This verse, 1 Chronicles 7:22, is part of a genealogy in the book of Chronicles. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:
Genealogy: The book of Chronicles is concerned with establishing the lineage and history of the people of Israel, particularly focusing on the tribes and their relationships. Chapter 7 specifically deals with the genealogies of various tribes, including Ephraim.
Ephraim's Loss: In the preceding verses (7:20-21), we learn that sons of Ephraim were killed while attempting to raid the people of Gath to steal livestock. This was a significant tragedy for Ephraim, the patriarch of the tribe.
Therefore, verse 22 means:
Ephraim their father: Refers to the patriarch Ephraim, ancestor of the tribe.
Mourned many days: Ephraim grieved deeply and for a long time over the loss of his sons. This emphasizes the depth of his sorrow.
His brothers came to comfort him: This highlights the importance of family and community support in times of grief. Ephraim's brothers (presumably other sons of Joseph, like Manasseh) came to offer him solace and support during his period of mourning.
In essence, the verse tells us that Ephraim, the ancestor of the tribe of Ephraim, experienced a great loss with the death of his sons and that his surviving brothers came to comfort him in his grief.
Significance:
Humanizes the Patriarch: The verse shows that even these important figures in Israelite history experienced personal tragedies and emotions.
Emphasizes Family Bonds: The act of the brothers coming to comfort Ephraim underscores the importance of kinship and mutual support within the Israelite tribes.
Sets the Stage: The tragedy likely had some impact on the subsequent history and development of the tribe of Ephraim.
It's important to remember that while this is a relatively short verse, it's embedded within a larger genealogical text and its significance lies in its contribution to the overall narrative of the Israelite tribes and their origins.
This verse, 1 Chronicles 7:22, is part of a genealogy in the book of Chronicles. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:
Genealogy: The book of Chronicles is concerned with establishing the lineage and history of the people of Israel, particularly focusing on the tribes and their relationships. Chapter 7 specifically deals with the genealogies of various tribes, including Ephraim.
Ephraim's Loss: In the preceding verses (7:20-21), we learn that sons of Ephraim were killed while attempting to raid the people of Gath to steal livestock. This was a significant tragedy for Ephraim, the patriarch of the tribe.
Therefore, verse 22 means:
Ephraim their father: Refers to the patriarch Ephraim, ancestor of the tribe.
Mourned many days: Ephraim grieved deeply and for a long time over the loss of his sons. This emphasizes the depth of his sorrow.
His brothers came to comfort him: This highlights the importance of family and community support in times of grief. Ephraim's brothers (presumably other sons of Joseph, like Manasseh) came to offer him solace and support during his period of mourning.
In essence, the verse tells us that Ephraim, the ancestor of the tribe of Ephraim, experienced a great loss with the death of his sons and that his surviving brothers came to comfort him in his grief.
Significance:
Humanizes the Patriarch: The verse shows that even these important figures in Israelite history experienced personal tragedies and emotions.
Emphasizes Family Bonds: The act of the brothers coming to comfort Ephraim underscores the importance of kinship and mutual support within the Israelite tribes.
Sets the Stage: The tragedy likely had some impact on the subsequent history and development of the tribe of Ephraim.
It's important to remember that while this is a relatively short verse, it's embedded within a larger genealogical text and its significance lies in its contribution to the overall narrative of the Israelite tribes and their origins.