What Does 1 Chronicles 7:40 Mean?

(40) The summing up of the list. “All these were sons of Asher, picked chiefs of the father-houses, valiant warriors, chiefs of the princes.” This declares that the names in the foregoing series are those of the chiefs of the different Asherite clans. They are called “choice,” picked men, *eximii,* and chiefs of the princes or emirs. The clans appear to be identified with their chieftains. **And the number throughout the genealogy.**—Better, *and their census, in the host, in the battle*—*their number in men was* 26,000.” Perhaps we should render *in the case of service in war.* The census here given has reference only to the number of males qualified for military service. In the Mosaic census (Numbers 1:41) the total of males of the tribe of Asher was 41,500; and a generation later, the fighting men were 53,000 (Numbers 26:47). The date of the present census is not assigned. If it be that of David, which appears likely, the tribe may have declined in numbers and importance by his day. (Comp. Judges 5:17. “Asher continued at the sea-shore, and abode on his creeks;” *i.e.,* did not bestir himself for the war). Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub