1 Chronicles 7:17
The son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
The son of Ulam
This phrase introduces us to a specific lineage within the tribe of Manasseh. Ulam, though not extensively mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, is part of the genealogical record that underscores the importance of family heritage in Israelite culture. The Hebrew root for "Ulam" can be associated with strength or a prominent place, suggesting that his lineage held significance in the tribal structure.

Bedan
Bedan is a name that appears in the genealogical records, and while not much is known about him, his inclusion signifies the importance of each individual in the unfolding account of God's people. The name "Bedan" may be derived from Hebrew roots meaning "in judgment" or "son of Dan," though the latter is less likely in this context. This highlights the role of each person in the divine narrative, reminding us that every life has purpose and meaning in God's plan.

These were the descendants of Gilead
Gilead is a significant figure, representing a region and a people known for their valor and strength. The descendants of Gilead were known for their prowess in battle and their strategic importance in the defense of Israel. The name "Gilead" itself is often associated with a rocky region, symbolizing strength and resilience. This phrase connects the lineage to a broader historical and geographical context, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Gilead's descendants.

The son of Makir
Makir is recognized as the firstborn of Manasseh and is often associated with the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh. His descendants were known for their military capabilities and their settlement in the Transjordan region. The name "Makir" can be linked to the Hebrew root meaning "to sell" or "to know," suggesting a lineage that was both commercially and strategically astute. This highlights the multifaceted roles that the tribes of Israel played in the nation's history.

The son of Manasseh
Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, was blessed by Jacob and became one of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh was known for its significant land holdings and its role in the conquest and settlement of Canaan. The name "Manasseh" means "causing to forget," reflecting Joseph's journey from hardship to blessing. This phrase ties the genealogy back to the patriarchal promises and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ulam
A descendant of Manasseh, Ulam is mentioned as the father of Bedan. His lineage is part of the genealogical record of the tribe of Manasseh.

2. Bedan
The son of Ulam, Bedan is listed in the genealogies of the tribe of Manasseh. His name appears in the context of the descendants of Gilead.

3. Gilead
The son of Makir and grandson of Manasseh. Gilead is a significant figure as his descendants formed a clan within the tribe of Manasseh.

4. Makir
The son of Manasseh, Makir is noted for his descendants who settled in the region of Gilead, which became associated with his name.

5. Manasseh
One of the sons of Joseph, Manasseh is a patriarch of one of the tribes of Israel. His descendants, including those mentioned in this verse, played a significant role in the history of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's promises through generations, showing His faithfulness to His people.

Legacy and Heritage
Our spiritual heritage is significant. Just as the descendants of Manasseh were part of God's unfolding plan, we too are part of a spiritual lineage that impacts future generations.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of these names reminds us of God's ongoing work through families and tribes, fulfilling His promises and purposes.

Understanding Our Spiritual Identity
Knowing our spiritual roots helps us understand our identity in Christ and our place in God's family.

The Role of Each Individual in God's Plan
Every person, even those mentioned briefly in genealogies, has a role in God's overarching plan. Our lives, too, have purpose and significance in His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in the Bible help us appreciate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we trace our own spiritual heritage, and how does this impact our faith journey today?

3. How can the legacy of faith in our families influence our current walk with God and our future generations?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Manasseh about the importance of land and inheritance in the biblical account?

5. How can we ensure that our lives contribute positively to the spiritual lineage we are part of, just as the descendants of Manasseh did?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 26:29-34
This passage provides a broader genealogical context for the descendants of Manasseh, including the family of Makir and Gilead.

Joshua 17:1-6
These verses describe the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, highlighting the significance of Makir's descendants in the distribution of the land.

Judges 5:6
Bedan is mentioned in some translations as a judge of Israel, which may connect to the lineage of leadership within the tribe of Manasseh.
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
Bedan, Gilead, Machir, Makir, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Sons, Ulam
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:14-40

     7266   tribes of Israel

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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