Topical Bible: Seven: Miscellany of Sevens of Many Sons

◄ Seven: Miscellany of Sevens of Many Sons ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The number seven holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing completeness, perfection, and divine order. This symbolism extends to various instances where seven sons are mentioned, each carrying unique theological and narrative significance.

1. Jesse's Sons: In the narrative of David's anointing, Jesse presents seven of his sons to the prophet Samuel before David is chosen as the future king of Israel. "Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, 'The LORD has not chosen any of these.'" (1 Samuel 16:10). This account underscores the theme of divine selection and the unexpected choice of David, the youngest, as God's anointed.

2. Job's Sons: Job, a man of great faith and patience, is described as having seven sons and three daughters. "He was the greatest man of all the people of the East. He had seven sons and three daughters" (Job 1:2). The number of his children reflects his initial prosperity and later, after his trials, the restoration of his fortunes by God, symbolizing divine blessing and restoration.

3. Saul's Sons: King Saul had several sons, and the tragic fate of seven of them is recounted in 2 Samuel 21. Due to Saul's breach of a covenant with the Gibeonites, seven of his male descendants were handed over to be executed. "So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Aiah’s daughter Rizpah, whom she had borne to Saul, along with the five sons of Saul’s daughter Merab, whom she had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite" (2 Samuel 21:8). This event highlights the consequences of Saul's actions and the fulfillment of justice.

4. Sons of Zeruiah: Zeruiah, David's sister, had three notable sons: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. While not seven in number, their collective actions and influence in David's reign are significant. The mention of their exploits and roles in David's military campaigns often reflects the completeness of David's military might and the challenges of leadership.

5. Sons of Obed-Edom: Obed-Edom, a Levite, is noted for having eight sons, but the mention of his household in the context of the Ark of the Covenant's journey to Jerusalem is significant. "Obed-Edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-Edom" (1 Chronicles 26:4-5). The blessing upon Obed-Edom's household underscores the theme of divine favor associated with the presence of the Ark.

6. Sons of Jacob: While Jacob had twelve sons, the division of the tribes and the blessings pronounced by Jacob in Genesis 49 often highlight the significance of certain groupings, including the prominence of Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who received blessings akin to those of full tribes. This division and the blessings reflect the completeness of God's promise to Abraham through Jacob's lineage.

The recurrence of the number seven in the context of sons throughout the Bible serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, the fulfillment of His promises, and the unfolding of His divine plan through the generations. Each instance where seven sons are mentioned carries with it a deeper theological message, often pointing to themes of divine choice, justice, blessing, and restoration.

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Ruth 4:15
And he shall be to you a restorer of your life, and a nourisher of your old age: for your daughter in law, which loves you, which is better to you than seven sons, has born him.
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1 Samuel 2:5
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren has born seven; and she that has many children is waxed feeble.
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Jeremiah 15:9
She that has borne seven languishes: she has given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she has been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, said the LORD.
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