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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 31 October 2025:
1 Chronicles 7:1-5 — The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being twenty-two thousand six hundred. The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah, all five of them were chief men. And along with them, by their generations, according to their fathers’ houses, were units of the army for war, thirty-six thousand, for they had many wives and sons. Their kinsmen belonging to all the clans of Issachar were in all eighty-seven thousand mighty warriors, enrolled by genealogy.
The tribe of Issachar is described as numerous and strong, with thousands of “mighty warriors.” Strength, courage, and multiplication were blessings from God, but their true distinction was their discernment. Later, 1 Chronicles 12:32 highlights that “the men of Issachar… had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Physical strength and large numbers are empty without spiritual discernment. God values warriors who understand His will and move in His wisdom. In our day, this calls us to be spiritually alert, people who interpret the times through the lens of Scripture and courageously act upon it. True might is not in muscle but in moral clarity and obedience to God’s purposes.
1 Chronicles 7:6-12 — The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael, three… And the sons of Jediael: Bilhan… mighty warriors, seventeen thousand two hundred, able to go to war in battle array. And Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir, Hushim the son of Aher.
Benjamin’s descendants are also listed as “mighty warriors,” yet we remember that Benjamin’s history was one of both valor and tragedy. The tribe nearly perished in civil war (Judges 19-21), yet here they are restored, strong, and numerous. This speaks to God’s mercy and restoring power. Where sin had nearly wiped them out, grace brought renewal. In this we see a picture of how God rebuilds what is broken when His people repent. As Joel 2:25 promises, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.”
Their record also reminds us that strength regained must be directed toward righteousness. The Apostle Paul, a Benjamite himself (Philippians 3:5), would one day be transformed from a persecutor of the church to one of its greatest champions — a living example that God can redeem any tribe, any person, for His glory.
1 Chronicles 7:13-19 — The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum, the descendants of Bilhah. The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead. And Machir took a wife for Huppim and for Shuppim, and the name of his sister was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelophehad had daughters…. The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.
This section intertwines the lines of Manasseh, Naphtali, and others, showing the mixed and often complex family relationships within Israel. Notably, Zelophehad’s daughters appear, women who, in faith and courage, claimed their inheritance in the land (Numbers 27:1–11). Their inclusion here underscores God’s justice and equity; He honors those who stand by faith in His promises, regardless of gender or social standing.
In a time when lineage determined much of a person’s value, God highlighted these women as models of faith and perseverance. The same God still honors those who take Him at His word, even when cultural norms resist. As Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
1 Chronicles 7:20-29 — The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah and Bered his son…. But Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house…. And they lived there until the reign of David.
This passage pauses to tell a story within the genealogy — the tragedy of Ephraim. His sons were killed by men of Gath because they went down to raid their cattle. Ephraim’s grief was profound, but out of that sorrow came new life, symbolized in the birth of Beriah (“in evil” or “in trouble”). Yet from that line came resilience, as they rebuilt and established towns that endured until the time of David.
Here we see that even in grief, God’s purposes continue. From sorrow, He brings renewal. Just as Ephraim’s house was restored after loss, so God works redemption through our pain. Romans 8:28 again reminds us that “for those who love God all things work together for good.” What feels like tragedy may become the seed of new blessing if we remain faithful.
1 Chronicles 7:22 – And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him.
Family should be a source of comfort during times of mourning, stopping what they were doing to give full support.
1 Chronicles 7:23 – And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house.
Even in hard times, God wants His people to act on hope, investing in the future and continuing to grow a family.
1 Chronicles 7:24 – His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.
It is noteworthy that Sheerah is mentioned in the Bible — she was obviously a powerful leader, noted for building towns in strategic locations, one of those named after her. Again, women play prominent roles throughout the Bible.
1 Chronicles 7:30-40 — The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah…. All of these were men of outstanding ability, mighty warriors, and heads of their fathers’ houses, counted by genealogy for service in war, twenty-six thousand men.
Asher’s line concludes the chapter, described as capable, respected, and ready for service. Their sister Serah is again mentioned (see Genesis 46:17), a rare honor for a woman in genealogical records, suggesting her righteousness or importance in preserving family faith. Asher’s tribe was blessed by Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24-25, “Most blessed of sons be Asher; let him be the favorite of his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.” This blessing points to abundance, prosperity, and strength, symbols of spiritual vitality for those who walk with God.
These closing verses remind us that every tribe, no matter how small or obscure, has a part in God’s redemptive history. The genealogies reflect not vanity but legacy, living proof that faith, obedience, and service to God ripple through generations.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) — 31 October 2025: Live with generational vision. Like the tribes of Israel, your faithfulness today shapes a spiritual inheritance for tomorrow. Strength without discernment is wasted, but discernment without courage is idle. Be both wise and bold for Christ, standing firm in truth, serving faithfully in your role, and leaving behind a legacy of faith for those who come after you. Seek to understand your times, proclaim the Gospel with urgency, and let your life demonstrate that true strength flows from wholehearted devotion to God.
Pray: “Lord God, thank You for showing Your faithfulness from generation to generation. Teach me to live with discernment like the men of Issachar, with restored strength like Benjamin, and with faith like the daughters of Zelophehad. Let my life be a testimony of Your redeeming grace, and may those who come after me inherit faith, not failure. Strengthen my heart to proclaim the Gospel boldly, for one soul is worth more than all the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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