1 Chronicles 7:18

And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah.

1 Chronicles 7:18 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, which trace the families of Israel’s twelve tribes. Here the list follows the descendants of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. Hammoleketh appears as the sister of a man named earlier in the line, and she bears three sons: Ishod, Abiezer, and Mahalah. The Bible gives no further details about her life, showing that these records focus on lineage and inheritance rather than personal biography.

Meaning

The name Hammoleketh may mean “queen” or “she that reigns,” though this is uncertain. Her inclusion is notable because women rarely appear in such lists. The names of her sons also appear elsewhere in Scripture, which can cause confusion. For example, Abiezer is linked to the family of Jeezer in Numbers 26:30, and Mahalah is named as a daughter of Zelophehad in Numbers 26:33, but those are different people. The name Ishod is not found anywhere else in the King James Version.

Biblical connections

Some ancient readings of this verse name the sister as the mother of Phinehas, who later became a notable priest, but the Hebrew text here does not support that identification. The recurring names remind readers that the same name can belong to different families and tribes, so careful attention to context is essential.

Application

These genealogies affirm that God remembers each family and fulfills His promises through generations. Even when records are brief or unclear, every person listed has a place in His plan. Believers can trust that their own lives, though not recorded in Scripture, are known and valued by God.

Reflection

How does knowing that God keeps faithful records of His people encourage you to live faithfully today?