This verse, 1 Chronicles 7:4, describes a group of people belonging to the tribe of Issachar, known for their military prowess. Let's break down the meaning:
"With them, by their generations, after their fathers’ houses...": This emphasizes the lineage and family structure. The men are organized and counted according to their family lines and ancestral homes. This highlights the importance of kinship and family tradition within the tribe.
"...were bands of the army for war, thirty-six thousand...": This is the core of the verse. It states that 36,000 men from these families were organized into military units or "bands" prepared for war. This indicates the tribe of Issachar had a significant and well-organized fighting force.
"...for they had many wives and sons.": This explains the large number of warriors. Polygamy (having multiple wives) was practiced, and the resulting large families contributed to a substantial population of fighting-age men. The phrase connects their military strength to their reproductive capacity, suggesting a culture that valued both family size and military strength. It implies that a large family was seen as a benefit, capable of providing more soldiers to the army.
In summary, the verse is saying that within the tribe of Issachar, as organized by their families and lineage, there were 36,000 men organized into military units, and their large numbers were due, in part, to the fact that they had many wives and sons.
The verse serves to highlight the tribe's strength and preparedness for war, while also providing insight into their social and familial structure. It's a snapshot of a specific group within ancient Israelite society, emphasizing their military capabilities and linking it to their familial practices.
This verse, 1 Chronicles 7:4, describes a group of people belonging to the tribe of Issachar, known for their military prowess. Let's break down the meaning:
"With them, by their generations, after their fathers’ houses...": This emphasizes the lineage and family structure. The men are organized and counted according to their family lines and ancestral homes. This highlights the importance of kinship and family tradition within the tribe.
"...were bands of the army for war, thirty-six thousand...": This is the core of the verse. It states that 36,000 men from these families were organized into military units or "bands" prepared for war. This indicates the tribe of Issachar had a significant and well-organized fighting force.
"...for they had many wives and sons.": This explains the large number of warriors. Polygamy (having multiple wives) was practiced, and the resulting large families contributed to a substantial population of fighting-age men. The phrase connects their military strength to their reproductive capacity, suggesting a culture that valued both family size and military strength. It implies that a large family was seen as a benefit, capable of providing more soldiers to the army.
In summary, the verse is saying that within the tribe of Issachar, as organized by their families and lineage, there were 36,000 men organized into military units, and their large numbers were due, in part, to the fact that they had many wives and sons.
The verse serves to highlight the tribe's strength and preparedness for war, while also providing insight into their social and familial structure. It's a snapshot of a specific group within ancient Israelite society, emphasizing their military capabilities and linking it to their familial practices.