Definition: The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren [were] strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 26:7. It’s a really interesting passage about how God chose people to be leaders and protectors of Israel. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that God chose three men – Othni, Rephael, and Obed – who were incredibly strong and capable. They were chosen because they possessed a quality called “strength” – meaning they were good at doing things that require effort and resilience. And among those three, there was also Elihu and Semachiah. Let's unpack it further: “The sons of Shemaiah…” : This refers to a specific family in Israel, likely a prominent one. "Shemaiah" means "the strong one" or "the powerful one." It suggests a lineage with significant influence and leadership potential. “…Othni, and Rephael, and Obed…” : These are the three men who were chosen. They’re called “sons of” – meaning they descended from this family. "...whose brethren [were] strong men..." : This is key! The verse says that these three men had to be strong. It's not just about being good people; it's about having the physical capability to do what’s important – like protecting and leading a community. “Elihu, and Semachiah.” : These are two more individuals who were also chosen. Elihu was a poet, and Semachiah was a military leader. What does this tell us about God's plan? This verse highlights that God doesn’t just choose people based on their character or wisdom. He chooses people with the ability to do things – to be strong and capable of protecting his people. It emphasizes that God values strength and leadership, and he wants to give those who possess it a place of responsibility. In essence, this verse is about God recognizing and valuing individuals who are physically and mentally able to serve and protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like the story of Israel)?