1 Chronicles 8
The Genealogy in Chapter 8 mainly covers the genealogies of Saul's kingly line, especially the tribe of Benjamin. The text records in detail Benjamin’s sons, their descendants, and the sub-branches by family. In the latter part, Saul’s genealogy is mentioned more intensely, showing how his family line continued as the first king of Israel.
1verseBenjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,
2verseNohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
3verseBela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud,
4verseAbishua, Naaman, Ahoah,
5verseGera, Shephuphan, and Huram.
6verseThese are the sons of Ehud. These are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba, who were carried captive to Manahath:
7verseNaaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them captive; and he became the father of Uzza and Ahihud.
8verseShaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away. Hushim and Baara were his wives.
9verseBy Hodesh his wife, he became the father of Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam,
10verseJeuz, Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ households.
11verseBy Hushim, he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal.
12verseThe sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with its towns;
13verseand Beriah and Shema, who were heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath;
14verseand Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,
15verseZebadiah, Arad, Eder,
16verseMichael, Ishpah, Joha, the sons of Beriah,
17verseZebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,
18verseIshmerai, Izliah, Jobab, the sons of Elpaal,
19verseJakim, Zichri, Zabdi,
20verseElienai, Zillethai, Eliel,
21verseAdaiah, Beraiah, Shimrath, the sons of Shimei,
22verseIshpan, Eber, Eliel,
23verseAbdon, Zichri, Hanan,
24verseHananiah, Elam, Anthothijah,
25verseIphdeiah, Penuel, the sons of Shashak,
26verseShamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,
27verseJaareshiah, Elijah, Zichri, and the sons of Jeroham.
28verseThese were heads of fathers’ households throughout their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.
29verseThe father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, lived in Gibeon
30versewith his firstborn son Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab,
31verseGedor, Ahio, Zecher,
32verseand Mikloth, who became the father of Shimeah. They also lived with their families in Jerusalem, near their relatives.
33verseNer became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
34verseThe son of Jonathan was Merib-baal. Merib-baal became the father of Micah.
35verseThe sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.
36verseAhaz became the father of Jehoaddah. Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.
37verseMoza became the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.
38verseAzel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
39verseThe sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40verseThe sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons, and grandsons, one hundred fifty. All these were of the sons of Benjamin.
Overall Meaning and Significance
This chapter calls to mind the place and role that the tribe of Benjamin held within the Israelite national community, and it reaffirms what roots and background King Saul’s family had. Through this, it helps the readers—especially those who were exiled prisoners returning from Judah—remember the past dynasties and God’s guidance in history. In addition, the detailed genealogical records emphasize that each tribe and family is a part of God’s people’s community.
Key People and Characteristics
- Benjamin: As the central tribe of this chapter, its various sons and descendants are listed.
- Saul: As the first king of Israel, his family line is specifically mentioned, giving meaning to Saul’s personal history and to the unfolding of God’s work.
- The Record-Keeping Method: By repeatedly emphasizing names and family relationships, it highlights the importance of passing on history and tradition.
Points to Ponder
- We can reflect on the truth that God values and remembers not only a single person, but even the history of an entire family and tribe.
- We can also consider that God greatly values not only our families and communities, but even the roots of our lives.
Applying It to Me
- Let us recognize that I too exist within the lineages of community, family, and faith, and remember that my life is also part of God’s history.
- As I look back on the journey of faith I have lived through, I can think about cherishing my background and roots and how to pass on faith to the next generation.
