1 Chronicles 8:1-40 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 1 Chronicles 8:1-40. Let’s go!
1 Chronicles 8:1-2 (NIV)
1 Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second son, Aharah the third,
2 Nohah the fourth and Rapha the fifth.
On verses 1-5: 1 Chronicles 8 is the longest and most comprehensive of the genealogies for Benjamin. Yet when you compare the different genealogies for Benjamin found in the Bible (Genesis 46, 1 Chronicles 7:6-12, 1 Chronicles 8, and Numbers 26:38-46) those genealogies are not exactly the same. Certain names appear in some lists but not in others. Does this mean that the Bible contradicts itself? Not necessarily. We need to look closer at what’s going on. One possible reason for the different names is that those who wrote out these genealogies were not writing down exhaustive lists of every single person who was born into Benjamin’s family tree. Rather they were selective about which people from which generations to mention and focus on. In some cases they focused only on tribal leaders or individuals whose lives taught a spiritual lesson that the writer wanted to highlight. So when reading these genealogies, keep in mind that the term “son” does not always refer to a person’s direct descendant in the next immediate generation, but the writer could be skipping one or more generations and be referring to a grandson or an even more distant descendant.
What can we learn from this? When you see what appears to be a contradiction in the Bible, dig deeper before concluding that it is a real contradiction. Sometimes what seems like a contradiction is actually a hidden truth or lesson waiting to be uncovered.
1 Chronicles 8:6-7 (NIV)
6 These were the descendants of Ehud, who were heads of families of those living in Geba and were deported to Manahath:
7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who deported them and who was the father of Uzza and Ahihud.
On verses 6-7: The “Ehud” mentioned here is quite possibly the same Ehud who led Israel in Judges 3:12-30. Apparently, as verse 7 suggests, Ehud’s descendants were later deported to Manahath by other Benjamites named Naaman, Ahijah and Gera.
1 Chronicles 8:8-10 (NIV)
8 Sons were born to Shaharaim in Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara.
9 By his wife Hodesh he had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam,
10 Jeuz, Sakia and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of families.
On verses 8-10: Shaharaim had sons after his two divorces. These sons would go onto became heads of families. Since children are called a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3), the implication is that God had mercy on Shaharaim even after he went through two divorces. God’s mercy similarly reaches to those today who go through the pain of divorce. That of course does not mean you should go out and seek a divorce, which is something God hates (Malachi 2:16). But if you or your parents have been through a divorce, know that this does not disqualify you from experiencing God’s amazing blessing and mercy. God wants to use your life as a trophy of His mercy and grace.
1 Chronicles 8:12-18 (NIV)
12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its surrounding villages),
13 and Beriah and Shema, who were heads of families of those living in 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.
On verses 12-18: Here three Benjamites are singled out for their accomplishments: Shemed who built cities with surrounding villages; and Beriah and Sheam, who drove out the inhabitants of Gath.
1 Chronicles 8:14-28 (NIV)
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, Zicri, Zabdi,
20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,
21 Adaiah, Beraiah and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.
22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,
23 Abdon, Zicri, Hanan,
24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah,
25 Iphdeiah and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.
26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,
27 Jaareshiah, Elijah and Zicri were the sons of Jeroham.
28 All these were heads of families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.
On verses 14-28: The people mentioned here were heads of families, or chiefs, living in Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 8:29-40 (NIV)
29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah,
30 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,
31 Gedor, Ahio, Zeker
32 and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeah. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.
33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.
34 The son of Jonathan: Merib-Baal, who 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, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
39 The sons of his brother Eshek: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second son and Eliphelet the third.
40 The sons of Ulam were brave warriors who could handle the bow. They had many sons and grandsons–150 in all. All these were the descendants of Benjamin.
On verses 29-40: Wrapping up Benjamin’s family tree here, the Chronicler focuses on the more immediate ancestors and descendants of Saul, Israel’s first king. Notice in verse 33 that Saul had 4 sons: Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal (also known as Ish-Bosheth, who reigned as king of Israel after his father Saul for 2 years – see 2 Samuel 2:8-10). When the Israelites would hear the names of Saul and his sons being read out in this genealogy, they would be sadly reminded of how God rejected Saul as king and how Saul and all four of his sons died brutal deaths. Saul, Jonathan, Malki-Shua and Abinadab would all be killed in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31), while Ish-Bosheth would be murdered a couple years later (2 Samuel 4:7-8). When the Israelites heard the name of Jonathan’s only son Merib-Baal (also known as Mephibosheth) in verse 34, they might at first pity him because (1) his father Jonathan, an exceptional leader, died far too young when Mephibosheth was only 5 years old; and (2) soon after his father died, Mephibosheth became crippled in both feet (2 Samuel 4:4). One would think that with Mephibosheth we are approaching the end of the family tree of King Saul and Jonathan. Yet then look at all the descendants that Mephibosheth would produce in verses 34b-40, including 150 brave warriors! It’s a testament to God’s ability to bring good out of a great tragedy. It is also a testament to how David kept his promise to Jonathan never to cut off kindness from Jonathan’s family (see 1 Samuel 20:14-15). Because David showed kindness to Mephibosheth that Jonathan’s descendants were able to flourish again.
What can we learn from this? Out of great tragedy God can raise up a brave and strong family. So if you are facing tragedy today, don’t despair. God will use the fire of that tragedy to refine you into a braver and stronger warrior for His glory than you could have ever been without that tragedy in your life. Similarly, Jesus Christ the Son of God died a brutal death on the cross, but it was through this great tragedy that God brought about the greatest victory – victory over sin and death – making it possible for people like us who were far from God to be born anew as children in God’s family and raised up as brave, strong warriors for His kingdom. Out of great hurt God can bring even greater good.
Heavenly Father, thank You that tragedies and failures in my past do not need to keep me from experiencing Your great blessing today and in the future. Thank You that You will use the biggest hurts of my life to bring about even bigger good. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
