1 Chronicles 7:37 – “Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran and Beera.”
Extended Explanation
This verse lists six individuals who were descendants of Zophah, one of the members of the tribe of Asher. The names given—Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera—are part of the genealogical record that documents the growth of the tribe of Asher. While there are no detailed stories about these individuals in the Bible, their names are preserved in Scripture to emphasize the importance of family lineage and the continuity of God’s covenant with His people. The verse serves as part of the larger effort to trace the descendants of Israel’s twelve tribes and maintain a record of God’s people.
Historical Context
The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. This was a time when they were working to restore their identity as a nation and reconnect with their heritage. For the Israelites, family lineage was crucial in determining tribal inheritance, leadership roles, and a sense of belonging within God’s covenant community. The tribe of Asher, located in the northern region of Israel, was known for its agricultural prosperity and strategic location near the coast. The listing of Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera reflects the continued growth and strength of the tribe during Israel’s history.
Theological Implications
This verse speaks to God’s faithfulness in preserving His people across generations. Even though the individuals listed here do not have prominent roles in biblical stories, their inclusion in the genealogy highlights the fact that God cares about every family and every person in His covenant community. God’s promises to the people of Israel—made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—were fulfilled through the multiplication and prosperity of their descendants. Theologically, this verse reminds us that God is at work not only in the lives of great leaders and prophets but also in the lives of ordinary people and families who faithfully pass down the heritage of faith.
Literary Analysis
Like other genealogical passages, this verse is structured to emphasize the continuity of family lines. The names are listed in a simple and direct manner, connecting them to the larger genealogical record of Asher’s descendants. Genealogies in the Bible often serve the dual purpose of preserving historical records and highlighting God’s covenant faithfulness. The mention of Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera may seem repetitive or mundane, but each name represents a family that contributed to the growth of the tribe of Asher and, by extension, the nation of Israel. These genealogies serve to root the biblical narrative in real history, connecting the past with the present and future.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 46:17 – This verse lists the early descendants of Asher, including those who went with Jacob to Egypt, establishing the tribe’s foundation.
- Numbers 26:44-47 – This census records the descendants of Asher during Israel’s time in the wilderness, showing how the tribe grew and flourished.
- Deuteronomy 33:24-25 – Moses blesses the tribe of Asher, predicting that they would prosper and be strong, which is reflected in the continued growth of Asher’s family line.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God values every person, regardless of their role or prominence in the broader story. The names listed in this verse—Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera—may not be well-known, but they were part of God’s covenant people, and their lives had significance in His plan. This encourages us to see our own lives as part of God’s bigger story, even if we do not have a prominent role in the public eye. We can trust that God is working through each of us to fulfill His purposes, and our faithfulness has lasting impact, even if it’s not always visible.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving care for all people. By preserving the names of Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera in Scripture, God shows that He values every individual and family within His covenant community. God’s love is not just for the well-known or influential but for everyone who is part of His family. This passage reminds us that God’s love extends to all generations and that He faithfully watches over His people, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled through both great leaders and everyday people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of family and generational faithfulness. Just as the descendants of Zophah played a role in the unfolding of Israel’s history, Jesus’ genealogy reflects the same pattern of God working through families to bring about His plan of salvation. The genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Jesus’ lineage through many generations, showing how God’s redemptive plan was fulfilled through the lives of ordinary people. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promises made to Israel’s ancestors, and through Him, God’s covenant with His people is brought to completion.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to see the value of your own family and the role it plays in God’s larger story?
- In what ways can you ensure that your faith and values are passed down to future generations, as seen in the continuity of Asher’s descendants?
- How does this passage remind you of God’s faithfulness to His people across generations, and how does that influence your trust in Him today?
- How does understanding the importance of genealogies in the Bible deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ place in God’s redemptive plan and the role of families in His work?