1 Chronicles 7:24
(And his daughter was Sherah, who built Beth–horon the nether, and the upper, and Uzzen–sherah.)
1 Chronicles 7:24 (KJV)
Context
This verse belongs to the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, which trace the families of Israel’s tribes. Chapter 7 lists descendants of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. In the preceding verse, Beriah is named as Ephraim’s son. Here, the text turns to Beriah’s daughter, Sherah. The KJV says “his daughter,” meaning Beriah’s daughter, so Sherah is a descendant of Ephraim, not necessarily his immediate child. She likely lived later, possibly in the time of Joshua, when these cities were rebuilt.
Meaning
Sherah is credited with building three places: Beth-horon the nether (Lower Beth-horon), Beth-horon the upper (Upper Beth-horon), and Uzzen-sherah. These towns lay on the border of Ephraim’s territory, along major trade routes and defensive positions. The name Uzzen-sherah may mean “portion of Sherah,” preserving her legacy. Her inclusion in a genealogy is striking because women rarely appear in such records, and even more so because she directed public building projects. This detail shows that her work was significant enough to be remembered and recorded.
Biblical connections
The cities of Beth-horon are also mentioned in Joshua 16:3 and 16:5 as part of the border of the children of Joseph. After Israel took these cities from the Canaanites, they may have been destroyed, and Sherah rebuilt them. This connection shows her role in settling the land for her tribe. Her work fits the broader biblical pattern of women contributing significantly to God’s people, even when their names are not prominent. The Bible records her achievement, demonstrating that God values the contributions of all people.
Application
Sherah’s example teaches that leadership and initiative are not limited by gender or cultural expectations. Her faithful service in building communities reminds believers that every contribution, whether large or small, can leave a lasting impact. God uses all people to accomplish His purposes and build up His people. Her work also encourages us to recognize and value the often-unseen labor of building and establishing communities for God’s glory.
Reflection
This brief record honors a woman whose work shaped her tribe’s future. It encourages readers to value the often-unseen labor of building and establishing communities for God’s glory. Her legacy, preserved in a city’s name, shows that faithful service is never forgotten by God.
