1 Chronicles 7:14
The descendants of Manasseh: Through his Aramean concubine, Asriel, as well as Machir the father of Gilead.
The descendants of Manasseh:
Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants were part of the half-tribe that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. This phrase highlights the continuation of Joseph's lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. The tribe of Manasseh played a significant role in the history of Israel, often associated with military prowess and territorial expansion.

Asriel through his Aramean concubine:
Asriel is identified as a descendant of Manasseh, born through an Aramean concubine. This indicates a blending of cultures and peoples, as Arameans were a Semitic people living in the region of modern-day Syria. The mention of a concubine reflects the social and familial structures of the time, where concubinage was a common practice for expanding family lines and alliances. This also shows the integration of non-Israelite elements into the Israelite community, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament.

She also gave birth to Machir the father of Gilead:
Machir is a significant figure as he is recognized as the father of Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River known for its balm and rugged terrain. The Gileadites were known for their valor and were often involved in the defense and expansion of Israelite territory. This lineage emphasizes the importance of Machir's descendants in the tribal and military history of Israel. The connection to Gilead also has prophetic undertones, as the region is mentioned in various prophecies and is symbolic of healing and restoration in the Bible.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Manasseh
The firstborn son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Manasseh's descendants are significant in the history of Israel, particularly in the allocation of land.

2. Asriel
A son of Manasseh, mentioned here as a descendant through an Aramean concubine. His lineage is part of the tribe of Manasseh.

3. Aramean Concubine
The unnamed concubine of Manasseh, highlighting the cultural and familial complexities in the tribal histories of Israel.

4. Makir
Another son of Manasseh, recognized as the father of Gilead. Makir's descendants played a significant role in the settlement of the land east of the Jordan River.

5. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and fertile land. It became a significant area for the tribe of Manasseh.
Teaching Points
Understanding Lineage and Heritage
The genealogies in the Bible, such as those in 1 Chronicles, remind us of the importance of heritage and God's faithfulness through generations. Reflect on how your spiritual heritage shapes your faith today.

Cultural and Familial Complexities
The mention of an Aramean concubine highlights the diverse cultural interactions in biblical times. Consider how God works through diverse backgrounds and situations to fulfill His purposes.

God's Promises Fulfilled
The allocation of land to the descendants of Manasseh, including Gilead, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Trust in God's promises for your life, knowing He is faithful to complete what He has begun.

Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
Although unnamed, the Aramean concubine played a crucial role in the lineage of Manasseh. Recognize the often-overlooked contributions of women in biblical history and in the church today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Manasseh reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

2. In what ways can understanding your spiritual heritage impact your faith journey today?

3. How does the inclusion of an Aramean concubine in the genealogy of Manasseh challenge or affirm your understanding of God's work through diverse backgrounds?

4. What lessons can we learn from the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh about God's provision and promises?

5. How can we recognize and honor the contributions of women in our faith communities, drawing from the example of the Aramean concubine's role in this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41:51
This verse introduces Manasseh as Joseph's son, providing context for his significance in Israel's history.

Numbers 26:29-34
This passage lists the descendants of Manasseh, including Makir and Gilead, offering a broader genealogical context.

Joshua 17:1-6
These verses describe the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, including the land of Gilead, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel.
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
Aramaean, Aramean, Aramitess, Ashriel, Asriel, As'ri-el, Bare, Birth, Bore, Concubine, Descendant, Gilead, Jaladah, Machir, Makir, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Servant-wife, Sons, Syrian, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:14

     5672   concubines

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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