LESSON 4: THE DESCENDANTS OF ISSACHAR, BENJAMIN, NAPHTALI, MANASSEH, EPHRIAM, AND ASHER (1 CHR. 7-8)
The representatives of other tribes of Israel clearly identifiable in David’s day are mentioned in this section. Joshua and Saul are prominent names appearing in this account.
ISSACHAR
Issachar was Jacob’s fifth son by Leah (Genesis 35:23). He was the father of four sons: Tofa, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. The enumeration in chapter seven was taken “in the days of David” (7:2). Verse five indicates that “all of the families of Issachar” numbered 87,000. This latter number agrees well with the census figures in Moses’ day (Numbers 26:23-25). The Issacharites are described as mighty men of valor, great warriors.
BENJAMIN
The indications here are that Benjamin had three sons, namely, Bela, Becher, and Jediael. The list in Genesis 46:21 names the sons of Benjamin. Some of these are to be identified as grandsons. Evidently these enumerations have to do with warriors. The total military strength of Benjamin at this time was 59,434.
NAPHTALI
A single verse is devoted to this tribe. What is important – they were still part of God’s chosen people! No matter the size of a group of God’s people they are important to Him is the indication given.
MANASSEH
We studied an earlier reference to the tribe of Manasseh in 5:23-26. Several names in the paragraph now under attention are of interest, Machir, Manasseh’s son, is known as a frontiersman, Gilead, the son of Machir, left his name on a considerable part of the territory bordering the Jordan River on the east, Zelophehad was the great-grandson of Manasseh (Joshua 17:3), He had five daughters; but he had no sons. He died in his sins during the wilderness wanderings. His daughters came to Moses (Numbers 27:1) requesting their father’s inheritance. This was granted. A ruling was also passed in Numbers 36 that heiress must marry within their own tribe.
EPHRIAM
The sons of Ephraim do not figure prominently in the Bible record. Ephraim’s sons most likely were born in Egypt. Their conflict with the men of Gath, or the Philistines, would have taken place early in the conquest of Canaan. Joshua, son of Nun, is the best known of all Ephraimites in his association with Moses and in the conquest of Canaan. The expression "children of Joseph" can refer to both of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The principal villages in Ephraim were Bethel, Gezer, Shiloh, and Shechem. The tribe of Ephraim became the most important tribe in the north after the division of the kingdom at Solomon's death.
ASHER
The prominent descendents of Asher are listed. Again this is a record as we have been looking at the fact that God’s chosen people—all of them, were important to Him. The Seed line may come through Judah, but that does not preclude Asher as being a part of God’s people.
BENJAMIN
Some attention had already been given to the tribe of Benjamin in chapter 7:6-12 as this tribe took its place among the other descendants of Israel. Inasmuch as some special attention is now focused on Saul, the first king of Israel, a more complete genealogy of Benjamin is in order. Benjamin was the youngest of Jacob’s sons and he was the son of the beloved Rachel. His mother died in giving him birth (Genesis 35:16-20). Any variations in the Genesis record and this record may be accounted for on the basis of the use of different genealogical records, some of which are more complete than others. Ehud is identified as a great grandson of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:10). Ehud, son of Gera, a Benjamite, was the left handed warrior judge who slew Eglon, king of Moab (Judges 3:15). Jerusalem was within the limits of the territory of Benjamin.
[1] Robert E. Black. The Books of Chronicles in Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
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