Understanding 1 Chronicles 8:2

Verse: 1 Chronicles 8:2 - "The sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Ibsam, and Samuel, heads of their father's house, to wit, of Tola; they were valiant men of might in their generations; whose numbers were in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred."

Verse Meaning Summary

This verse highlights the lineage of the tribe of Ephraim through the family of Tola, emphasizing their military strength and significant role during the reign of David. It connects genealogical details with the broader biblical narrative about Israel’s history and its leaders.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Matthew Henry notes that the mention of Tola's sons serves not merely to trace genealogy but to illustrate the providence of God in preserving a remnant of His people. The description of them as "valiant men of might" indicates their courage and capability, essential traits for leaders in times of conflict.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes points out the significance of Tola as a leader and the acknowledgment of his descendants’ bravery. He suggests that the context, presenting these men during David’s reign, highlights the transition of Israel from tribal factions to a unified monarchy, marking a pivotal development in Israelite history.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke adds that the family of Tola had a particular reputation, with their numbers indicating a considerable contribution to the Israelite population and military. He emphasizes the idea that strength in numbers, combined with valor, reflects God’s favor upon them.

Inter-Biblical Dialogues

1 Chronicles 8:2 engages in a form of inter-biblical dialogue, linking this genealogical record to larger themes present throughout the Scriptures:

• Connections to Other Verses:
  • Judges 10:1-2 – Discusses Tola's leadership and his role in saving Israel from oppressors.
  • 1 Samuel 25:30 – The mention of valiant men in the context of leadership and support highlights the attributes shared with Tola's lineage.
  • 2 Samuel 23:8 – Speaks of David’s mighty men, paralleling the valorous depiction of Tola’s descendants.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:1-2 – Additional genealogical details about the family of Tola further enriches our understanding of this clan.
  • Genesis 46:21 – Cross-references with the lineage of Israel’s tribes, establishing broader connections within Scripture.
  • Exodus 6:24 – Details about the descendants of Levi and their roles; the emphasis on family legacies is a continuing theme.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:20 – Reinforces the idea of numbers in military contexts relating to loyalty and valor.
• Thematic Connections:

  The genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 8:2 contributes to themes of legacy, leadership, and divine providence, central to the Old Testament narrative. It encourages readers to explore connections between warriors of faith and their descendants across different biblical eras.

Practical Applications

Understanding this passage provides a historical context for contemporary readers and can inspire discussions on:

• Exploring the importance of heritage and family in spiritual journeys.
• The role of leadership in faith communities today, reflecting on attributes such as bravery and commitment.
• Engaging in cross-referencing Bible studies that highlight the interconnectedness of biblical texts.

Conclusion

1 Chronicles 8:2 serves not only as a genealogical record but as a testament to the strength and significance of Tola and his family within the broader narrative of Israel. As readers seek to understand the connections between Bible verses, this passage exemplifies the importance of examining and linking Scriptures to uncover deeper meanings. Engaging in comparative Bible verse analysis through cross-referencing enriches one’s study of the Word.

Keywords for Further Study

For anyone searching for deeper insights, the following keywords are useful:

• Bible verse cross-references
• Connections between Bible verses
• Comparative Bible verse analysis
• Bible verses that relate to each other
• Cross-referencing Biblical texts
• Bible reference resources