Who was Ulla?
Ulla was a descendant of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, listed in the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. His name appears in 1 Chronicles 7:39, within the family line of Asher, one of the northern tribes of Israel. The Hebrew name Ulla (אוּלָּה) may mean “leafy,” “yoke,” or possibly “burden.” While Ulla is a relatively obscure figure in Scripture, his inclusion in the inspired genealogical record affirms his significance within the covenant community of Israel.
Biblical Reference
- 1 Chronicles 7:39 – “The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel and Rizia.”
This is the only mention of Ulla in the Bible, but it is situated within a broader passage detailing the descendants of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:30-40), highlighting the tribal structure and continuity of God’s people.
Ulla in Biblical History
The tribe of Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and was allotted land in the northern region of Canaan along the Mediterranean coast (Joshua 19:24-31). Though Asher is not as prominent as Judah, Levi, or Ephraim in redemptive history, its members, like Ulla, played a role in maintaining the covenant community across generations.
Ulla’s listing alongside his sons—Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia—suggests he was a family head or patriarch of a notable house within the tribe of Asher. In biblical times, family and tribal lines were critical for identity, inheritance, land rights, and temple service. Even though we have no narrative events surrounding Ulla’s life, his recorded lineage confirms the importance of his family’s continuity in the covenant community.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Although Ulla is only briefly mentioned, his inclusion in the Scriptures reminds Christians that every person in God‘s family matters—even those without widely known deeds. Genealogies in the Bible are more than historical records; they demonstrate the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and His promises through each generation.
This is particularly important when considering that many believers today may feel insignificant or unseen in the grand scope of ministry or spiritual impact. Yet Ulla’s quiet presence in Scripture reflects a deeper truth: God values every member of His covenant people. Every name in the genealogies—no matter how obscure—points to a God who is intentional, faithful, and personal.
How Ulla’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Genealogies in the Old Testament ultimately point forward to Jesus Christ, the promised Seed who would come through Israel to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16). While Ulla himself is not in the line of Christ (which comes through Judah), his inclusion in the tribal genealogy of Asher contributes to the broader tapestry of Israel‘s history.
Jesus was not only born from the tribe of Judah but ministered to and called people from all the tribes of Israel—and beyond. The twelve tribes are restored and celebrated in Revelation (Revelation 7:4-8), signifying the full redemption and gathering of God‘s people in the New Covenant.
Ulla’s family’s presence in the record reminds us that Jesus came for all of Israel, not just the most famous tribes. Every tribe, tongue, and nation will one day worship before the throne because Christ died for all (Revelation 7:9-10). Ulla’s household, preserved in the chronicles of Scripture, is a small but meaningful part of that redemptive story.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. God’s Faithfulness Through Generations
God preserves the lineages of His people even when they are unknown to history. His promises are not forgotten. Ulla’s name, listed with his sons, highlights God’s ongoing covenant with His people.
2. The Value of Every Believer
Even those with seemingly quiet or unknown lives have a place in God’s plan. Ulla was part of the great community that God called and kept through trials, exile, and restoration.
3. Preparation for the Messiah
The genealogical records prepared Israel to trace the coming of the Messiah. Though Ulla’s line is not directly messianic, his presence contributes to the full picture of God’s unfolding redemptive plan.
4. Tribal and Corporate Identity in the People of God
Israel was organized not just as individuals but as families and tribes. Today’s church also functions corporately as the body of Christ, with each member playing a vital part (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think God included so many names and genealogies in the Bible, including lesser-known figures like Ulla?
- Do you ever feel like your contributions to the kingdom of God are too small to matter? How does Ulla’s inclusion challenge that idea?
- What does Ulla’s place in Asher’s lineage teach us about the importance of spiritual legacy and family faithfulness?
- How can understanding the broader picture of Israel’s history strengthen your faith in God’s promises?
- In what ways can you be faithful in your generation, just as Ulla evidently was in his?
Conclusion:
Ulla may be a minor character in the Bible, but his name carries the weight of God’s covenant faithfulness, the value of every believer, and the truth that no one is forgotten in the story of redemption. His legacy lives on as part of the people whom God chose, preserved, and used to bring forth the Savior of the world.