Who was Rezia?

Rezia is a little-known biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Asher in 1 Chronicles 7:30. Though only referenced once in Scripture, his inclusion in the sacred genealogical record highlights the significance of lineage and tribal identity in Israel‘s covenant community. The name Rezia (Hebrew: רְצִיָּה, Retziyah) is possibly derived from the Hebrew root ratzah, meaning “delight,” “favor,” or “pleasure.” Thus, his name may be understood to mean “pleasure of Yahweh” or “accepted of the Lord.”

Biblical Reference

• 1 Chronicles 7:30 – “The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. Their sister was Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malkiel, who was the father of Birzaith. Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer and Hotham and their sister Shua. The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s sons. The sons of Shomer: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah and Aram. The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh and Amal. The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran and Rezia.” (emphasis added)

Rezia is listed as a descendant of Asher through Zophah. While Scripture provides no additional narrative about his life, his presence in the genealogy implies he was a member of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from Jacob’s eighth son by Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant (Genesis 30:13).

What Happened in the Bible?

Rezia is found in the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 7, a chapter that preserves the family lines of several tribes of Israel, including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile, likely compiled these genealogies to affirm the identity and heritage of the returning Jewish community. Although Rezia is only named, not described in action or story, his record represents a real historical individual within God’s covenant people.

The tribe of Asher was known for its prosperity and was blessed by Jacob and Moses with fertility and abundance (Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24). Rezia’s placement in this tribe’s genealogy points to his connection to a tribe noted for its richness in resources and its honored place within the covenant nation.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Even the most obscure names in the Bible carry significance, showing how God values every individual in His redemptive story. Rezia may not have performed mighty deeds or spoken prophetic words, but he was known by name to God and included in His Word. This demonstrates that:

• Every believer matters – Just as God preserved Rezia’s name, He sees and knows each of His people, regardless of how publicly recognized they may be (John 10:3).

• Faithfulness in the ordinary counts – Not all are called to high office or great renown, but being faithful in one’s family, tribe, or generation is honored by God.

• Genealogy points to identity – In the same way that Israel’s tribal genealogies reinforced their covenant identity, Christians have a new identity in Christ as part of the family of God (Ephesians 2:19).

How Rezia’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

While Rezia’s individual deeds are unknown, he belongs to the broader genealogical framework that prepared the way for the Messiah. Jesus Christ, though not from the tribe of Asher, came through Israel, the covenant people of God. Every tribe, including Asher, played a part in preserving the identity and continuity of God‘s chosen people through whom the Savior would come.

Moreover, genealogies in Scripture ultimately point us to Christ. The Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy to establish Jesus‘ rightful place as the Son of David and heir to the promises (Matthew 1:1-17). Though Rezia is not in that specific line, his inclusion in biblical records reminds us of God’s sovereign orchestration of history, family lines, and purposes that culminate in the person of Jesus Christ.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Generations

Rezia’s inclusion reflects God’s hand in shaping the lineage of His people. The Lord is not only Lord over individuals but over generations, tribes, and nations.

2. The Value of the Hidden and Unknown

Many names in Scripture appear only once, with no recorded deeds, yet they are forever remembered. This reflects a biblical theme that God‘s valuation differs from the world’s: “The last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16).

3. The Importance of Spiritual Heritage

The detailed genealogies of 1 Chronicles emphasize the importance of heritage, belonging, and identity within God’s people. Christians likewise are called to understand their place in God’s family, now adopted through Christ (Romans 8:15-17).

4. Continuity and Covenant

By maintaining genealogical records, the chronicler affirms that God’s covenant was not forgotten, even after exile. This continuity points to the enduring promises of God fulfilled ultimately in Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. Why does God include even minor figures like Rezia in the Bible? What does that say about His character?

2. How does knowing your spiritual heritage in Christ impact the way you view your identity?

3. Are there ways in which you are called to be faithful “behind the scenes,” like Rezia, even if no one else notices?

4. How can studying biblical genealogies strengthen your trust in God’s sovereign plan through history?

5. In what ways does your life contribute to the ongoing story of God’s kingdom, just as Rezia’s lineage contributed to Israel?

Even when a name appears only once in the pages of Scripture, it carries the weight of God’s eternal remembrance. Rezia, though obscure, is one more thread in the rich tapestry of redemption. His quiet presence testifies that in God’s kingdom, no one is forgotten.