1 Chronicles 7:21
1 Chronicles 7:21 in Multiple Translations
Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the natives of Gath, because they went down to steal their livestock.
¶ And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.
and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in the land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.
And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath, who had been living in the land from their birth, put to death, because they came down to take away their cattle.
Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the men who were living in Gath when they went there to try and steal their livestock.
And Zabad his sonne, and Shuthelah his sonne, and Ezer, and Elead: and the men of Gath that were borne in the land, slewe them, because they came downe to take away their cattel.
and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead; and slain them have men of Gath who are born in the land, because they came down to take their cattle.
Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to take away their livestock.
And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.
And his son Suthala, and his son Ezer, and Elad: and the men of Geth born in the land slew them, because they came down to invade their possessions.
Tahath’s son was Zabad. Zabad’s son was Shuthelah. Ephraim’s other sons, Ezer and Elead, went to Gath city to steal some cows and sheep. But they were both killed by some of the men from that city.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 7:21
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 7:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/זָבָ֥ד
בְּנ֛/וֹ
וְ/שׁוּתֶ֥לַח
בְּנ֖/וֹ
וְ/עֵ֣זֶר
וְ/אֶלְעָ֑ד
וַ/הֲרָג֗וּ/ם
אַנְשֵׁי
גַת֙
הַ/נּוֹלָדִ֣ים
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
כִּ֣י
יָרְד֔וּ
לָ/קַ֖חַת
אֶת
מִקְנֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/זָבָ֥ד
Zâbâd
H2066
Zabad
Conj | N-proper
בְּנ֛/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וְ/שׁוּתֶ֥לַח
Shûwthelach
H7803
Shuthelah
Conj | N-proper
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עֵ֣זֶר
ʻEzer
H5827
Ezer
Conj | N-proper
וְ/אֶלְעָ֑ד
ʼElʻâd
H496
Elead
Conj | N-proper
וַ/הֲרָג֗וּ/ם
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
גַת֙
Gath
H1661
Gath
N-proper
הַ/נּוֹלָדִ֣ים
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Art | V-Niphal
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָרְד֔וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָ/קַ֖חַת
lâqach
H3947
to take
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִקְנֵי/הֶֽם
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 7:21
וְ/זָבָ֥ד
Zâbâd
H2066
"Zabad"
Conj | N-proper
Zabad was the name of several Israelites, including a descendant of Judah and one of David's mighty warriors. The name Zabad means he endows or gives generously.
Definition: A man of the Ammonites living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.12.22; son of: Shimeath (H8100); also called Zabad at 2Ch.24.26; Another name of yo.za.khar (יוֹזָכָר "Jozacar" H3108) § Zabad = "he endows" 1) a descendant of Judah; son of Nathan, grandson of Attai, great grandson of Ahlai Sheshan's daughter 2) son of Tahath 3) one of David's mighty warriors (could be the same as 1 above) 4) son of Shimeath, an Ammonitess; a conspirator against and, with Jehozabad, the murderer of Joash (also called 'Jozachar') 5) one of the sons of Zattu, who put away his foreign wife at the command of Ezra 6) one of the descendants of Hashum, who, in the time of Ezra, had a foreign wife 7) one of the sons of Nebo, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Zabad. See also: 1 Chronicles 2:36; 2 Chronicles 24:26; Ezra 10:43.
בְּנ֛/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/שׁוּתֶ֥לַח
Shûwthelach
H7803
"Shuthelah"
Conj | N-proper
Shuthelah was the name of two Israelites, one of whom was the son of Zabad and an ancestor of Joshua. The name means noise of breaking. Shuthelah was a member of the tribe of Ephraim.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.21; son of: Zabad (H2066H) § Shuthelah = "noise of breaking" son of Ephraim, ancestor of Joshua, and progenitor of family of Ephraim
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shuthelah. See also: Numbers 26:35; 1 Chronicles 7:20; 1 Chronicles 7:21.
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/עֵ֣זֶר
ʻEzer
H5827
"Ezer"
Conj | N-proper
Ezer is the name of two Israelites, one a son of Ephraim and the other a priest who helped dedicate the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. The name means treasure, indicating someone valued and cherished.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.21; son of: Ephraim (H0669); brother of: Shuthelah (H7803), Becher (H1071H), Tahan (H8465), Elead (H0496) and Beriah (H1283H) § Ezer = "treasure" 1) son of Ephraim who was slain by inhabitants of Gath 2) a priest who helped at the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ezer. Compare H5829 (עֵזֶר). See also: 1 Chronicles 7:21.
וְ/אֶלְעָ֑ד
ʼElʻâd
H496
"Elead"
Conj | N-proper
Elead was an Israelite from the tribe of Ephraim, and his name means God has testified.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.21; son of: Ephraim (H0669); brother of: Shuthelah (H7803), Becher (H1071H), Tahan (H8465), Ezer (H5827) and Beriah (H1283H) § Elead = "God has testified" a descendant of Ephraim
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Elead. See also: 1 Chronicles 7:21.
וַ/הֲרָג֗וּ/ם
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
גַת֙
Gath
H1661
"Gath"
N-proper
Gath was a major city of the Philistines, the same people who lived in Goliath's hometown, and its name means winepress in Hebrew.
Definition: § Gath = "winepress" one of the five royal or chief cities of the Philistines and the native city of Goliath
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Gath. See also: Joshua 11:22; 2 Samuel 21:20; Psalms 56:1.
הַ/נּוֹלָדִ֣ים
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Art | V-Niphal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָרְד֔וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
לָ/קַ֖חַת
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִקְנֵי/הֶֽם
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 7:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Chronicles 7:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 7:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 7:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 7:21
Context — The Descendants of Ephraim
19And these were the sons of Shemida: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.
20The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,
21Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the natives of Gath, because they went down to steal their livestock.
22Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. 23And again he slept with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. So he named him Beriah, because tragedy had come upon his house.1 Chronicles 7:21 Summary
This verse tells us about two men, Ezer and Elead, who were killed by the natives of Gath because they tried to steal their livestock. This event serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, and that we should trust in God's provision rather than trying to take things that don't belong to us. We can learn from their mistake by prioritizing honesty and integrity in our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 and 11:3, and by seeking to respect the property and boundaries of others, as taught in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19. By doing so, we can avoid the kind of tragedy that befell Ezer and Elead, and instead live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ezer and Elead go down to steal livestock from the natives of Gath?
The Bible does not provide a clear motivation, but it can be inferred that they were driven by a desire for wealth or resources, similar to the actions of Esau in Genesis 25:29-34, who prioritized immediate gratification over long-term blessings.
What is the significance of the natives of Gath killing Ezer and Elead?
This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where it is written that we will reap what we sow, and also highlights the importance of respecting the property and boundaries of others, as taught in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19.
How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of 1 Chronicles?
This verse provides a glimpse into the personal struggles and tragedies faced by the family of Ephraim, which is part of the larger narrative of the Chronicler's focus on the history of the people of Israel, as seen in 1 Chronicles 1:1-9:44, and sets the stage for the subsequent events in the chapter, including the birth of Beriah in 1 Chronicles 7:23.
What can we learn from the actions of Ezer and Elead in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19, and avoiding the temptation to take matters into our own hands, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6, and instead seeking to live a life of integrity and honesty, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 and 11:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be tempted to 'steal' from others, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and how can I guard against these temptations?
- How can I apply the principle of respecting the property and boundaries of others in my daily life, and what are some practical steps I can take to prioritize honesty and integrity?
- In what ways can I trust in God's provision and timing, rather than trying to take matters into my own hands, and what are some Bible verses that encourage me to do so, such as Psalm 37:3-7 and Isaiah 40:31?
- What can I learn from the example of Ephraim's family in this verse, and how can I apply these lessons to my own family and relationships, particularly in terms of seeking comfort and support in times of tragedy, as seen in 1 Chronicles 7:22?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 7:21
And Zabad his son,.... Not the son of Tahath the second last mentioned, but the son of Ephraim, a second son of his: and Shuthelah; his son, the son of Zabad, called after his uncle's name, 1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 7:21
And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
This history is not recorded elsewhere in Scripture, but it is in the ancient Hebrew writers, though mixed with many fables. The Philistines (one of whose cities this Gath was) and the Egyptians were next neighbours; and in those ancient times it was usual for such to make inroads one into another’ s country, and to carry thence what prey they could take, as we find both in Scripture and in profane writers. And as the Philistines had probably made such inroads formerly into Egypt, and particularly into the land of Goshen, which was the utmost part of Egypt bordering upon the Philistines’ land; so the Israelites might requite them in the like kind: and particularly the children of Ephraim, either presuming upon their numbers and strength, or having possibly received the greatest injury from the Philistines in their last invasion, might make an attempt upon the Philistines to their own great loss, as is here related. And this seems to have happened a little before the Egyptian persecution, and before the reign of that new king mentioned . The Philistines are here called the men of Gath, either because they were subject to the king of Gath, as afterwards that people were, or because they lived about Gath. And this clause, that were born in that land, may be added emphatically, as the motive which made them more resolute and furious in their fight with the Ephraimites, because they fought in and for their own land, wherein all their wealth and concerns lay, and against those that unjustly endeavoured to turn them out of their native country.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
1 Chronicles 7:21 And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath [that were] born in [that] land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle. Ver. 21. Whom the men of Gath … slew.] And no marvel; because, belike, being weary of the Egyptian servitude, and remembering that Palestina was promised to their forefathers for an inheritance, they would needs take possession thereof before the time, which rash adventure of these sons of Ephraim cost them their lives, and perhaps occasioned that cruel decree of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, against the Israelites. See to this purpose, Psalms 78:9. This happened about the birth of Aaron. It is not safe to break God’ s prison.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
THE TRIBE OF EPHRAIM (1 Chronicles 7:20-29). Shuthelah (Numbers 26, 35) was head of the first of the four Ephraimitic clans (mishpehôth). The names of six successive chieftains of his line appear to be given in 1 Chronicles 7:20-21, ending with his namesake Shuthelah. It is likely, however, that these names really represent clans, as in other similar cases. (Comp. Numbers 26:29-33.) “Bered” (Genesis 16:14) is a local name, a place in the desert of Shûr. But Bered may be a mistake for Becher. So “Tahath” (Numbers 33:26) was a desert station of Israel. But Tahath may well be a corruption of Tahan, son of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:25, and Numbers 26:35). (21) Ezer and Elead.—Apparently these names are coordinated with the Shuthelah of 1 Chronicles 7:20, as sons of Ephraim.
Elead is a masculine form of Eleadah. Whom the men of Gath. . . .—Literally, and the men of Gath who were born in the land slew them; for they had come down to take their cattle.Born in the land—That is, aborigines of Canaan as contrasted with the Ephraimites, who were foreign invaders. Others think the real aborigines of Philistia, the Avim of Deu 2:23, are meant. In 1 Chronicles 7:21-22 we have a brief memorial of an ancient raid of two Ephraimite clans upon the territory of Gath, for the purpose of lifting cattle, much as the Highland freebooters used to drive off the herds of their Lowland neighbours. They came down.—The reference of the pronoun is not quite clear. Conceivably the Gittites were the aggressors. The expression “carne down” is often used of going from Canaan to Egypt, but not vice versa. It can hardly, therefore, apply to an invasion of Gath by Ephraimites from Egypt. And the phrase “born in the land” excludes an expedition of Gittites to Goshen. It seems, then, that the descent was made upon Philistia from the hill country of Ephraim, in the early days of the settlement of the tribe in Canaan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:21
Verse 21. Whom the men of Gath - slew] We know nothing of this circumstance but what is related here. The Targum paraphrases the whole thus: "These were the leaders of the house of Ephraim; and they computed their period [or boundary, כיצא kitsa] from the time in which the Word of the Lord of the universe spake with Abraham between the divisions, [i.e., the separated parts of the covenant sacrifice; see Genesis 15:9-21,] but they erred, for they should have counted from the time in which Isaac was born; they went out of Egypt therefore thirty years before the period: for, thirty years before the birth of Isaac the Word of the Lord of the universe spake with Abraham between the divisions. And when they went out of Egypt, there were with them two hundred thousand warriors of the tribe of Ephraim, whom the men of Gath, the natives of the land of the Philistines, slew, because they came down that they might carry away their cattle. 22. - And Ephraim their father mourned for them many days, and all his brethren came to comfort him. 23. - And he went in to his wife, and she conceived and bare a son, and called his name Beriah, (בריעה in evil,) because he was born in the time in which this evil happened to his house."
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 7:21
21. they came down] This phrase suits a descent from the hills of Ephraim, but not an invasion from Goshen. It therefore occurred probably after Israel was settled in Canaan, i.e. long after Ephraim was dead, and the conduct ascribed to Ephraim in 1 Chronicles 7:22-23 must be understood of the tribe personified in its ancestor. The clan Beriah became prominent after disaster had befallen the clans Ezer and Elead.