1 Chronicles 8

1 Chronicles 8 continues the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, focusing particularly on the tribe of Benjamin. It provides detailed records of the descendants of Benjamin, including notable figures such as Saul, the first king of Israel. The chapter highlights the genealogies of various clans within the tribe and serves to establish their lineage and legacy.

1 Chronicles 8:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now Benjamin begot Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,
2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
3 The sons of Bela were Addar, Gera, Abihud,
4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,
5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

These verses list the sons of Benjamin and their descendants. Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, became the patriarch of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants are introduced here, with a focus on Bela, the firstborn. The listing of five sons and their descendants, such as Gera and Shephuphan, highlights the growing family tree. These names remind us that every individual played a role in Israel’s history, and genealogical records were essential in preserving family and tribal identities.

1 Chronicles 8:6-7 (NKJV)
6 These are the sons of Ehud, who were the heads of the fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they were carried away captive to Manahath:
7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera who carried them into captivity. He begot Uzza and Ahihud.

Ehud is a notable figure here, and these verses explain that his sons were leaders of their family and lived in Geba. However, they were taken into captivity to a place called Manahath. Gera is mentioned as leading them into exile, emphasizing the struggles faced by certain clans within the tribe. The names of Uzza and Ahihud indicate that even during times of displacement, the family line continued, showing their resilience despite adversity.

1 Chronicles 8:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Also Shaharaim had children in the country of Moab, after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives.
9 By Hodesh his wife he begot Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam,
10 Jeuz, Sachiah, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of their fathers' houses.

Shaharaim is noted for having children in Moab after divorcing two of his wives, Hushim and Baara. This family dynamic may reflect complex social and marital relationships within the tribe. By his wife Hodesh, Shaharaim had several sons who became leaders of their clans. The mention of Moab might suggest intermarriage or connections with neighboring nations. Despite these circumstances, his sons still held positions of prominence within the family.

1 Chronicles 8:11-13 (NKJV)
11 And by Hushim he begot Abitub and Elpaal.
12 The sons of Elpaal were Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns;
13 And Beriah and Shema, who were heads of their fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove out the inhabitants of Gath.

These verses emphasize Elpaal’s line and the significance of his descendants. Notably, Shemed is recognized for building the towns of Ono and Lod. Lod is later known as Lydda in the New Testament, playing a role in early Christian history. Beriah and Shema were leaders in Aijalon, where they drove out the people of Gath, demonstrating their military prowess. This underscores how some descendants played key roles in defending and expanding Israel’s territory.

1 Chronicles 8:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,
15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,
16 Michael, Ispah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.

These verses list the sons of Beriah, who are otherwise unknown in biblical history. Although not much detail is provided about their individual lives, their inclusion in this genealogy emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records of all family lines, not just the most prominent. This highlights that every member of the tribe had value and was counted as part of Israel’s covenant community.

1 Chronicles 8:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,
18 Ishmerai, Jizliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.

Here, more descendants of Elpaal are listed, including Zebadiah and Meshullam. These individuals, though less known in Israel’s narrative, continued the lineage of Benjamin. The importance of their inclusion shows the thoroughness of the genealogical record, a testament to the care taken by the chronicler to preserve each family’s legacy. These lists provide a deeper understanding of the expansive nature of Benjamin’s descendants.

1 Chronicles 8:19-21 (NKJV)
19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi,
20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,
21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.

These verses list the sons of Shimei, another descendant in the Benjaminite genealogy. Like other sections of the genealogy, this passage emphasizes the importance of family heritage and the distinct clans that arose from Benjamin’s line. Each name represents a link in the unbroken chain of descendants that contributed to the tribe’s history, underscoring the significance of every generation in fulfilling God’s promises to Israel.

1 Chronicles 8:22-25 (NKJV)
22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,
23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan,
24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah,
25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.

These verses detail the descendants of Shashak, a relatively lesser-known figure from the tribe of Benjamin. Each name listed contributes to the broader scope of the tribe’s genealogical record. The chronicler includes even the lesser-known descendants, showing that every family line within Israel was important in maintaining the integrity of the nation and its connection to the promises given to the patriarchs.

1 Chronicles 8:26-28 (NKJV)
26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,
27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham.
28 These were heads of the fathers' houses by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem.

Jeroham’s sons, listed here, were leaders of their family groups and held significant positions. The fact that they dwelt in Jerusalem indicates their high status, as Jerusalem was the center of Israel’s religious and political life. These men played roles as chief men, responsible for the governance and well-being of their communities, reinforcing the tribe of Benjamin's prominence in Israelite society, especially in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8:29-32 (NKJV)
29 Now the father of Gibeon, whose wife's name was Maacah, dwelt at Gibeon.
30 And his firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab,
31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher,
32 And Mikloth, who begot Shimeah. They also dwelt alongside their relatives in Jerusalem, with their brethren.

These verses introduce the family of Gibeon, whose head lived in the town of Gibeon, an important location in Israel's history. Abdon, the firstborn, and his brothers are listed, along with Mikloth, who fathered Shimeah. The reference to these men dwelling in Jerusalem alongside their relatives highlights their connection to the city and the central role their family played in the life of the nation.

1 Chronicles 8:33-34 (NKJV)
33 Ner begot Kish, Kish begot Saul, and Saul begot Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal.
34 The son of Jonathan was Merib-Baal, and Merib-Baal begot Micah.

These verses highlight the direct lineage leading to Saul, Israel’s first king. Kish, Saul’s father, is noted, along with Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, who is remembered for his close friendship with David. Merib-Baal (also known as Mephibosheth) is Jonathan’s son. This genealogy ties the tribe of Benjamin to the royal lineage and shows the importance of this family in Israel’s history, particularly during the reign of Saul.

1 Chronicles 8:35-38 (NKJV)
35 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.
36 And Ahaz begot Jehoaddah; Jehoaddah begot Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begot Moza;
37 Moza begot Binea, Raphah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.
38 Azel had six sons whose names were these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

These verses continue the genealogy, focusing on the descendants of Micah, son of Jonathan. The names listed here extend the family line down several generations, showing that Saul’s legacy continued long after his death. Each son represents a branch of the family tree that carried forward the Benjaminite heritage, demonstrating the tribe’s resilience and the faithfulness of God in preserving the royal lineage.

1 Chronicles 8:39-40 (NKJV)
39 The sons of Eshek his brother were Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor—archers. They had many sons and grandsons, one hundred and fifty in all. These were all sons of Benjamin.

The chapter concludes with a mention of Eshek’s sons, particularly Ulam’s line, who are described as mighty warriors and skilled archers. The fact that they had many sons and grandsons underscores the strength and prominence of Benjamin’s tribe. Their role as warriors connects them to the tribe’s reputation for producing strong, valiant men. This final note ties the chapter together, emphasizing the continuing strength and influence of the tribe of Benjamin.