1 Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,
2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
3 And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,
4 And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,
5 And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.
6 And these [are] the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba, and they removed them to Manahath:
7 And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud.
8 And Shaharaim begat [children] in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara [were] his wives.
9 And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,
10 And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These [were] his sons, heads of the fathers.
11 And of Hushim he begat Abitub, and Elpaal.
12 The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:
13 Beriah also, and Shema, who [were] heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:
14 And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,
15 And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,
16 And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;
17 And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki, and Heber,
18 Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal;
19 And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,
20 And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel,
21 And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;
22 And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,
23 And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,
24 And Hananiah, and Elam, and Antothijah,
25 And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;
26 And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,
27 And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham.
28 These [were] heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief [men]. These dwelt in Jerusalem.
29 And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife’s name [was] Maachah:
30 And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
31 And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.
32 And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them.
33 And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
34 And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.
35 And the sons of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.
36 And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,
37 And Moza begat Binea: Rapha [was] his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:
38 And Azel had six sons, whose names [are] these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these [were] the sons of Azel.
39 And the sons of Eshek his brother [were], Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40 And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, an hundred and fifty. All these [are] of the sons of Benjamin.
Overview of 1 Chronicles Chapter 8
1 Chronicles Chapter 8 primarily focuses on the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, detailing the lineage and notable descendants of this tribe. This chapter serves to highlight the importance of ancestry and the preservation of tribal identities within the context of Israel’s history.
Key Themes
- Genealogy and Heritage: The chapter emphasizes the significance of genealogical records in ancient Israel, showcasing the importance of lineage and tribal affiliation.
- Tribal Identity: The chapter reinforces the identity of the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating its role within the broader context of Israelite history.
- Historical Continuity: By tracing the lineage of Benjamin, the chapter connects past generations to the present, emphasizing continuity and the importance of remembering one’s ancestors.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-2: Introduction of the Benjamite lineage, listing the sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael.
- Verses 3-5: Detailed genealogy of Bela, including his sons and descendants.
- Verses 6-7: Genealogy of Becher, listing his sons and descendants.
- Verses 8-9: Genealogy of Jediael, including his sons and descendants.
- Verses 10-12: Mention of notable figures from the tribe, including their military capabilities and roles.
- Verses 13-28: Further descendants of Benjamin, including the families of the tribe and their settlements.
- Verses 29-32: Reference to the family of Saul, the first king of Israel, and his lineage.
- Verses 33-40: Summary of the descendants of Saul and their notable achievements.
Notable Figures and Their Roles
The chapter mentions several key figures from the tribe of Benjamin, including:
- Bela: The firstborn of Benjamin, whose descendants are noted for their military prowess.
- Becher: Another significant descendant, contributing to the lineage of Benjamin.
- Jediael: Noted for his sons who were warriors, highlighting the tribe’s martial strength.
- Saul: The first king of Israel, whose lineage is traced back to Benjamin, emphasizing the tribe’s importance in Israel’s monarchy.
Historical Context
This chapter is set against the backdrop of the post-exilic period, where the returning exiles sought to reestablish their identities and connections to their ancestral roots. The genealogies serve not only as a record but also as a means of affirming the legitimacy of the returning community.
Conclusion
1 Chronicles Chapter 8 provides a detailed account of the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing the importance of lineage, tribal identity, and historical continuity. Through its meticulous records, the chapter contributes to the larger narrative of Israel’s history and the significance of ancestry in maintaining cultural identity.
