And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons.
Along with them, organized by their family lines and generations, were groups of soldiers ready for war, 36,000 men in total. They had so many fighting men because they had many wives and sons.
This verse is explaining that one of Israel's tribes had 36,000 soldiers available for battle because their families were large with many wives and children.
📚 Historical Context
1 Chronicles is a historical book in the Bible that records the genealogies of Israel's tribes, written after the Babylonian exile to help the returning Jews reconnect with their heritage and identity. In this verse, the tribe of Issachar is highlighted for having 36,000 men prepared for war, due to their large families with many wives and sons, which was a common practice in ancient Israelite society to ensure population growth and military strength. This emphasis on family size reflects the cultural value placed on progeny as a source of national security and divine blessing during times of conflict and settlement.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.