1 Chronicles 7:2
The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, the heads of their families. In the days of David, 22,600 descendants of Tola were numbered in their genealogies as mighty men of valor.
The sons of Tola
The name "Tola" in Hebrew means "worm" or "scarlet," which can symbolize humility or redemption. Tola was the firstborn of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Tola, emphasizing the importance of family heritage in Israelite culture. The sons of Tola are significant as they represent the continuation of the tribe of Issachar, known for their wisdom and understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel
These names are the direct descendants of Tola, each serving as a head of their respective families. The mention of these names highlights the importance of individual identity within the collective narrative of Israel. Each name carries its own meaning and significance. For example, "Uzzi" means "my strength," reflecting the strength and resilience of the tribe. "Rephaiah" means "healed by Jehovah," indicating divine intervention and blessing. These names remind us of the personal accounts and divine purposes woven into the fabric of Israel's history.

the heads of their families
This phrase underscores the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where family leadership was typically vested in the male head. The heads of families were responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of their households. This structure ensured the preservation of tribal identity and heritage, which was crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

During the reign of David
This temporal marker situates the narrative within the broader context of Israel's monarchy. King David's reign was a time of consolidation and expansion for Israel, marked by military victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. The mention of David's reign highlights the stability and prosperity experienced by the tribes during this period, as well as their contribution to the kingdom's strength.

the descendants of Tola numbered 22,600 mighty warriors
This phrase emphasizes the military prowess and significant contribution of the tribe of Issachar to Israel's defense. The large number of "mighty warriors" reflects the tribe's strength and readiness to support King David's campaigns. The term "mighty warriors" in Hebrew is "gibborim," often used to describe valiant and heroic figures in the Bible. This highlights the valor and courage of Tola's descendants, serving as an inspiration for believers to be strong and courageous in their own spiritual battles.

in their genealogies
The genealogical record serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. It underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, reminding us of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants. The meticulous recording of genealogies in Scripture reflects the value placed on identity, continuity, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises throughout generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tola
A son of Issachar and a leader of his tribe. His descendants are noted for their strength and numbers.

2. Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel
Sons of Tola, each serving as heads of their respective families.

3. David's Reign
The period during which King David ruled Israel, a time of military strength and consolidation of the tribes.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and identity in Christ.

Leadership and Responsibility
As heads of families, Tola's sons exemplify the responsibility of leading with integrity and strength.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The continuity of Tola's line through the reign of David demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises and His people.

Strength in Numbers and Unity
The large number of warriors signifies the power of unity and collective strength in fulfilling God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Tola reflect the importance of family and heritage in your own life?

2. In what ways can you take on a leadership role within your family or community, similar to Tola's sons?

3. How does understanding the historical context of David's reign enhance your appreciation of God's faithfulness?

4. What can we learn from the unity and strength of Tola's descendants that can be applied to the church today?

5. How do other scriptures about Issachar and his descendants deepen your understanding of 1 Chronicles 7:2?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:13
This verse lists the sons of Issachar, including Tola, establishing the genealogical line from Jacob to the tribes of Israel.

Judges 10:1-2
Tola is mentioned as a judge of Israel, highlighting his leadership and the continuity of his lineage.

1 Chronicles 12:32
The men of Issachar are described as having understanding of the times, indicating the wisdom and strategic importance of this tribe.
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
David, 600, Descendants, During, Families, Fathers, Father's, Fighting, Genealogy, Generations, Heads, Households, Houses, Hundred, Ibsam, Jahmai, Jah'mai, Jeriel, Je'ri-el, Jibsam, Listed, Mighty, Namely, Numbered, Record, Reign, Rephaiah, Rephai'ah, Samuel, Shemuel, Shem'uel, Six, Sons, Thousand, Tola, Twenty, Twenty-two, Uzzi, Valiant, Valor, Valour, War, Warriors, Wit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:2

     7230   genealogies

1 Chronicles 7:1-12

     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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