1 Chronicles 5:7

Authorized King James Version

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And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶחָיו֙ And his brethren H251
וְאֶחָיו֙ And his brethren
Strong's: H251
Word #: 1 of 7
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔יו by their families H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔יו by their families
Strong's: H4940
Word #: 2 of 7
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
בְּהִתְיַחֵ֖שׂ was reckoned H3187
בְּהִתְיַחֵ֖שׂ was reckoned
Strong's: H3187
Word #: 3 of 7
to enroll by pedigree
לְתֹֽלְדוֹתָ֑ם of their generations H8435
לְתֹֽלְדוֹתָ֑ם of their generations
Strong's: H8435
Word #: 4 of 7
(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history
הָרֹ֥אשׁ were the chief H7218
הָרֹ֥אשׁ were the chief
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 5 of 7
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
יְעִיאֵ֖ל Jeiel H3273
יְעִיאֵ֖ל Jeiel
Strong's: H3273
Word #: 6 of 7
jeiel, the name of six israelites
וּזְכַרְיָֽהוּ׃ and Zechariah H2148
וּזְכַרְיָֽהוּ׃ and Zechariah
Strong's: H2148
Word #: 7 of 7
zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

Analysis & Commentary

Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Trans-Jordanian tribes and their failures section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term מַעַל (ma'al) - unfaithfulness/treachery is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes:

  1. establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam
  2. legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises
  3. emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan,
  4. demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue.

The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting Consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

Historical Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Trans-Jordanian tribes: Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection