2026.05.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 Chronicles 7:20–40

Read 1 Chronicles 7:20–40

Questions from the Scripture text: Whose lineage does 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 cover? Upon which descendant, of this large and renowned tribe, does the genealogy focus (1 Chronicles 7:27). What does the genealogy secure for them (1 Chronicles 7:28-29)? Whose lineage do 1 Chronicles 7:30-40 cover? What does the conclusion to the genealogy (1 Chronicles 7:40) emphasize?

What do we learn from the two final genealogies in this section? 1 Chronicles 7:20–40 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord teaches us to prize faithfulness over fame.  

These two, final genealogies cover one large and renowned tribe, and one small and forgettable tribe. But the contrast between them, side by side, teaches us a lesson from each. In Ephraim’s case, they were so numerous, wealthy, and powerful that the entire northern kingdom is often called “Ephraim.” Yet, they do not get a large amount of space like Judah or Levi, and of all that he might have written about them, the Chronicler focuses upon Joshua son of Nun (1 Chronicles 7:27). The implication is that it is better to be a faithful man in the eyes of God than a famous man in the eyes of men. 

As for Asher, though they are small and forgettable in the eyes of men, the Lord did bless them with both capable leadership (1 Chronicles 7:40a) and stout warriors (verse 40b). Again, the Lord teaches us not to despise that which seems small in the eyes of men, because it might well be endowed with blessing from the Lord.

At which do you tend to aim, to be faithful or to be famous? Whose contributions, in the home, or the church, do you tend to forget?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how we often focus on the things that made Ephraim mighty in the eyes of men: their numbers, their wealth, their fame, their power. All of these tempt our hearts. But Your account of them, here, focuses upon the isolated and faithful man, from an unfaithful generation. Forgive us for not valuing faithfulness enough. And, we thank You for what You did in Asher, even though it was not highly esteemed by men. Forgive us for when we despise the day of small things, whether in ourselves or in others. And grant that Your strength would indeed demonstrate itself perfectly in our weakness, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH524 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”