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THE GROWTH AND CHARACTER OF SIX MORE TRIBES OF ISRAEL.

1 Chronicles 7:1-40

Q.1. Which tribes were mentioned in this chapter? What distinguished the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin and Asher? – (1 Chr.7:1-11, 30-40)

The Chronicler continued to name the descendants of the tribes of Issachar (1 Chr.7:1), Benjamin (1 Chr.7:6), Naphtali (1 Chr.7:13), Manasseh (1 Chr.7:14), Ephraim (1 Chr.7:20), and Asher (1 Chr.7:30).  What he recorded about these tribes was their competence and valour in battle – mighty men of valour (1 Chr.7:2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 40). More important than the size of any army, is its willingness and courage in battle. That is also true of the church. It is not about the numbers attending church but whether or not the people are effective in spiritual warfare (2 Cor.10:3-5).

Q.2. What event in Ephraim’s life caused him much grief? How did he mark this sorrow? How did his daughter distinguish herself – (1 Chr.7:20-24)

When the tribe of Ephraim tried to take possession of its allotted inheritance in the Promised Land, this started disastrously. Ephraim’s sons were killed by Philistines from Gath (Goliath hailed from Gath). This broke his heart (1 Chr.7:20-22). However, Ephraim’s relatives from the other tribes comforted him. Though he had many sons and daughters, he named the first-born following this tragedy by the name – Beriah because misfortune had come upon his house (1 Chr.7:7:23). It is good to learn from tragedy, but not wise to be defined by it. His daughter Sheerah was outstanding. She – built lower and upper Beth-horon, also Uzzen-sheerah (1 Chr.7:24). We should be looking to see how we can use our difficult times to bring glory to God. This will encourage our families and others around us to also see how great our God is.