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1 Chronicles 8

40 verses

TL;DR

This chapter catalogs the descendants of Benjamin from Bela onward, listing numerous generations, chiefs of families, and notable towns, highlighting the continuity of lineage and leadership in Judah.

Summary

The chapter opens with the sons of Benjamin: Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, and Rapha. It continues with Bela’s sons and other descendants such as Ehud’s line, and extends into generations that include the families that settled in various towns like Geba, Manahath, Moab, and Jerusalem. Several genealogies are interwoven, noting key towns (Gibeon, Jerusalem, Gath) and leaders like Saul and his father Kish. The record emphasizes the role of sons as heads of families, the establishment of towns, and the prominence of military men among Benjamin’s descendants. The passage culminates with a mention of Ulam’s sons, who were valiant archers, underscoring the martial prowess within the tribe. Overall, the chapter serves as a comprehensive genealogical and territorial summary for the tribe of Benjamin.

Outline
  1. List of Benjamin’s immediate sons and Bela’s descendants.
  2. Extended genealogies connecting to towns, leaders, and the king Saul.
  3. Highlights of military and civic roles within the tribe.
Themes
Lineage and ancestryLeadership and tribal chiefsCivic settlement and military prowess
Keywords
BenjaminlineagechiefsJerusalemSaularchersvaliantgeneration
People
BenjaminBelaAshbelAharahNohahRaphaAddarGeraAbihudAbishuaNaamanAhoahEhudNaamanAhiahGeraShaharaimHushimBaaraHodeshJobabZibiaMeshaMalchamJeuzShachiaMirmaAbitubElpaalEberMishamShamedBeriahShemaAhioShashakJeremothZebadiahAradAderMichaelIspahJohaMeshullamHezekiHeberIshmeraiJezliahJakimZichriZabdiElienaiZilthaiElielAdaiahBeraiahShimrathIshpanAbdonZichriHananHananiahElamAntothijahIphedeiahPenuelShamsheraiShehariahAthaliahJaresiahEliahJerohamMaachahAbdonZurKishBaalNadabGedorAhioZacherMiklothShimeahNerSaulJonathanMalchishuaAbinadabEshbaalMeribbaalMicahPithonMelechTareaAhazJehoadahAlemethAzmavethZimriMozaBineaRaphaEleasahAzelAzrikamBocheruIshmaelSheariahObadiahHananEshekUlamJehushEliphelet
Places
JerusalemGibeonGebaManahathMoabGathAijalon
Things
Genealogical listsChieftainsTownsValiant archers
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 8:33-35: Shows the connection to King Saul’s lineage.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:40-41: Highlights the martial prowess of Ulam’s descendants.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:29-32: Introduces the founders of Jerusalem and Gibeon.
Questions
  • How does the emphasis on genealogy reinforce the identity of the tribe of Benjamin?
  • What does the repeated mention of ‘heads of the fathers’ suggest about social structure?
  • Why might the author highlight the military abilities of Ulam’s sons?
  • In what ways does this chapter connect the biblical king Saul to his ancestral roots?
Sentiment

neutral
The text is descriptive and factual.