1 Chronicles 7:22

Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him.

Study Bible

Their father Ephraim
The name "Ephraim" is deeply rooted in Hebrew tradition, meaning "fruitful." Ephraim was one of the sons of Joseph, born in Egypt, and his name signifies the blessing and prosperity that Joseph experienced despite his trials. Ephraim's lineage is significant in Israel's history, representing one of the tribes of Israel. The mention of Ephraim as "their father" highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where lineage and heritage were crucial. Ephraim's role as a father figure underscores the importance of family and continuity in the biblical narrative.

mourned for many days
Mourning in ancient Israel was a profound expression of grief, often involving specific rituals and customs. The Hebrew word for "mourned" (אָבַל, 'aval) conveys a deep, visceral sorrow. Mourning for "many days" indicates the depth of Ephraim's loss and the cultural practice of extended mourning periods, which allowed individuals to process their grief fully. This phrase reflects the human experience of loss and the communal nature of mourning in biblical times, where the community would come together to support those in grief.

and his relatives came to comfort him
The act of coming to comfort someone in mourning is a powerful expression of community and solidarity. The Hebrew word for "comfort" (נָחַם, nacham) implies not just consolation but also a sense of repentance or change of heart, suggesting that comfort can lead to healing and transformation. The presence of relatives underscores the importance of family and community support in times of sorrow. This phrase highlights the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2, and the role of community in providing strength and encouragement during difficult times.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ephraim
The son of Joseph and Asenath, Ephraim is one of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. In this verse, he is depicted as mourning the loss of his sons.

2. Ephraim's Sons
Though not named in this specific verse, the context reveals that Ephraim's sons were killed by the men of Gath, which led to his mourning.

3. Relatives
The family members of Ephraim who came to offer him comfort during his time of mourning.

4. Gath
A Philistine city, known for its warriors, which is implicated in the death of Ephraim's sons.

5. Mourning
A significant cultural and emotional event, mourning in ancient Israel involved specific practices and was a communal experience.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Grief
Grief is a natural and profound response to loss. Ephraim's mourning reminds us that even the faithful experience deep sorrow.

Community Support
The presence of Ephraim's relatives highlights the importance of community in times of grief. We are called to support and comfort one another.

God's Sovereignty in Suffering
While the text does not explicitly mention God's role, the broader biblical account assures us of His presence and sovereignty even in our suffering.

The Hope of Restoration
Though Ephraim mourned, the continuation of his lineage and the eventual blessings upon his descendants point to God's redemptive purposes.

The Role of Memory
Mourning allows us to honor and remember those we have lost, keeping their memory alive within the community of faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the mourning of Ephraim reflect the cultural practices of ancient Israel, and what can we learn from these practices about dealing with grief today?

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, better support those who are mourning, following the example of Ephraim's relatives?

3. How does the account of Ephraim's loss and subsequent comfort connect with the broader biblical theme of God's presence in times of suffering?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced loss. How did your faith community support you, and what impact did that have on your healing process?

5. Considering the hope of restoration seen in Ephraim's lineage, how can we find hope and purpose in our own times of loss and mourning?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41:50-52
Provides background on Ephraim's birth and his significance as Joseph's son, highlighting the blessings and promises associated with him.

Genesis 48:17-20
Describes Jacob's blessing of Ephraim, placing him before his older brother Manasseh, which underscores the importance of Ephraim's lineage.

2 Samuel 12:15-23
Offers a parallel in the mourning of David for his child, illustrating the deep personal and communal nature of grief in Israelite culture.

Matthew 5:4
Jesus' teaching on those who mourn being comforted, connecting the theme of divine comfort in times of loss.