Day 154-11

X The Chronology of the Twelve Tribes ~ cont.
C. Tribe of Levi (Gen 46:11) ~ cont.
2. Descendants of Kohath ~ cont.
c. From Aaron on - 1 Chronicles 6:3-15; 6:50-52; Ezra 7:1-5
3. Descendants of Merari
a. Children - Exodus 6:19; Numbers 3:20; 1 Chronicles 6:19, 29; 23:21-23
4. Ancestors of Songmasters - 1 Chronicles 6:31-48
D. Other tribes
1. Tribe of Reuben (Gen 46:8-9) - Exodus 6:14; 1 Chronicles 5:1-9
2. Tribe of Gad (Gen 46:16) - 1 Chronicles 5:11-17
3. Tribe of Manasseh East - 1 Chronicles 5:23-24
West - 1 Chronicles 7:14-19
4. Tribe of Simeon (Gen 46:10) - Exodus 6:15; 1 Chronicles 4:24-38
5. Tribe of Issachar (Gen 46:13) - 1 Chronicles 7:1-5
6. Tribe of Naphtali (Gen 46:24) - 1 Chronicles 7:13
7. Tribe of Ephraim - 1 Chronicles 7:20-29
8. Tribe of Asher (Gen 46:17) - 1 Chronicles 7:30-40
9. Tribe of Benjamin (Gen 46:21) - 1 Chronicles 7:6-12; 8:1-28
E. Summary - 1 Chronicles 9:1

Judah - Genesis 46:12 - And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

Levi - Genesis 46:11 - And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Reuben - Genesis 46:8-9 - And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

Gad - Genesis 46:16 - And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

Manasseh

Simeon - Genesis 46:10 - And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.

Issachar - Genesis 46:13 - And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

Naphtali - Genesis 46:24 - And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.

Ephraim

Asher - Genesis 46:17 - And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.

Benjamin - Genesis 46:21 - And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

Okay...there are only 11 tribes listed.  I realize that Joseph split between Manasseh and Ephraim.  I had to go back over the list numerous times to find the one that is missing:  Zebulun.  You would think by now I could rattle off all the tribes...but no...I have to read and re-read and highlight to find the one that is missing.  So sad.  :-(  So what happened to him?

Genesis 46:14 - And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.

His posterity is mentioned in 1 Chronicles (the main vein of verses referenced in this section).

Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.  (1 Chronicles 12:33)

Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:   (1 Chronicles 27:19)

I find that incredibly odd that Zebulun is left out of the listings in 1 Chronicles 5, 6 and 7.  Very peculiar.  Sidetracked from the couple of other verses which caught my attention.

1Ch 6:28  And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.  (1 Samuel 8:1-3)

So which is it?  Joel or Vashni?

Joel - H3100 - From H3068 and H410; Jehovah (is his) God; Joel, the name of twelve Israelites.

• H3068 - From H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.
• H1961 - A primitive root (compare H1933); to exist, that is, be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary).
• H410 - Shortened from H352; strength; as adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity).
• H352 - From the same as H193; properly strength; hence anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree.

Vashni - H2059 - Probably from H3461; weak; Vashni, an Israelite.

• H3461 - From H8104; preservative; Jishmerai, an Israelite.
• H8104 - A primitive root; properly to hedge about (as with thorns), that is, guard; generally to protect, attend to, etc.

Well, the commentaries allude to either a copyist error or that both Joel and Vashni or the same, but a transliteration.  Same thing when I google, either way both of Samuel's sons were not considered worthy to be judges in Israel.

And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:  (1 Chronicles 5:8)

Joel the prophet?


The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.  (Joel 1:1)

Would not appear to be so...commentaries did not help.  Google is not assisting either.  :-(  Hmmm...will have to shelve this question, for now.


And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah.  (1 Chronicles 4:27)

Shimei, the one who cursed David?  Apparently not:


And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.  (2 Samuel 16:5)

Since Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin, and this particular listing is under Simeon.

Day 153-11

X The Chronology of the Twelve Tribes
A. Summary of tribes - Genesis 35:23-26; 1 Chronicles 2:1-2
B. Tribe of Judah (Genesis 46:12)
1. General genealogy
a. Judah and his lineage - 1 Chronicles 4:1-23
b. Hezron to David - Ruth 4:19-22
c. Hezron to David's nephews - 1 Chronicles 2:9-17
d.  Hezron to Elishama - 1 Chronicles 2:21-41
2. Descendants of various Calebs
a. Son of Hezron, brother of Jerahmeel - 1 Chronicles 2:18-20; 1 Chronicles 2:42-55
b. Son of Jephunneh - 1 Chronicles 4:15
C. Tribe of Levi (Gen 46:11)
1. Descendants of Gershon
a. Children - Exodus 6:17; Numbers 3:18; 1 Chronicles 6:17
b. Lineage - 1 Chronicles 6:20-21; 1 Chronicles 23:7-11
2. Descendants of Kohath
a. Children - Exodus 6:18; Numbers 3:19; 1 Chronicles 6:2, 18; 23:12
b. Lineage - Exodus 6:21-22, 24; 1 Chronicles 6:22-28; 23:18-19, 20

Jesse's sons named:  Eliab ~ Abinadab ~ Shimma ~ Nethaneel ~ Raddai ~ Ozem ~ David.

Wait...that is only 7 sons.  In 1 Samuel 16:6-12 it states:

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.  (1 Samuel 16:6-12)

So...one missing from the 1 Chronicles list?  Browsing online...How Many Sons Did Jesse (Father of King David) Have - this one was interesting as well, Jesse's Missing Son.

Interesting articles, thought provoking about why the additional son may not have been included in the name listing.  Made me think of this verse:

Php 4:3  And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. 

Several references to the Book of Life in Revelation, sharing:

Rev 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 

Beloved, do you know whether or not your name is written in the Lamb's book of life?

Rev 21:27  And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Day 152-11

IX - The Reign of Solomon - 985-945 B.C. ~ cont.

C. Solomon's fame and downfall (17 years) ~ cont.

6. The unhappy condition of a backslider ~ cont.

c. A review of all things under the sun ~ cont.

(6) World's wrong standards of value - Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

(7) Anarchy of the world - Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

d. An optimistic conclusion - Ecclesiastes 11:1-10; 12:1-14

Ecc 10:19  A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. 

Money answereth all things?  Say what?

money - H3701 - From H3700; silver (from its pale color); by implication money: - money.

• H3700 - A primitive root; properly to become pale, that is, (by implication) to pine after; also to fear.

Hmmm...checking commentaries.  Gill:

but money answereth all things; is in the room of all things, and by it men obtain everything they want and wish for; it answers the requests of all, and supplies them with what they stand in need of, or can desire: particularly such expensive feasts, and sumptuous entertainments, are made by means of money; and, in this luxurious way, the coffers of princes are drained, and they are obliged to raise new levies, and impose new taxes upon their subjects, to the oppression of them. Or else the sense may be, that princes should consider, and not be so profuse in their manner of living, but be more frugal and careful of the public money, and lay it up against a time of need; since it is that that answers all things, is the sinew of war when that arises, and will procure men and arms, to secure and protect them from their enemies, and obtain peace and safety for them and their subjects, which otherwise they cannot expect. 

Heh, most of the *public* servants of today should take the admonition to heart of being more frugal with PUBLIC MONEY.

Ecc 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

Gill:

If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth,.... They do not retain it; sad would it be for the earth if they did; but they let it down softly and gently, in plentiful showers upon each of the parts of the earth without distinction, by which it is refreshed, and made fruitful; nor are they losers by it, for they draw up great quantities again out of the ocean, and so constantly answer the ends for which they are appointed. And so rich men, who are full of the good things of this world, should not keep them to themselves, and for their own use only; but should consider they are stewards under God, and for others, and should be like the full clouds, empty themselves; and give to those who want of what God has given them, freely and cheerfully, bountifully and plentifully, and that without respect of persons, imitating their God and Creator, who sendeth rain upon the just and the unjust, Mat_5:45; and such in the issue are no losers, but gainers; they fill again as fast as they empty; 


and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be; where the seed falls, and it grows up into a plant, and to a tree, there it continues, whether to the north or to the south; and so accordingly brings forth fruit, and such as it is men partake of it; to which purpose Jarchi, and who applies it to the disciple of a wise man, who is profitable in the place where he is, not only in life, but after death: or where the fruit of a tree fall, "there they are", so Aben Ezra reads the last clause in the plural number; that is, there are persons enough to gather the fruit; and so where a rich man is, there are poor enough about him to partake of his bounty: or as when a tree is cut down, let it fall where it will, there it abides, and is no more fruitful; so when a man is cut off by death, as he was then, so he remains; if a gracious and good man, and has done good, he is like a tree that falls to the south, he enters into the paradise of God, the joys of heaven; and if not a good man, and has not done good, he is like a tree that falls to the north, he goes into a state of darkness, misery, and distress; see Rev_22:11; or however, be this as it will, he is no more useful in this world; and therefore it becomes men to do all the good they can in health and life, for there is none to be done in the grave where they are going: or else the sense is, that as when a tree falls, whether it be to the south or to the north, it matters not to the owner, there it lies, and is of the same advantage to him; so an act of beneficence, let it be done to what object soever, a worthy or an unworthy one, yet being done with a view to the glory of God and the good of men, it shall not lose its reward: and so this is an answer to the objection of some against giving, because they do not know whether the object proposed is deserving: though some think the same thing is intended by these metaphorical expressions, as is suggested in the latter part of Ecc_11:2, that evils or calamities may come upon men like heavy showers of rain, which wash away things; or like storms and tempests of rain, thunder and lightning, which break down trees, and cause them to fall to the north or to the south; and thus in like manner by one judgment or another men may be stripped of all their substance, and therefore it is right to make use of it while they have it.

Worthwhile admonition.  Our pastor recently, in his sermon series on the 10 words (10 Commandments), was exploring the 10th word: coveting.  It was an encouraging message, causing me to acknowledge that God sufficiently provides all that I need.  Additionally, if I have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a place to lay my head, anything above and beyond that is abundance.  Very thought provoking for me.  Many would say that in America there are a lot of *poor* people, but in reality, there is quite an abundance even in the *poorest* of homes.  Yet, out of my abundance, how readily do I share what I have been blessed with by Him?

Ecc 11:5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 

Heh...went searching for information on bone growth in the womb.  Here are my gleanings:

Answers in Genesis - Bones, God's Living Girders.  This was a thought provoking sentence from the article.  "Bone itself is a remarkably strong material. It is as strong as cast iron and resists bending as well as steel, though bone is only one-third of steel’s weight."

Semi-browsed through this article, How Bones Work.

There was a recent wave of news interest over a baby who is being raised as gender-less so as to "allow" the child to make the determination.  While browsing about bones, I found this article, How Unborn Babies Grow and thought this comment on conception spot on, "The embryo is already genetically male or female, and a completely unique individual."

A chilling reminder of how we *try* to leave God out of the equation.  {Shakes head in sadness over lost, depraved state of mankind and its propensity to reject even the basics of human life.}

Back on track...though we may *know* how bones grow (to a degree), we do not have full knowledge of the works of God.  He is unlimited and even eternity will not be sufficient to learn and know all about Him.

Ecc 12:12  And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Browsed Gill on the making of books and study is weariness to the flesh, quite convicting as I sit here typing a blog!

of making many books there is no end; many books, it seems, were written in Solomon's time; there was the same itch of writing as now, it may be; but what was written was not to be mentioned with the sacred writings, were comparatively useless and worthless. Or the sense is, should Solomon, or any other, write ever so many volumes, it would be quite needless; and there would be no end of writing, for these would not give satisfaction and contentment; and which yet was to be had in the word of God; and therefore that should be closely attended to: though this may be understood, not only of making or composing books, but of getting them, as Aben Ezra; of purchasing them, and so making them a man's own. A man may lay out his money, and fill his library with books, and be very little the better for them; what one writer affirms, another denies; what one seems to have proved clearly, another rises up and points out his errors and mistakes; and this occasions replies and rejoinders, so that there is no end of these things, and scarce any profit by them; which, without so much trouble, may be found in the writings of wise men, inspired by God, and in which we should rest contented; 


and much study is a weariness of the flesh; the study of languages, and of each of the arts and sciences, and of various subjects in philosophy and divinity, particularly in writing books on any of these subjects; which study is as fatiguing to the body, and brings as much weariness on it, as any manual and mechanic operation; it dries up the moisture of the body, consumes the spirits, and gradually and insensibly impairs health, and brings on weakness, as well as weariness. Some render it, "much reading", as Jarchi, and so Mr. Broughton; and Aben Ezra observes, that the word in the Arabic language so signifies: the Arabic word "lahag" signifies to desire anything greedily, or to be greedily given and addicted to anything (m); and so may denote such kind of reading here, or such a person who is "helluo", a glutton at books, as Cato is said to be. And now reading books with such eagerness, and with constancy, is very wearisome, and is to little advantage; whereas reading the Scripture cheers and refreshes the mind, and is profitable and edifying. Gussetius (n) interprets it of much speaking, long orations, which make weary.

Ecc 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

That about says it all...and yet, do I?  Not perfectly, nor will I this side of glory, but is my heart's desire to please Him?  To draw closer and more intimate.  To give a proper estimation of Him in all areas of my life?  Do I radiate HIM in every area?  Permeating a fragrance of godliness to all with whom I come into contact?