Book of 1 Chronicles - Chapter 4 - Verse 27

Shimei, a descendant of Gershon, is mentioned in the Bible as having sixteen sons and six daughters, which was considered a large family in ancient times. This verse contrasts Shimei's abundant offspring with his brethren, who did not have many children and whose family did not multiply like that of the children of Judah. The mention of Judah in this context serves to highlight the importance of lineage and fertility as signs of God's blessing. In the biblical narrative, the number of children a man had was often seen as a reflection of his prosperity and favor with God. Shimei's fruitful progeny stands out as evidence of his blessing from the Lord, whereas his brethren's limited offspring implies a lack of divine favor. This verse underscores the significance of fertility in the ancient world and the belief that a large family was a symbol of God's provision and abundance.

When examining the verse which discusses the offspring of Shimei and his brethren, we can see a theological interpretation that highlights the theme of blessings and multiplication. The fact that Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters emphasizes the idea of fertility and prosperity within his family. This contrasts with his brethren, who did not have many children and did not experience the same level of increase in their family line. The mention of the children of Judah, who were known for their numerous offspring, serves as a point of comparison to underscore the significance of lineage and posterity in the biblical context. This verse can be seen as a reflection of the divine favor bestowed upon certain individuals to multiply and prosper, while also illustrating the variability in blessings among different families. Through a closer examination of the genealogical details in this passage, we gain insights into the themes of abundance, inheritance, and divine providence within the biblical narrative.