1 Chronicles 7:5
Their kinsmen belonging to all the families of Issachar who were mighty men of valor totaled 87,000, as listed in their genealogies.
Their kinsmen
The term "kinsmen" refers to relatives or family members, emphasizing the strong sense of community and familial ties within the tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the word often used is "אֲחֵיהֶם" (achehem), which underscores the importance of kinship and unity among the Israelites. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the people of God being a family, bound together by covenant and shared heritage.

belonging to all the families of Issachar
The tribe of Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Issachar. Historically, Issachar was known for its agricultural prowess and wisdom. The phrase highlights the inclusivity of the census, ensuring that every family within the tribe was accounted for. This comprehensive approach underscores the value placed on each individual and family unit within the community.

who were mighty men of valor
This phrase, "גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל" (gibbori chayil) in Hebrew, is often used to describe warriors of great strength and courage. It signifies not only physical prowess but also moral and spiritual fortitude. In the context of Israel's history, such men were essential for the defense and leadership of the nation. The emphasis on valor reflects the biblical ideal of courage rooted in faith and righteousness.

totaled 87,000
The specific number, 87,000, indicates a significant and formidable force within the tribe of Issachar. Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic weight, and large numbers like this one suggest strength, blessing, and divine favor. The precision of the count also reflects the importance of order and organization in the community, as well as the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping.

as listed in their genealogies
Genealogies were crucial in ancient Israel for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. The Hebrew term "בְּתוֹלְדוֹתָם" (betoldotam) refers to these records, which were meticulously maintained. This practice ensured continuity and preserved the history and legacy of the people. In a spiritual sense, genealogies remind believers of their place in God's unfolding plan and the importance of faithfulness across generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Issachar
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. Known for their strength and valor.

2. Mighty Men of Valor
A term used to describe warriors of great courage and strength, often used in the Old Testament to denote those who were capable and ready for battle.

3. Genealogy
The record of descent or lineage, which was crucial for establishing identity and inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our identity in Christ. Just as the genealogy of Issachar established their role and identity, knowing our place in God's family can empower us to live boldly.

Valor and Courage in Faith
The "mighty men of valor" remind us of the courage required in our spiritual battles. We are called to be strong and courageous in our faith, trusting in God's power and promises.

The Role of Community and Family
The collective strength of Issachar's descendants highlights the importance of community and family in our spiritual journey. We are stronger together, supporting and encouraging one another in our walk with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogy and heritage of the tribe of Issachar help us appreciate our own spiritual lineage in Christ?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate valor and courage in our daily walk with God, similar to the mighty men of Issachar?

3. How can the concept of community and family within the tribe of Issachar inspire us to build stronger relationships within our church and faith communities?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our identity in Christ is as strong and clear as the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel?

5. How can we apply the lessons of strength and readiness for battle from the tribe of Issachar to the spiritual battles we face today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:14-15
Jacob's blessing to Issachar, describing him as a strong donkey, which symbolizes strength and hard work. This connects to the valor and strength mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:5.

Judges 5:15
The tribe of Issachar is mentioned as being loyal and supportive of Deborah and Barak in battle, highlighting their role as mighty warriors.

Numbers 1:28-29
The census of the tribe of Issachar, showing their significant numbers and readiness for battle, which aligns with the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7:5.
StatisticsW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 7:1-11
The Old Order ChangethW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 7:1-19
The Divine Gift of Physical StrengthR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 7:2-5
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
Belonging, Brethren, Brothers, Clans, Eighty, Eighty-seven, Enrolled, Families, Fighting, Fourscore, Genealogies, Genealogy, Issachar, Is'sachar, Kinsmen, Listed, Mighty, Reckoned, Recorded, Registered, Relatives, Seven, Thousand, Valiant, Valor, Valour, War, Warriors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:1-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 7:4-11

     7230   genealogies

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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