King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 7:17 Mean?
“And the sons of Ulam; Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.”
Context
15
And Machir took to wife the sister of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maachah;) and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.
16
And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.
17
And the sons of Ulam; Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
18
And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah.
19
And the sons of Shemida were, Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **Bedan** (*i.e., ben Dan* “the Danite” in 1Samuel 12:11 is a judge between Jerubbaal and Jephthah. Here a clan is meant, not a person.
**These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.**—These words appear to refer to a series of names which has dropped out of the text, but which may be inferred from Numbers 26:30-32 to have included Abiezer (of which Jeezer is a contraction) and Shemidah. (See the genealogy, 1Chronicles 7:14, Note.) 1Chronicles 7:17 *b* and 1Chronicles 7:18 may thus have read, “These were the sons of Gilead, &c. Abiezer . . . Shemidah. (Now his sister Hammoleketh had borne Ish-hôd and Abiezer and Mahalah.) And the sons of Shemidah were,” &c. (1Chronicles 7:19).
**Hammoleketh**—or, *the queen,* as the Vulg. renders it, may be conceived of here as a half-sister and consort of Gilead.
**Ishod** = *Man of majesty.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Chronicles 7:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Chronicles 7:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge