1 Chronicles 7:7
The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, heads of their families--five in all. There were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies.
The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri
Bela was the firstborn son of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The listing of his sons—Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri—reflects the importance of family lineage in Israelite society. Each name represents a family head, indicating their role in maintaining the tribal structure. The names themselves may carry meanings that reflect the character or destiny of the individuals, a common practice in biblical times. For example, "Uzzi" means "my strength," which could imply a strong or influential family line.

heads of their families—five in all
The phrase "heads of their families" underscores the patriarchal nature of ancient Israelite society, where family leadership was typically passed down through male descendants. The number five may symbolize completeness or strength, as numbers often hold symbolic significance in biblical texts. These family heads would have been responsible for the welfare and leadership of their respective clans, playing crucial roles in tribal governance and military organization.

There were 22,034 mighty men of valor
The mention of "22,034 mighty men of valor" highlights the military capability and strength of the tribe of Benjamin. "Mighty men of valor" is a term used throughout the Old Testament to describe warriors of exceptional bravery and skill. This large number indicates the significant contribution of Bela's descendants to the military forces of Israel, reflecting the tribe's importance in national defense and warfare. The emphasis on valor also points to the cultural value placed on courage and heroism.

listed in their genealogies
Genealogies were vital in ancient Israel for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. Being "listed in their genealogies" ensured that these men were recognized as legitimate members of the tribe of Benjamin, with all the rights and responsibilities that entailed. This record-keeping was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the tribal system and for fulfilling God's promises to the patriarchs regarding their descendants. Genealogies also serve a theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people throughout generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bela
The firstborn son of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Bela's lineage is significant in the context of the tribe's military strength and leadership.

2. Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri
These are the sons of Bela, each serving as heads of their respective families. Their mention highlights the importance of family leadership and the continuation of the tribe's legacy.

3. Mighty Men of Valor
The passage notes that there were 22,034 mighty men of valor, emphasizing the military strength and readiness of Bela's descendants. This reflects the importance of preparedness and strength in the context of Israel's history.
Teaching Points
Importance of Family Leadership
The passage highlights the role of family heads in maintaining the strength and continuity of the tribe. In our lives, we can reflect on the importance of leadership within our families and communities, ensuring that we uphold values and traditions that honor God.

Preparedness and Valor
The mention of mighty men of valor serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual and moral preparedness. As Christians, we are called to be ready to stand firm in our faith and to act with courage in the face of challenges.

Legacy and Heritage
The genealogical records emphasize the significance of legacy. We are encouraged to consider the spiritual heritage we are building and passing on to future generations, ensuring it aligns with biblical principles.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of family leadership in 1 Chronicles 7:7 inspire you to take on leadership roles within your own family or community?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself spiritually to be a "mighty person of valor" in your daily life?

3. How does understanding the genealogical connections in the Bible enhance your appreciation of God's faithfulness to His promises?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that the legacy you leave behind is one that honors God and reflects His teachings?

5. How do the military capabilities of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in related scriptures, inform your understanding of the importance of being prepared for spiritual battles today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:21
This verse lists the sons of Benjamin, including Bela, providing a genealogical connection and showing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants.

Numbers 26:38-40
This passage provides a census of the tribe of Benjamin, including the descendants of Bela, which aligns with the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles.

Judges 20:15-17
This scripture describes the military capabilities of the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating the historical context of their might and valor as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:7.
StatisticsW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 7:1-11
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
Bela, 34, Enrolled, Enrollment, Ezbon, Families, Fathers, Fighting, Genealogical, Genealogies, Genealogy, Heads, Households, Houses, Iri, Jerimoth, Jer'imoth, Listed, Mighty, Reckoned, Record, Recorded, Registered, Sons, Thirty, Thirty-four, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-two, Uzzi, Uzziel, Uz'ziel, Valor, Valour, War, Warriors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:1-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 7:4-11

     7230   genealogies

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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