1 Chronicles 7:31
The sons of Beriah: Heber, as well as Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith.
The sons of Beriah
The name "Beriah" is significant in the Hebrew context, meaning "in evil" or "with a calamity." This name may reflect the circumstances of his birth or life, suggesting a period of hardship or divine testing. In the broader narrative of the tribes of Israel, Beriah represents a lineage that, despite its challenging beginnings, contributes to the growth and development of the nation. This highlights the theme of redemption and God's ability to bring forth good from difficult situations.

Heber
The name "Heber" is derived from the Hebrew root "ḥbr," meaning "to associate" or "to join." Heber's name suggests a sense of community and connection, which is a recurring theme in the history of Israel. The descendants of Heber would have been part of the larger tapestry of the Israelite tribes, emphasizing the importance of unity and fellowship among God's people. This reflects the Christian principle of the body of Christ, where each member is vital to the whole.

Malchiel
"Malchiel" means "God is my king" in Hebrew. This name is a declaration of faith and allegiance to God as the ultimate ruler. In the context of Israel's history, where earthly kings often led the people astray, Malchiel's name serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the importance of divine leadership. For Christians, this underscores the call to recognize Christ as King and to live under His lordship.

who was the father of Birzaith
The phrase "father of Birzaith" indicates a lineage and a legacy. "Birzaith" is a name that is not widely mentioned elsewhere, suggesting that it may have been a smaller or less prominent family group. However, the inclusion of Birzaith in the genealogical record signifies the value of every family and individual in God's plan. It reminds believers that no matter how seemingly insignificant, each person has a role in the unfolding account of God's people. This aligns with the Christian understanding that every believer is known and valued by God, contributing uniquely to His kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Beriah
A descendant of Asher, one of the tribes of Israel. His lineage is part of the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, which highlights the importance of family heritage and tribal identity in Israel.

2. Heber
One of the sons of Beriah. His name means "comrade" or "associate" in Hebrew, indicating a possible role or characteristic within his family or tribe.

3. Malchiel
Another son of Beriah, whose name means "God is my king" in Hebrew. This name reflects a common theme in Israelite culture, emphasizing the sovereignty of God.

4. Birzaith
A place or possibly a person associated with Malchiel. The exact nature of Birzaith is not detailed, but it signifies the importance of locations in the tribal and familial structures of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the value of understanding our spiritual heritage. Just as the Israelites valued their tribal identities, Christians are encouraged to appreciate their spiritual lineage in Christ.

Names with Meaning
The names in this passage, such as Malchiel ("God is my king"), remind us of the significance of names and their meanings in biblical times. They often reflect the character or aspirations of individuals and can inspire us to live up to the meanings of our own names or titles.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The detailed genealogies underscore God's sovereignty in the unfolding of history. Each person and place has a role in God's plan, encouraging us to trust in His divine orchestration of our lives.

Community and Identity
The mention of places like Birzaith highlights the importance of community and belonging. As believers, we are part of a larger community, the body of Christ, and should seek to contribute positively to it.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout history?

2. In what ways can the meanings of biblical names inspire us in our personal walk with God?

3. How does recognizing God's sovereignty in the genealogies of Israel encourage us to trust Him with our own family and personal history?

4. What can we learn from the emphasis on tribal and familial identity in ancient Israel about the importance of community in the church today?

5. How can we apply the concept of spiritual heritage in our daily lives, and what steps can we take to pass on a godly legacy to future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:17
This verse lists the sons of Asher, including Beriah, providing a broader context for the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles.

Numbers 26:44-47
This passage includes a census of the descendants of Asher, further emphasizing the continuity and importance of tribal lineage in Israel.

1 Chronicles 7:30
The preceding verse provides additional context by listing the sons of Asher, showing the broader family structure into which Beriah and his sons fit.
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
Beriah, Beri'ah, Birzaith, Bir'zaith, Birzavith, Heber, Malchiel, Mal'chi-el, Malkiel, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:14-40

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 7:30-40

     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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