam is a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. His son, Bedan, is mentioned here, and while not much is detailed about Bedan in this specific passage, he is possibly the same Bedan mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:11 as a judge of Israel, though this identification is debated. The name Bedan means "son of judgment" or "servant," which could reflect his role or character. This mention highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in Israelite culture, where genealogies were crucial for establishing tribal identity and inheritance rights.

These were the sons of Gilead
Gilead is both a person and a region in biblical texts. As a person, Gilead is the son of Machir, who is the son of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons. The region of Gilead, known for its balm, is located east of the Jordan River and is often associated with healing and fertility. The sons of Gilead would have been part of the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled in this fertile area, which was significant for its strategic location and resources.

son of Machir,
Machir is recognized as the firstborn of Manasseh and is often associated with strength and leadership. In Numbers 32:39-40, Machir's descendants are noted for their military prowess and were granted the land of Gilead by Moses. This highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel regarding their inheritance in the Promised Land. Machir's lineage is significant in maintaining the continuity of the tribe of Manasseh and its role in Israel's history.

the son of Manasseh.
Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, an Egyptian woman. His name means "causing to forget," reflecting Joseph's desire to forget his hardships in Egypt. Manasseh, along with his brother Ephraim, was adopted by Jacob as his own sons, thus receiving a portion of the inheritance among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5). The tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in the settlement of Canaan, with half the tribe settling east of the Jordan and the other half west. This dual settlement reflects the tribe's significant size and influence. The mention of Manasseh in this genealogy underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as their descendants continue to multiply and inhabit the land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ulam
A descendant of Manasseh, Ulam is mentioned as the father of Bedan. His lineage is part of the genealogical record of the tribe of Manasseh.

2. Bedan
The son of Ulam, Bedan is listed in the genealogies of the tribe of Manasseh. His name appears in the context of the descendants of Gilead.

3. Gilead
The son of Makir and grandson of Manasseh. Gilead is a significant figure as his descendants formed a clan within the tribe of Manasseh.

4. Makir
The son of Manasseh, Makir is noted for his descendants who settled in the region of Gilead, which became associated with his name.

5. Manasseh
One of the sons of Joseph, Manasseh is a patriarch of one of the tribes of Israel. His descendants, including those mentioned in this verse, played a significant role in the history of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's promises through generations, showing His faithfulness to His people.

Legacy and Heritage
Our spiritual heritage is significant. Just as the descendants of Manasseh were part of God's unfolding plan, we too are part of a spiritual lineage that impacts future generations.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of these names reminds us of God's ongoing work through families and tribes, fulfilling His promises and purposes.

Understanding Our Spiritual Identity
Knowing our spiritual roots helps us understand our identity in Christ and our place in God's family.

The Role of Each Individual in God's Plan
Every person, even those mentioned briefly in genealogies, has a role in God's overarching plan. Our lives, too, have purpose and significance in His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in the Bible help us appreciate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we trace our own spiritual heritage, and how does this impact our faith journey today?

3. How can the legacy of faith in our families influence our current walk with God and our future generations?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Manasseh about the importance of land and inheritance in the biblical account?

5. How can we ensure that our lives contribute positively to the spiritual lineage we are part of, just as the descendants of Manasseh did?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 26:29-34
This passage provides a broader genealogical context for the descendants of Manasseh, including the family of Makir and Gilead.

Joshua 17:1-6
These verses describe the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, highlighting the significance of Makir's descendants in the distribution of the land.

Judges 5:6
Bedan is mentioned in some translations as a judge of Israel, which may connect to the lineage of leadership within the tribe of Manasseh.
The Old Order ChangethW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 7:1-19
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 7, 8
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abiah, Abiezer, Abijah, Aher, Ahi, Ahian, Ahishahar, Aiah, Alameth, Alemeth, Amal, Ammihud, Anathoth, Aniam, Ara, Arah, Aram, Asher, Ashriel, Ashvath, Asriel, Becher, Bedan, Beera, Bela, Benjamin, Bered, Beri, Beriah, Bezer, Bilhah, Bilhan, Bimhal, Birzavith, Chenaanah, Dan, David, Ehud, Eladah, Elead, Eliezer, Elioenai, Elishama, Ezbon, Ezer, Guni, Hammoleketh, Haniel, Hanniel, Harnepher, Heber, Helem, Hod, Hotham, Huppim, Huppites, Hushim, Hushites, Imna, Imnah, Imrah, Iri, Ishiah, Ishod, Ishuai, Issachar, Isshiah, Isuah, Ithran, Izrahiah, Jahmai, Jahziel, Japhlet, Jashub, Jediael, Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Jehubbah, Jephunneh, Jeremoth, Jeriel, Jerimoth, Jether, Jeush, Jezer, Jibsam, Jimna, Jimnah, Joash, Joel, Joseph, Joshua, Laadan, Likhi, Maacah, Maachah, Machir, Mahalah, Mahlah, Malchiel, Manasseh, Michael, Naphtali, Non, Nun, Obadiah, Omri, Pasach, Peresh, Pispah, Puah, Rakem, Rekem, Rephah, Rephaiah, Resheph, Rezia, Rohgah, Samuel, Serah, Shallum, Shamer, Shamma, Shaul, Shelesh, Shemer, Shemida, Shemidah, Shemuel, Sherah, Sheresh, Shillem, Shilshah, Shimrom, Shimron, Shomer, Shua, Shual, Shuppim, Shuppites, Shuthelah, Suah, Tahan, Tahath, Tarshish, Telah, Tharshish, Tola, Ulam, Ulla, Uzzi, Uzziel, Zabad, Zelophehad, Zemira, Zethan, Zophah
Places
Ayyah, Bethel, Beth-horon, Beth-shan, Dor, Gath, Gezer, Gilead, Heshbon, Megiddo, Naaran, Shechem, Taanach, Upper Beth-horon, Uzzen-sheerah
Topics
Bedan, Gilead, Machir, Makir, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Sons, Ulam
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:14-40

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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