1 Chronicles 8
BSB1 Benjamin was the father of Bela, his firstborn; Ashbel was the second born, Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3 The sons of Bela: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 6 These were the descendants of Ehud who were the heads of the families living in Geba and were exiled to Manahath: 7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them into exile and who was the father of Uzza and Ahihud. 8 Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara. 9 His sons by his wife Hodesh: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of families. 11 He also had sons by Hushim: Abitub and Elpaal. 12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its villages), 13 and Beriah and Shema (who were the heads of families of the inhabitants of Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath). 14 Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth, 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah. 17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal. 19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei. 22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak. 26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham. 28 All these were heads of families, the chiefs according to their genealogies, and they lived in Jerusalem. 29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah, 30 and Abdon was his firstborn son, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, 32 and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeah. These also lived alongside their relatives in Jerusalem. 33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. 34 The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. 35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 37 Moza was the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. 38 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 The sons of his brother Eshek: Ulam was his firstborn, Jeush second, and Eliphelet third. 40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons—150 in all. All these were the descendants of Benjamin.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 8
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Chronicles 8
- Themes from 1 Chronicles 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by listing the sons of Benjamin and their descendants, including Saul, the first king of Israel. It then provides a detailed account of the genealogy of Benjamin, including the families of Bela, Becher, and Jediael. The chapter also notes the settlements of the Benjamites in various cities and towns, including Jerusalem, Lod, and Ono. The genealogical records in this chapter are significant because they provide a framework for understanding the history of Israel and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. For example, 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 lists the sons of Benjamin, while 1 Chronicles 8:6-7 notes the descendants of Ehud, a notable Benjamite. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the lives of the Benjamites.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which provides a historical account of the Israelites from the time of Adam to the reign of King David. The chapter fits into the book's emphasis on the importance of genealogy and the role of family lineage in understanding Israel's history and God's covenant promises. The chapter also provides a backdrop for understanding the significance of Jerusalem and the tribe of Benjamin in Israel's history, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as well as the significance of family and community in our lives. As we reflect on the genealogy of Benjamin and the emphasis on family lineage, we are encouraged to consider our own spiritual heritage and the role we play in God's larger story. For example, 1 Chronicles 8:28-32 highlights the importance of family leadership and the role of chief men in Israelite society.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the family tree of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It lists the names of the sons of Benjamin and their descendants, and notes the cities where they lived. The chapter is important because it helps us understand the history of Israel and the family lines that are important in the Bible. For example, 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 lists the sons of Benjamin, while 1 Chronicles 8:28-32 notes the importance of family leadership and the role of chief men in Israelite society.
Voices from the Church
“The genealogy of Benjamin is a reminder that our spiritual heritage is just as important as our physical lineage, and that our faithfulness to God is what truly matters.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The emphasis on family lineage in this chapter highlights the importance of community and the role of the family in passing on the faith to future generations, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Genealogy of Benjamin (8:1-5) — The chapter begins by listing the sons of Benjamin and their descendants, highlighting the importance of family lineage in Israelite society.
- The Descendants of Ehud (8:6-7) — The chapter notes the descendants of Ehud, a notable Benjamite, and their settlements in various cities and towns.
- The Families of Bela and Becher (8:8-12) — The chapter provides a detailed account of the families of Bela and Becher, including their descendants and settlements.
- The Settlements of the Benjamites (8:13-28) — The chapter notes the settlements of the Benjamites in various cities and towns, including Jerusalem, Lod, and Ono.
- Conclusion: The Importance of Family Lineage (8:29-40) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Genealogy
- This chapter teaches us about the significance of accurate genealogical records in understanding Israel's history and God's covenant promises, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.
- The Role of Family in the Bible
- The chapter highlights the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative, as seen in the emphasis on family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society.
- The Significance of Jerusalem
- The city of Jerusalem is noted as a key settlement of the Benjamites and a center of worship and leadership in Israel, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:28 and 1 Chronicles 8:32.
- The Emphasis on Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the lives of the Benjamites and their leaders, such as in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 8
- The Importance of Family Lineage — The chapter teaches us about the significance of accurate genealogical records in understanding Israel's history and God's covenant promises.
- The Role of Community in the Bible — The chapter highlights the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative, as seen in the emphasis on family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society.
- The Significance of Jerusalem — The city of Jerusalem is noted as a key settlement of the Benjamites and a center of worship and leadership in Israel.
- The Emphasis on Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the lives of the Benjamites and their leaders.
- The Application to Our Own Lives — The chapter reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, and encourages us to consider our own spiritual heritage and the role we play in God's larger story.
Themes from 1 Chronicles 8
- Genealogy and Family Lineage — The chapter provides a detailed account of the genealogy of Benjamin and the importance of family lineage in Israelite society.
- The Role of Community — The chapter highlights the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative, as seen in the emphasis on family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society.
- The Significance of Jerusalem — The city of Jerusalem is noted as a key settlement of the Benjamites and a center of worship and leadership in Israel.
- Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the lives of the Benjamites and their leaders.
- The Importance of Spiritual Heritage — The chapter reminds us of the importance of considering our own spiritual heritage and the role we play in God's larger story.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the genealogy of Benjamin in this chapter?
- How does the emphasis on family lineage in this chapter relate to our own spiritual heritage?
- What role does the city of Jerusalem play in this chapter, and what significance does it hold in the biblical narrative?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on faithfulness and obedience to God apply to our own lives?
- What lessons can we learn from the lives of the Benjamites and their leaders, as recorded in this chapter?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Genealogy of Benjamin (8:1-5)
| 8:1 | The chapter begins by listing the sons of Benjamin, highlighting the importance of family lineage in Israelite society. |
| 8:2 | The verse notes the descendants of Ehud, a notable Benjamite, and their settlements in various cities and towns. |
2. The Descendants of Ehud (8:6-7)
| 8:6 | The verse notes the descendants of Ehud, a notable Benjamite, and their settlements in various cities and towns. |
| 8:7 | The verse provides a detailed account of the families of Bela and Becher, including their descendants and settlements. |
3. The Families of Bela and Becher (8:8-12)
| 8:8 | The verse provides a detailed account of the families of Bela and Becher, including their descendants and settlements. |
| 8:9 | The verse notes the settlements of the Benjamites in various cities and towns, including Jerusalem, Lod, and Ono. |
4. The Settlements of the Benjamites (8:13-28)
| 8:13 | The verse notes the settlements of the Benjamites in various cities and towns, including Jerusalem, Lod, and Ono. |
| 8:14 | The verse provides a detailed account of the families of the Benjamites, including their descendants and settlements. |
5. Conclusion: The Importance of Family Lineage (8:29-40)
| 8:29 | The verse emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society. |
| 8:30 | The verse notes the settlements of the Benjamites in various cities and towns, including Jerusalem, Lod, and Ono. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the genealogy of Benjamin in this chapter?
The genealogy of Benjamin is significant because it provides a detailed account of the descendants of Benjamin and their settlements, highlighting the importance of family lineage in Israelite society, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.
How does the emphasis on family lineage in this chapter relate to our own spiritual heritage?
The emphasis on family lineage in this chapter reminds us of the importance of considering our own spiritual heritage and the role we play in God's larger story, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.
What role does the city of Jerusalem play in this chapter, and what significance does it hold in the biblical narrative?
The city of Jerusalem is noted as a key settlement of the Benjamites and a center of worship and leadership in Israel, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:28 and 1 Chronicles 8:32.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 8:1 → Genesis 46:21 | The sons of Benjamin are listed in both Genesis 46:21 and 1 Chronicles 8:1, highlighting the importance of family lineage in Israelite society. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 8:6 → 1 Samuel 9:1 | The descendant of Ehud, a notable Benjamite, is mentioned in both 1 Chronicles 8:6 and 1 Samuel 9:1, emphasizing the significance of family lineage in the biblical narrative. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 8:13 → Nehemiah 11:7 | The settlements of the Benjamites are noted in both 1 Chronicles 8:13 and Nehemiah 11:7, highlighting the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 8:28 → Acts 13:21 | The emphasis on family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society is seen in both 1 Chronicles 8:28 and Acts 13:21, emphasizing the significance of spiritual heritage in the biblical narrative. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 8:29 → Matthew 1:1-17 | The genealogy of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 1:1-17, which is connected to the genealogy of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5, highlighting the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 8:30 → Luke 3:23-38 | The genealogy of Jesus is also recorded in Luke 3:23-38, which is connected to the genealogy of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5, emphasizing the significance of spiritual heritage in the biblical narrative. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 8:31 → John 1:1 | The emphasis on the importance of family lineage and spiritual heritage is seen in both 1 Chronicles 8:31 and John 1:1, highlighting the significance of Jesus' ancestry in the biblical narrative. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 8:32 → Romans 11:1 | The connection between the genealogy of Benjamin and the larger biblical narrative is seen in both 1 Chronicles 8:32 and Romans 11:1, emphasizing the importance of family and community in the biblical story. |
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Baal. 1 Chon. Viii. 33, 34. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer discusses the significance of Baal worship in the context of Saul's reign, illustrating how Saul's initial devotion to Jehovah deteriorated into pride and self-sufficien |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 8
In this chapter, we have a detailed account of the genealogy of Benjamin, which is significant because it provides a framework for understanding the history of Israel and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The emphasis on family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society is a key theme in this chapter, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the lives of the Benjamites and their leaders. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the genealogy of Benjamin is a reminder that our spiritual heritage is just as important as our physical lineage, and that our faithfulness to God is what truly matters.' The chapter reminds us of the importance of considering our own spiritual heritage and the role we play in God's larger story, and encourages us to be faithful and obedient to God, just as the Benjamites were. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Family Lineage
The chapter highlights the importance of family lineage and the role of chief men in Israelite society, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.
Significance of Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem is noted as a key settlement of the Benjamites and a center of worship and leadership in Israel, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:28 and 1 Chronicles 8:32.
Emphasis on Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the lives of the Benjamites and their leaders, such as in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 8:28-32.