1 Chronicles 7:23 – “Then he made love to his wife again, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. He named him Beriah, because there had been misfortune in his family.”
Extended Explanation
This verse tells of Ephraim, after the tragic loss of his sons, continuing his family line by having another child with his wife. The child born to them was named Beriah, a name that reflects the sorrow the family had experienced. “Beriah” means “in misfortune” or “with disaster,” indicating that Ephraim named his son to memorialize the hard times he had gone through. Though the pain of losing his sons remained, the birth of Beriah was a sign of life continuing after loss, and the name serves as a reminder of both hardship and God’s provision of new life after sorrow.
Historical Context
Ephraim was one of Joseph’s sons, and his descendants became a leading tribe in Israel. His family had a rich history, as Jacob had given Ephraim a special blessing. However, as this verse shows, being part of God’s chosen people did not exempt Ephraim from experiencing deep loss. The previous verses mention the death of Ephraim’s sons, Ezer and Elead, who were killed in an attempt to seize livestock from the Philistines in Gath. This historical backdrop paints a picture of a family who, despite God’s blessing, faced real-world tragedies. Yet, after a period of mourning, Ephraim’s story moves forward with the birth of a new son, Beriah.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the theme of restoration after suffering. While Ephraim had suffered the deep pain of losing his sons, God allowed his family to continue and grow. The birth of Beriah is a reminder that, even in the darkest times, life moves forward, and God continues to work through the pain. The name Beriah—meaning misfortune—also shows that Ephraim did not ignore the grief he experienced. Instead, he acknowledged it while also embracing the hope that new life brings. This reflects the reality that grief and blessing can coexist, and God’s faithfulness is seen in both.
Literary Analysis
This verse stands out in the genealogical passage of 1 Chronicles because it interrupts the flow of names with a personal story of loss and recovery. The mention of Beriah’s name, tied to the sorrow Ephraim experienced, gives the genealogy emotional depth. While genealogies often focus on lineage and continuation, this verse provides insight into the personal pain behind the names. Ephraim’s act of naming his son after the family’s hardship adds a narrative element, showing that the chronicler not only cared about the continuity of family lines but also recognized the personal and emotional history behind those names.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 48:17-20 – This passage recounts Jacob’s special blessing on Ephraim, giving him a prominent place among the tribes of Israel.
- Job 1:21 – Job acknowledges that both blessings and suffering come from God, a sentiment similar to Ephraim’s recognition of both misfortune and new life.
- Isaiah 61:3 – This verse speaks of God’s ability to give “a crown of beauty instead of ashes,” which mirrors the way Ephraim’s grief over his lost sons eventually gave way to new life in the form of Beriah.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse offers hope in the midst of suffering. Ephraim’s story reminds us that even when we face deep losses, God is still present, and new life can emerge from our pain. The naming of Beriah reflects the reality that we do not have to forget or ignore our grief. Instead, we can acknowledge it, while also recognizing that God continues to bring restoration and healing over time. This verse encourages us to trust God’s faithfulness, even in seasons of heartache, and to believe that He can bring new beginnings from our most difficult experiences.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s loving nature by showing how He continues to bless and restore, even after times of great loss. Although Ephraim faced the heartbreak of losing two sons, God provided him with another child, demonstrating that His love and care are present even in the midst of sorrow. God does not abandon His people when they experience hardship, but He walks with them through their pain and offers hope on the other side. The birth of Beriah is a tangible expression of God’s love and faithfulness, a sign that God continues to care for His people, even when they are grieving.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the way it points to the theme of new life coming from suffering. Jesus Himself experienced the ultimate suffering on the cross, but through His death, He brought eternal life to all who believe in Him. Just as Ephraim experienced new life after the loss of his sons, Jesus’ resurrection brings hope to those who are mourning and suffering. Jesus came to redeem the brokenness of the world, turning grief into joy and death into life. The birth of Beriah can be seen as a foreshadowing of the greater restoration that comes through Jesus Christ, who offers new life to all who follow Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to trust God in times of loss or hardship?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s restoration and new beginnings after seasons of pain?
- What can we learn from Ephraim’s decision to name his son after a season of misfortune? How does this reflect the reality of grief and hope coexisting?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection provide hope for those who are grieving, and how does it remind us of the new life He offers after suffering?