1 Chronicles 7:16
And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.
1 Chronicles 7:16 (KJV)
Context
This verse is part of the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 7. These lists trace the descendants of Israel’s tribes, here the line of Manasseh through Machir. Written after the exile, they helped God’s people remember their heritage and identity. The careful recording of names shows the importance of family lineage and tribal heritage.
Meaning
The verse reports three facts: Maachah bore a son named Peresh, his brother was Sheresh, and Sheresh’s sons were Ulam and Rakem. No further story is given. The purpose is to preserve names and family lines with care, showing that each person mattered to God’s plan. Even without narrative, the names carry value, reminding us that every individual is part of God’s redemptive work.
Biblical connections
This passage connects to 1 Chronicles 7:14-19, which lists Manasseh’s descendants. Together they show the fulfillment of God’s promise to make Israel numerous. Maachah is named as a wife and mother, highlighting the role of women in the lineage even in a patriarchal society. These records establish the historical continuity of God’s people and their identity as the covenant community.
Application
God cares about details that seem ordinary. Family records, names, and heritage are not trivial to Him. Believers can honor their own family history and recognize that every person, even those unnamed in history, holds value in God’s sight. Remembering one’s heritage in the faith is a meaningful act of worship.
Reflection
This verse invites quiet trust. Not every part of Scripture gives commands or dramatic events. Some passages simply record what happened. Yet they remind us that God is present in the everyday, preserving His people through generations and working out His purposes in ways we may not fully see. The inspired record of these names assures us that God is concerned with the details of human history and family lines.
