Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. These are the sons of Ehud. These are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba, who were carried captive to Manahath: Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them captive; and he became the father of Uzza and Ahihud.
Shaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away. Hushim and Baara were his wives. By Hodesh his wife, he became the father of Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ households. By Hushim, he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal. The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with its towns; and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath; and Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth, Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, Michael, Ishpah, Joha, the sons of Beriah, Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, Ishmerai, Izliah, Jobab, the sons of Elpaal, Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, Adaiah, Beraiah, Shimrath, the sons of Shimei, Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, Penuel, the sons of Shashak, Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, Jaareshiah, Elijah, Zichri, and the sons of Jeroham. These were heads of fathers’ households throughout their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem. The father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, lived in Gibeon, with his firstborn son Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher. Mikloth became the father of Shimeah. They also lived with their brothers in Jerusalem, near their brothers. Ner became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. The son of Jonathan was Merib Baal. Merib Baal became the father of Micah. The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah. Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza. Moza became the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, one hundred fifty. All these were of the sons of Benjamin.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv1, 6, 7, 8, 21, 28, 33, 34 He continueth in the description of the tribe of…
He continueth in the description of the tribe of Benjamin, because his purpose is to set forth the genealogy of Saul.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 29, 33, 34 1Ch 8:1 Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel…
1Ch 8:1 Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,
Ver. 1. Aharah.] Alias Ahiram, {Num 26:38} and Ehi. {Gen 46:21}
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Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 28, 29, 32, 40 He had spoken something of the tribe of Benjamin…
He had spoken something of the tribe of Benjamin before, 1Ch 7:6, but now he treats of it again, and that more, fully and exactly; partly for Saul’s sake, who was of this tribe; and partly because this tribe adhered to David and the kingdom of Judah, and went with Judah into Babylon; and now were returned from thence in greater numbers than the other tribes, except Judah.
Bela; so called by Moses: but the names of the rest vary from those in Moses; either because the same person had two several names, as hath been often noted; or because these were not the immediate sons of Benjamin, but his grandchildren, here mentioned in their parents’ stead, possibly because they were more eminent than their parents.
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Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On vv1, 33 There is little or nothing of history in all…
There is little or nothing of history in all these verses; we have not therefore much to observe. 1. As to the difficulties that occur in this and the foregoing genealogies we need not perplex ourselves. I presume Ezra took them as he found them in the books of the kings of Israel and Judah (Ezr 9:1), according as they were given in by the several tribes, each observing what method they thought fit. Hence some ascend, others desecnd; some have numbers affixed, others places; some have historical remarks intermixed, others have not; some are shorter, others longer; some agree with other records, others differ; some, it is likely, were torn, erased, and blotted, others more legible. Those of Dan and Reuben were entirely lost. This holy man wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost; but there was no necessity for the making up of the defects, no, nor for the rectifying of the mistakes, of these genealogies by inspiration. It was sufficient that he copied them out as they came into his hand, or so much of them as was requisite to the present purpose, which was the directing of the returned captives to settle as nearly as they could with those of their own family, and in the places of their former residence. We may suppose that many things in these genealogies which to us seem intricate, abrupt, and perplexed, were plain and easy to them then (who knew how to fill up the deficiencies) and abundantly answered the intention of the publishing of them. 2. Many great and mighty nations there were now in being upon earth, and many illustrious men in them, whose names are buried in perpetual oblivion, while the names of multitudes of the Israel of God are here carefully preserved in everlasting remembrance. They are Jasher, Jeshurun - just ones, and the memory of the just is blessed. Many of these we have reason to fear, came short of everlasting honour (for even the wicked kings of Judah come into the genealogy), yet the perpetuating of their names here was a figure of the writing of the names of all God's spiritual Israel in the Lamb's book of life. 3. This tribe of Benjamin was once brought to a very low ebb, in the time of the judges, upon the occasion of the iniquity of Gibeah, when only 600 men escaped the sword of justice; and yet, in these genealogies, it makes as good a figure as almost any of the tribes: for it is the honour of God to help the weakest and raise up those that are most diminished and abased. 4. Here is mention of one Ehud (Ch1 8:6), in the preceding verse of one Gera (Ch1 8:5) and (Ch1 8:8) of one that descended from him, that begat children in the country of Moab, which inclines me to think it was that Ehud who was the second of the judges of Israel; for he is said to be the son of Gera and a Benjamite (Jdg 3:15), and he delivered Israel from the oppression of the Moabites by killing the king of Moab, which might give him a greater sway in the country of Moab than we find evidence of in his history and might occasion some of his posterity to settle there. 5. Here is mention of some of the Benjamites that drove away the inhabitants of Gath (Ch1 8:13), perhaps those that had slain the Ephraimites (Ch1 7:21) or their posterity, by way of reprisal: and one of those that did this piece of justice was named Beriah too, that name in which the memorial of that injury was preserved. 6. Particular notice is taken of those that dwelt in Jerusalem (Ch1 8:28 and again Ch1 8:32), that those whose ancestors had had their residence there might thereby be induced, at their return from captivity, to settle there too, which, for aught that appears, few were willing to do, because it was the post of danger: and therefore we find (Neh 11:2) the people blessed those that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem, the greater part being inclined to prefer the cities of Judah. Those whose godly parents had their conversation in the new Jerusalem should thereby be engaged to set their faces thitherward and pursue the way thither, whatever it cost them.
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John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35 Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn,.... See Ch1 7:6.…
Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn,.... See Ch1 7:6. The genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin is reviewed, because it joined and kept close with Judah in the worship of God, went into captivity, and returned out of it with it; and this review is made chiefly for the sake of Saul, and his posterity, the first king of Israel, who was of it, and in whose posterity this genealogy ends:
Ashbel the second; supposed to be the same with Jediael, Ch1 7:6, see Gen 46:21.
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and Aharah the third; the same with Aher, Ch1 7:13, and with Ahiram, Num 26:38.
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John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv1, 6, 28, 40 Some of the heads of the tribe of Benjamin,…
Some of the heads of the tribe of Benjamin, ver. 1-32. The family of Saul, ver. 33-40.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv1, 9, 12, 28, 29, 34, 40 The genealogy of Benjamin down to Saul, 1-32.
CHAPTER VIII
The genealogy of Benjamin down to Saul, 1-32.
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The children and descendants of Saul, 33-40.
NOTES ON CHAP. VIII
Verse 1. Now Benjamin begat, c.] See what has been said on the preceding chapter, see 1Ch 7:6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv1, 6, 28, 32, 40 1Ch 8:1. Now Benjamin begat Bela — He had…
1Ch 8:1. Now Benjamin begat Bela — He had spoken something of this tribe before, chap. 1Ch 7:6; but now he treats of it again, and that more fully and exactly: partly for Saul’s sake, who was of this tribe; and partly because this tribe adhered to David, and the kingdom of Judah, and went with Judah into Babylon; and now were returned from thence in greater numbers than the other tribes, except Judah. Bela his firstborn — So called by Moses: but the names of the rest vary from those in Moses. Therefore either these were Benjamin’s grand-children, or the same person had two or more names, which was not unusual.
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Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv1, 6, 8, 28, 33, 40 The reason of this return to the genealogy of…
The reason of this return to the genealogy of the Benjamites seems to be the desire to connect the genealogical introduction with the historical body of the work. As the history is to begin with Saul, the genealogical portion is made to end with an account of the family of this Benjamite monarch.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 16, 21, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 40 Benjamin. Some farther particulars of his genealogy are given,…
Benjamin. Some farther particulars of his genealogy are given, for the honour of Saul; (Calmet) and many of these, who returned from captivity, are mentioned, 1 Esdras x. 11. (Sanctius) --- Bale, &c., are called Bela, (Menochius; chap. vii. 6.) Jadiel, and Ahiram, or Echi, Numbers xxvi. 36., and Genesis xlvi.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures 1864 · Public Domain On v1 2. Again the Families of Benjamin, especially the House…
2. Again the Families of Benjamin, especially the House of Saul: 1 Chronicles 8
1. The Families of Benjamin: 1Ch_8:1-28
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1Ch_8:1.And Benjamin begat Bela his first-born, Ashbel the second, and Ahrah 2the third. Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3And the sons of Bela were Addar, and Gera, and Abihad. 4And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah. 5And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.
6And these are the sons of Ehud (these are the heads of the fathers to the 7inhabitants of Geba, and they removed them to Manahath. Even Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them): and he begat Uzza and Ahihud.
8And Shaharaim begat, in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away, Hushim and Baarah, his wives. 9And he begat of Hodesh his wife: Jobab, and Zibiah, and Mesha, and Malcam. 10And Jeuz, and Shobiah, and Mirma: these were his sons, heads of fathers. 11And of Hushim he begat Ahitub and Elpaal. And 12the sons of Elpaal: Eber, and Misham, and Shemer; he built Ono and Lod, and her daughters.
13And Beriah and Shema (these were the heads of fathers for the 14inhabitants of Aijalon; these put to flight the inhabitants of Gath). And Ahio,1 15Shashak, and Jeremoth. And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Eder. 16And Michael, and Ishpah, and Joha, sons of Beriah.
17, 18And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hizki, and Heber. And Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, sons of Elpaal.
19And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi. 20And Elienai, and Zillethai, and Eliel.21And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, sons of Shimi.
22And Ishpan, and Eber, and Eliel. 23And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan.24, 25And Hananiah, and Elam, and Antothijah. And Iphdeiah, and Penuel, sons of Shashak.
26, 27And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah. And Jaareshiah, and Elijah, and Zichri, sons of Jeroham. 28These were heads of fathers in their generations, chiefs ; these dwelt in Jerusalem.
2. The House of Saul: 1Ch_8:29-40
29And at Gibeon dwelt Abi-gibeon; and his wife’s name was Maachah. 30And his first-born son was Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab. 31And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zecher. 32And Mikloth begat Shimah; and these also, beside their brethren, dwelt in Jerusalem with their brethren.
33And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal. 34And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat Micah. 35And the sons of Micah : Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz. 36And Ahaz begat Jehoaddah; and Jehoadah 37begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza. And Moza begat Binah: Rapha his son, Elasah his son, Azel his son. 38And Azel had six sons; and these are their names : Azrikam, Bocheru,2 and Ishmael, and Shehariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan; all these were the sons of Azel. 39And the sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his first-born, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40And the sons of Ulam were valiant heroes, archers, and had many sons and sons’ sons, a hundred and fifty; all these were of the sons of Benjamin.
EXEGETICAL
Preliminary Remark.—This full supplement to the shorter genealogy of Benjamin in 1Ch_7:6-11 appears in its whole plan and form to have been taken from another document, when we regard the frequent occurrence of הוֹלִיד, the collection of many families in 1Ch_8:6-28, without expressing their relation with the nearest immediate descendants of Benjamin; and lastly, the termination of the whole genealogy, in a register of the house of Saul, reaching down nearly to the exile (or perhaps quite beyond it, as Bertheau will have it). The latter phenomena remind us of 1 Chronicles 3, 4 in relation to 1 Chronicles 2, and show that the Chronist had before him genealogical accounts of the tribe of Benjamin, and the royal house descending from it, of the same extent and exactness as of Judah and the royal house of David.
1. Families of Benjamin : 1Ch_8:1-28.—a. Sons of Benjamin and Bela : 1Ch_8:1-5.—For the relation of the five sons of Benjamin here mentioned to those of the parallel list, see on 1Ch_7:6. Keil is perhaps right in supposing that only those sons are mentioned here who founded families of Benjamin. That Ahrah = Ahiram, Num_26:38, and also = Ehi, Gen_46:21, appears certain. It is possible that the not otherwise occurring names Nohah and Rapha correspond to the Shephupham and Hupham of the parallel list, Numbers 26, or at least denote descendants of these two sons of Benjamin.
1Ch_8:3 ff. And the sons of Bela were Addar, and Gera, etc. The suspicion that the list of the sons of Bela contains several errors of transcription, is raised by the recurrence of the name Gera. אַדָּר also appears to be a transcriptive error for אַרְדְּ, Gen_46:21, שְׁפוּפָן for שְׁפוּפָם, and חוּדָם possibly for חוּפָם, Num_26:39. At any rate, several are found among these six sons of Bela, that appear in Gen_41:21 and Num_26:38 f. among the sons of Benjamin ; in particular, the first of the two Geras is like the Gera there; and Naaman there appears again here. Only Abihud, Abishua, and Ahrah occur exclusively here as sons of Benjamin.
b. Sons of Ehud: 1Ch_8:6-7.—And these are the sons of Ehud. As Ehud (אֵחוּד, union, from אחד) is radically different from Ehud (אֵהוּד, mild, from אהד, to be mild), the well-known judge Ehud, the son of Gera, Jdg_3:15, has nothing to do with the person here named.—These are the heads of the fathers to the inhabitants of Geba. These words, with the following notice of the removal to Manahath, are a parenthesis; the names of the sons of Ehud, Uzzah and Ahihud, follow at the close of 1Ch_8:7. For Geba, that is, “Geba of Benjamin,” now Jeba, a Levitical city, comp. 1Ch_6:45; 1Sa_13:3; 1Sa_13:16. The place is the same as “Gibeah of Benjamin,” 1Sa_12:2; 1Sa_12:15; 1Sa_14:2; 1Sa_14:16 (comp. Knobel on Isa_10:29). For Manahath, a place of uncertain situation, of which the inhabitants were partly from Judah, see on 1Ch_2:52 (Hazi-hammenuhoth). The subject to וַיַּגְלוּם is the three men named in ver 7, of whom, as the sing. הוּא shows, the last must have been the proper originator of the removal. Whether this Gera was the first or the second of the sons of Bela so named, is as uncertain as the other details of this old historical event.
c. Descendants of Shaharaim: 1Ch_8:8-12.—And Shaharaim begat in the field of Moab, etc. This Shaharaim, and his connection with the genealogy of Benjamin, are quite unknown. That he was the same as Ahishahar, 1Ch_7:10, or Shechariah, 1Ch_8:26, or that he lies hid under אַחֵר (= שַׁחֵר),—all these are uncertain conjectures. Neither do we know the ground of his coming to the field of Moab, or of his tarrying there.—After he had sent them away, (namely) Hushim and Baarah, his wives. מִן שִׁלְחוֹ, literally, “from his sending;” שִׁלְחוֹ, inf. Piel, retaining the i and rejecting the Dag. f. (Ew. § 238, d). The suff. in אוֹתָם though masc., refer only to the two wives whose names are appended (comp. Ew. § 309, c). The construction is thus more loose and negligent than in 1Ch_8:6-7, since to the prefixing of the verb is added an enallage generis. Moreover, the first of the two names has not a feminine form (חוּשִׁים), and is only known as such by the following נָשָׁיו.
1Ch_8:9. And he begat of Hodesh his wife, namely, his third, after the dismissal of the two above named; perhaps a Moabitess, as the names of some of her sons have a Moabitish sound, particularly מֵישָׁא (comp. the king of Moab, מֵישַׁע, 2 Kings 3), מַלְכָם (name of the idol of Ammon and Moab, Jer_49:1; Jer_49:3), etc. For הוֹלִיד מִן, comp. on 1Ch_2:18.
1Ch_8:11-12. Here follow the descendants of Shaharaim by Hushim, and these are certainly, in contrast with those Moabites, genuine Israelitish and cisjordanic, as the reference of the places Ono and Lod, west of the tribe of Benjamin, to one of them (probably to Elpaal, to whom the הוּא appears to apply) shows. Ono, without doubt adjacent to Lod, occurs also in Ezr_2:33, Neh_7:37; Neh_11:35, as a place in West Benjamin (properly by situation in Dan), and Lod is certainly Lydda, afterwards Diospolis, now Ludd or Lidd, north of Ramleh, near the road from Jaffa to Jerusalem. In 1Ch_8:17-18 follows a further series of sons of an Elpaal, whose identity with the present one is uncertain.
d. Benjamite Heads of Families of Aijalon, 1Ch_8:13, and of Jerusalem (see 1Ch_8:28): 1Ch_8:13-28.—And Beriah and Shema, etc. There is no visible genealogical connection of these and the next following with the foregoing names. On the contrary, a partly genealogical connection seems to exist between the five heads of families in 1Ch_8:13-14 and the following names in 1Ch_8:15-27. For in 1Ch_8:15-16 are “ sons of Beriah ” enumerated, in 1Ch_8:22-25 “ sons of Shashak ” (see 1Ch_8:14); and if we may connect “ the sons of Shimi” in 1Ch_8:19-21 with Shema, 1Ch_8:13 (because שֶׁמַע and שִׁמְעִי look like two forms of the same name), and discover in “ the sons of Jeroham,” 1Ch_8:26-27 (by assuming an error of the pen), descendants of Jeremoth, 1Ch_8:14, it will be still more natural to combine “ the sons of Elpaal,” 1Ch_8:17-18, with the fifth of the heads of families in 1Ch_8:13 f., and suppose “Ahio,” 1Ch_8:14 = Elpaal, read אָחִיו, with the Sept., instead of אַחְיוֹ, and supply אֶלְפַּעַל before it (according to Bertheau’s proposed emendations; see Crit. Note). Many doubts, however, remain in force against this hypothesis, especially the circumstance that both 1Ch_8:13 and 1Ch_8:15 (where the descendants of Beriah, the first of the five heads of families, are enumerated) begin with a mere ו instead of a more distinct formula of introduction (such as in 1Ch_8:6, וְאֵלֶּה וגו׳).—These were the heads of fathers for the inhabitants of Aijalon . . . Gath. A historical notice in parenthesi, like that in 1Ch_8:6-7. Aijalon, now Jalo, lay west of Gibeon, in the earlier district of Dan, where also Ono and Lod as Benjamite colonies were situated (comp. on 1Ch_8:12); see Jos_10:12; Jos_19:42. Because Beriah and Shema are here named as conquerors of the inhabitants of Gath, Bertheau thinks we may infer an identity of the present fact with that mentioned 1Ch_7:21 ff., that the Benjamite family Beriah, after the defeat there recorded (in which Ezer and Elad fell), came to the help of Ephraim against the Gathites, overcame and chastised them, in gratitude for which they were admitted by the Ephraimites into their community, whence Beriah is there represented as a late-born son of Ephraim. That this is a mere fancy is manifest from the impossibility of understanding the account of Ephraim and his sons in 1Ch_7:21 ff. otherwise than literally (see on the passage). Besides, the name Beriah is by no means so rare that the identity of these persons and events can be inferred from it alone (comp. for example, Asher’s son Beriah, 1Ch_7:30). And why might not Gath, in the long period of conflict between Israel and the Philistines, have been the object of repeated attacks by Israel?
1Ch_8:15-16. And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Eder, etc. Of these six sons of Beriah nothing further is known, though their names almost all occur elsewhere: Zebadiah, 1Ch_8:17, among Elpaal’s sons, and also 1Ch_8:7, Ezr_8:8; Ezr_10:20; Michael still oftener, etc.
1Ch_8:17-18. And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hizki, etc. Of these seven sons of Elpaal, Bertheau will identify three, Meshullam, Heber, and Ishmerai, with the three sons of Elpaal in 1Ch_8:12, Misham, Eber, and Shemer, to make the identity of the Elpaal in both places probable. But this assumption is the more uncertain, the more doubtful it is whether that earlier Elpaal family that dwelt in Ono and Lydd can, by a supposed migration, be connected with the present family in Jerusalem (see 1Ch_8:28).
1Ch_8:19 ff. On Shimi, Shashak, and Jeroham, and their probable identity with Shema, Shashak, and Jeremoth, 1Ch_8:13-14, see above. Of the sons of these three heads of families given as far as 1Ch_8:27, nothing is known elsewhere, although their names mostly recur.
1Ch_8:28. These were heads of fathers in their generations, chiefs. The repetition of רָאשִׁים serves scarcely (as the Vulg., principes inquam, and some older expositors will have it) to lay stress on the idea of heads, which would be here quite unmeaning. The sense rather appears to be, “ that the persons named in the genealogical lists are cited as heads (of houses); and this appears to be noted, that those cited as sons of such and such persons may not be taken for individual members of houses” (Keil).—These dwelt in Jerusalem, not merely the heads, but their families, who cannot be supposed to be separate from them.
2. The House of Saul: 1Ch_8:29-40 (comp. 1Ch_9:35-44, where this section, with the exception of 1Ch_8:39-40, recurs).—a. Saul’s Ancestors: 1Ch_8:29-32.—And at Gibeon dwelt Abi-gibeon; and his wife’s name was Maachah. The plur. יָֽשְׁבוּ refers also to the sons of Abi-gibeon, to be named in the following verse. Gibeon is now el Jib, two and a half hours north-west of Jerusalem; comp. Rob. 2:351. The here appellatively-named Abi-gibeon, that is, father (founder) of Gibeon (comp. the like remarks in 1Ch_2:42 ff.), bears in 1Ch_9:35 the name Jeiel or Jeuel (יְעִואֵל; Kethibיְעוּאֵל). His descent from Benjamin is not given, and he occurs only here; and so it is with Maachah his wife, whose name, however, is of frequent occurrence (comp. on 1Ch_2:48).
1Ch_8:30. And his first-born son was Abdon, etc. Instead of the eight sons of Abi-gibeon here named, 1Ch_9:36 f. enumerates ten; and, in fact, the names of two seem to have fallen out of our passage, namely Ner (between Baal and Nadab) and Mikloth (at the end of the series, ver 31), for their descendants are given in the following verses. It is doubtful whether the names בַּעַל and נָדָב at the close of our verse are to be combined into one, בַּעַלְנָדָב (as Wellh., Text d. B. Sam. p. 31, will have it). In 1Ch_9:37 we find Zechariah in place of the present זֶכֶר.
1Ch_8:32. And Mikloth begat Shimah. In 1Ch_9:38 he is called Shimam.—And these also, namely Shimah and his family, beside their brethren, dwelt in Jerusalem with their brethren. “These also ” perhaps points only to Mikloth’s family as likewise dwelling in Jerusalem. The “brethren” of these descendants of Shimah are the remaining Benjamites, in the first phrase (“beside their brethren”) perhaps those dwelling outside of Jerusalem to the west and north, and in the second (“with their brethren”) those settled in Jerusalem itself.
b. The Family of Ner, and the House of Saul: 1Ch_8:33-40.—And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul. As in 1Sa_9:1; 1Sa_14:51, the father of Kish is called Abiel, Ner is an earlier ancestor, perhaps the father or grandfather of the Abiel. Possibly, indeed, there was originally in the text, “ And Ner begat Abner (comp. 1Sa_14:51), and Kish begat Saul ;” for it is scarcely conceivable that the celebrated general Abner, the uncle of Saul, should be originally wanting in this genealogy (comp. Berth. and Kamph.).—And Saul begat Jonathan . . . and Eshbaal. Instead of these four sons of Saul, 1Sa_14:49 names only three—Jonathan, Ishui, and Malchishua. But Ishui is, as appears from 1Sa_31:2 and 1Ch_10:1, only another name for Abinadab; and thus the three, who are the three that fell with Saul, quite agree with the first three of those here named. But Eshbaal is no other than Ishbosheth, the well-known rival of David, 2Sa_2:8 ff. The change of the second element of this name (בַּעַל) intoבֹּשֶׁת, “shame, idol,” expressing abhorrence and contempt, may be compared with Jerubbaal, Jdg_6:32, changed into Jerubbesheth (יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת), 2Sa_11:21, or with the name of the son of Ishbosheth, who is here called Merib-baal (so, with a slight difference in orthography, מְרִי־בַעַל, 1Ch_9:40), but in 2Sa_4:4; 2Sa_21:7, Mephibosheth (or perhaps מְרִיבֹשֶׁת, as at least Berth, thinks; but comp. Wellh., Der Text d. B. Sam. p. 31).
1Ch_8:35. The sons of Micah, the son of the lame Meribbaal, are four in number, the same as in 1Ch_9:41-42, only that the last but one is called Tahrea (תַּחְרֵעַ) instead of Tarea (תַּאְרֵע).
1Ch_8:36. And Ahaz begat Jehoaddah. The descendants of this Ahaz are traced through ten generations. For יְהוֹעַדָּה (יוֹעַדָּה) stands in 1Ch_9:42יַעְרָה, by a mistake of ר for ד. Of the two following names, Alemeth occurs (with a slight variation) in 1Ch_9:42 as a Benjamite place, and Azmaveth twice, 1Ch_11:33 and 1Ch_12:3, as a Benjamite person.
1Ch_8:37. Instead of Rapha (רָפָא), the parallel 1Ch_9:43 has the longer and more original form Rephaiah (רְפָיָה).
1Ch_8:38. For the name Bocheru, the second of the sons of Azel, comp. Crit. Note.
1Ch_8:40. And the sons of Ulam were valiant heroes, archers. For the expression, comp. 1Ch_5:18. For the thing, namely, the warlike prowess of the tribe of Benjamin, comp. Jdg_20:16, Gen_49:27.—And had many sons and sons’ sons, a hundred and fifty. For מַרְבִּים, properly “ multiplying” sons, comp. 1Ch_7:4, Lev_11:42. As grandsons of Ulam and grand-nephews of Azel (who was the thirteenth in descent from Saul), the hundred and fifty here mentioned were the fifteenth generation from Saul. If we reckon for every generation a maximum average of thirty years, the resulting sum of 450 years from the time of Saul (1095–1055) would terminate in the middle or second half of the 7th century b.c., and therefore in the time before the exile. Against Bertheau’s attempt to assign the sons and grandsons of Ulam to the time after the exile, Keil justly remarks on the whole: “ This reckoning is too high. Sixty years cannot be allowed for Saul and Jonathan, as Jonathan fell in the year 1055, and his son Meribbaal was then only five years old, and therefore born in 1060. In the following generations also not more than twenty-five years on an average (?) can be allowed. Accordingly, the grandsons of Ulam’s sons, who were the twelfth generation from Micah (son of Meribbaal), may have come into the world about 760 b.C.., have grown into the host of 150 grandsons of Ulam about 760–700. But even if thirty years be reckoned for each generation, the last-named generation of 150 grandsons and great-grandsons of Ulam would have lived in the period from 660–600, and therefore before the exile, at least before the first great deportation of the people under Jehoiachin, 599 b.C.” Moreover, the traces of a representation of the relations of the tribe of Benjamin after the exile which he has endeavoured to show in our chapter,—for example, the occurrence of several names of places and persons of our section in the history of the times of Ezra and Nehemiah, the connection of the Benjamites in the land of Moab mentioned 1Ch_8:8-10 with the “princes in Moab” (פחת מואב) named in Ezr_2:6; Ezr_8:4; Ezr_10:30, Neh_3:11; Neh_7:11, the form בֹּכְרוּ corresponding with גַּשְׁמוּ, the near agreement of the number 150 with the numbers of some families in Ezra and Nehemiah (comp. Ezr_2:18-30; Ezr_8:3 ff.), etc.,—-would only render it probable that the present genealogical account extends beyond the exile, if we were entitled to suppose that a number of links had fallen out in the series of generations from Saul to Ulam and his grandsons. The possibility of such assumption is as undeniable as it is precarious to take it for granted without any sufficient ground.—All these were of the sons of Benjamin. “All these” goes back to 1Ch_8:1, and includes the whole of the names in our section.
Footnotes:
[1]Instead of a proper name אַחְיוֹ, the Sept. read אָחִיו, as they render ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ. The conjecture of Bertheau, that the appellative is the original sense, and that the name Elpaal, which from 1Ch_8:18 we expect here, has fallen out before this אחיו, so that the text was originally וְאֶלְפַּעַל אָחִיו וְשְׁשָׁק, is very plausible. See Exposition
[2]For בֹּכְרוּ (with the closing u of proper names, comp. גַּשְׁמוּ, Neh_6:6) the Sept. (πρωτότοκος αὐτοῦ) and some Hebrew mss. read בְּכוֹרוֹ, incorrectly however, as six sons of Azel are announced.
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures (Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical), ed. John Peter Lange, English translation edited by Philip Schaff (1864–1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv6, 8, 28, 33, 34, 36, 40 these are the sons of Ehud--most probably the judge…
these are the sons of Ehud--most probably the judge of Israel (Jdg 3:15). His descendants, who had at first been established in Geba in Benjamin, emigrated in a body under the direction of Gera (Ch1 8:7) to Manahath, where their increased numbers would find more ample accommodation. Manahath was within the territory of Judah.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 20, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39 Ch. 1Ch_8:1-40 (cp. 1Ch_7:6-12). The Genealogy of Benjamin. The…
Ch. 1Ch_8:1-40 (cp. 1Ch_7:6-12). The Genealogy of Benjamin. The Benjamite Families which dwelt in Jerusalem
1. Bela … Ashbel … Aharah] See 1Ch_7:6, notes.
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40 THE SONS OF BENJAMIN AND BELA (1Ch_8:1-5).
THE SONS OF BENJAMIN AND BELA (1Ch_8:1-5).
(See Notes on 1Ch_7:6-7.)
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Bela his first-born.—The Hebrew word for “firstborn” in Gen_46:21 may have been turned into the proper name Becher, by an ancient mistake of the scribes. (See Note on 1Ch_7:6.)
Ashbel.—Probably the same as Jediael.
Aharah the same as Ahiram and Ehirosh.
(2) Nohah and Rapha.—These names do not occur in either of the other lists. The present series agrees with Num_26:38 in assigning five sons to Benjamin, of whom Bela is the first, and Ashbel the second. Further, there is enough likeness between the name Aharah here and Ahiram there to warrant our assumption of their original identity. But we cannot hence conclude that the Nohah and Rapha of our list answer to the Shephupham-Shupham and Hupham of the other. It is more likely that Nohah and Rapha represent different clans, which were prominent at the time when the present list was draughted. Rapha reminds us of the valley of Rephaim, south-west of Jerusalem, 1Ch_11:15.
(3-5) The sons of Bela here are nine, like the sons of the suspected Becher, 1Ch_7:8. But none of the names correspond.
(3) Addar the same as Ard, who in Numbers 26 is eldest son of Bela, but in Genesis 46 apparently his youngest brother.
Gera appears as brother of Bela in Gen_46:21. The name is repeated in 1Ch_8:5, probably by a scribe’s inadvertence; though there may have been two great Benjamite houses so designated.
Abihud (4) and Abishua are peculiar to the present list.
Naaman is a son of Bela in Numbers 26, a brother in Genesis 46.
Ahoah is peculiar, unless he be identified with the Ehi of Genesis 46.
Shephupham and Huram, younger sons of Bela in the present series, are in Gen. and Num. his younger brothers Muppim (Shuppim) and Huppim, or Shephupbam and Hupham. These fluctuations of statement are worth observing, because they demonstrate the vagueness of terms denoting various degrees of kindred, when used in describing tribal and clan relationships.
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The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 This chapter carries us back to the tribe of…
This chapter carries us back to the tribe of Benjamin, partly dealt with already. (1Ch_7:6-12) The tribe is reverted to for the same kind of reason that called for our ch. 3. David was so important a character in the Judah tribe. And Saul, with whom the resume of Chronicle-history begins, (1Ch_8:33 1Ch_9:39 1Ch_9:10) belongs to the Benjamin tribe. Thus the genealogy of this tribe forms the perch to the history contained in this work, and the forty verses of this chapter rehearse the sons and chief men of Benjamin, with a view to bring into prominence the stock of Saul.
Vers. 1, 2. These verses give five sons to Benjamin. Of the nonappearance of Becher here (1Ch_7:6) and the appearance of Ashbel in his place, also of the non-appearance here of Jediael (1Ch_7:6) and the appearance of Aharah (i.q. Ahiram, Num_26:38) in his place, notice has been taken on 1Ch_7:6-12. Of the two additions to the sons of Benjamin here, viz. Nohah and Rapha, nothing is known elsewhere; yet it may be possible to count five families Num_26:38, Num_26:39.
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HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON Vers. 1-40.
Readings between the lines.
between the lines," or extracting from these tables some moral truths which, if they do not contain, they may fairly suggest, we gather
I THAT ALLIANCES OFTEN END IN ENTANGLEMENTS AND ENTAIL UNCONSIDERED CONSEQUENCES. Shaharaim went into Moab and there married a Moabitess, having children of her (ver. 8). The names of his sons (ver. 9) were Moabitish Mesha (see, 2Ki_3:4) Malcham (an idol of Moab; see 1Ki_11:33 and. Jer_49:1, Jer_49:2) This fact points clearly to the evil influence under which his children came through this matrimonial alliance. If we "make affinity" with those who are not of like mind and like principles with ourselves, we must be prepared for serious spiritual consequences.
II THAT HUMAN ACTIVITY MAY HAVE VERY LONG RESULTS. Shamed, the son of Elpaal, built two cities; one of them was Lod (ver. 12). This is identical with the Lydda of our New Testament, (Act_9:32) and with the modern Ludd. Here we have an instance of the results of one man"s activity being witnessed more than thirty centuries after he has been gathered to his fathers. Who can say how far down the stream of time our influence will go? It may be visible to the eye of men for generations; it will be apparent to the eye of God to the end of time.
Our echoes roll from soul to soul, And live for ever and for ever.
III THAT VIOLENCE IS A BAD FOUNDATION OF REST AND POWER. In ver. 13 we learn that, by a noteworthy coincidence, Beriah with Shema "drove away the inhabitants of Gath." In the previous chapter (ver. 21) we read that the inhabitants of Gath slew the sons of Ephraim. Truly "they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Violence seizes on a neighbour"s land, and by violence is itself dispossessed. That which we gain by mere physical force we must be prepared to part with to the next comer who is stronger than we. The history of the world has, in a large and painful degree, been the record of unlawful seizure and reluctant forfeiture of lands and goods. How much wiser and better to secure by honourable and worthy means that which "no man taketh away" from us, treasure which we shall carry with us whithersoever we go, which time itself cannot steal, and death cannot hold in its grasp!
IV THAT IT IS WISE TO STAMP BAD THINGS WITH AN EVIL NAME. Esh-baal (ver. 33) is the Ishbosheth of 2Sa_11:21; while Merib-baal (ver. 34) is the Mephibesheth of 2Sa_4:4. In these two cases Baal is turned into Bosheth, which signifies shame. Thus, by a simple name, the heathen deity was branded with public reprobation. The evil thing was made to seem the ugly and offensive thing.it was. Nothing can be more perilous to the community than the wrapping up of a sin m some pleasant euphemism; e.g. if a daughter has been sinful she should not be called "unfortunate." Vice does not lose half its evil by losing all its grossness. If we label sin with a name that passes current in society, we are co-workers with the tempter himself. Speak of sin in terms that will bring it into disrepute and reprobation.
V THAT FAITHFUL REMEMBRANCE IN THE DAY OF POWER IS AN EXCELLENT GRACE. The line of Jonathan is traced to many generations (ver. 34, etc.). Is not the hand of David here? Is this not a sign that his vow (1Sa_20:15) was honourably fulfilled? What we promise as we are rising we should scrupulously discharge when we have attained the summit of our desires. Many are profuse in promises when the day of performance is distant, but very forgetful of their vows when the hour has come to redeem them. It is the mark of a true man to carry out with generous fulness all that he undertook when he was a long way from the goal and the prize.
VI THAT THE THOUGHT OF A WORTHY ANCESTRY IS AN HONOURABLE INDUCEMENT TO WELL-DOING. "These dwelt in Jerusalem" (vers. 28, 32). When the captives returned from Babylon there was a lack of men to populate the sacred city. In the country were inviting fields waiting for cultivation, while in the city was danger to be dared and civic duty, to be discharged. So that "the people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem". (Neh_11:2) The fact that their ancestors dwelt in the city would probably operate as a powerful inducement to lead many to offer themselves as citizens, and these would thus be led to serve their country in a very serious crisis. The knowledge of the honourable position taken by our ancestry is a very lawful motive to obedience and aspiration. We should, indeed, range ourselves on the right side, and do the noblest deeds because our God, our Saviour, summons us to his side and to the service of our race. But there are many subsidiary motives by which we may be impelled. And among these is the consideration of the part and place our fathers took in their day. We may well be inspired by the thought of their fidelity, their courage, their piety, their usefulness. We do well to cherish the ambition to be worthy of our sires, to maintain and magnify an honourable name, not only to be "the children of our Father who is in heaven," but the children of our earthly ancestors who dwelt in the city of God and wrought his work in the world. C.
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The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v1 Now Benjamin begat Bela his first-born
1Ch_8:1-40
Now Benjamin begat Bela his first-born
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Readings between the lines
I.
That alliances often end in entanglements and entail unconsidered consequences. Shaharaim went into Moab and there married a Moabitess, having children of her (1Ch_8:8). The names of his sons (1Ch_8:9) were Moabitish--Mezha (see 2Ki_3:4), Maleham (an idol of Moab; see 1Ki_11:33 and Jer_49:1-2). This fact points clearly to the evil influence under which his children came through this matrimonial alliance. If we make affinity with those who are not of like mind and like principles with ourselves, we must be prepared for serious spiritual consequences.
II. That human activity may have very long results. Shamed, the son of Elpaal, built two cities; one of them was Led (1Ch_8:12). This is identical with the Lydda of our New Testament (Act_9:32), and with the modern Ludd. Here we have an instance of the results of one mans activity being witnessed more than thirty centuries after he has been gathered to his fathers. Who can say how far down the stream of time our influence will go?
III. That violence is a bad foundation of rest and power. In 1Ch_8:13 we learn that, by a noteworthy coincidence, Beriah with Shema drove away the inhabitants of Gath. In the previous chapter (1Ch_8:21) we read that the inhabitants of Gath slew the sons of Ephraim. Truly they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Violence seizes on a neighbours land, and by violence is itself dispossessed.
IV. That it is wise to stamp bad things with an evil name. Esh-baal (1Ch_8:33) is the Ishbosheth of 2Sa_11:21; while Merib-baal (verse 34) is the Mephibosheth of 2Sa_4:4. In these two eases Baal is turned into Bosheth, which signifies shame. Thus, by a simple name, the heathen deity was branded with public reprobation. The evil thing was made to seem the ugly and offensive thing it was. Nothing can be more perilous to the community than the wrapping up of a sin in some pleasant euphemism; e.g., if a daughter has been sinful she should not be called unfortunate. Vice does not lose half its evil by losing all its grossness. If we label sin with a name that passes current in society, we are co-workers with the tempter himself.
V. That faithful remembrance in the day of power is an excellent grace. The line of Jonathan is traced to many generations (verse 34, etc.). Is not the hand of David here? Is this not a sign that his vow (1Sa_20:15)was honourably filled? What we promise as we are rising we should scrupulously discharge when we have attained the summit of our desires. It is the mark of a true man to carry out with generous fulness all that he undertook when he was a long way from the goal and the prize.
VI. That the thought of a worthy ancestry is an honourable inducement to well-doing. These dwelt in Jerusalem (verses 28-82). When the captives returned from Babylon there was a lack of men to populate the sacred city. In the country were inviting fields waiting for cultivation, while in the city was danger to be dared and civic duty to be discharged. So that the people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem (Neh_11:2). The fact that their ancestors dwelt in the city would probably operate as a powerful inducement to lead many to offer themselves as citizens, and these would thus be led to serve their country in a very serious crisis. The knowledge of the honourable position taken by our ancestry is a very lawful motive to obedience and aspiration.
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v1 CRITICAL NOTES.] Benjamin, son of Bilhan (1Ch_7:10), great-grandson of…
CRITICAL NOTES.] Benjamin, son of Bilhan (1Ch_7:10), great-grandson of son of Jacob. Posterity given on account of history of Saul. This tribe remained faithful during the revolt of the ten, and returned with Judah from Babylon.
1Ch_8:3-5.—The nine sons of this Bela are all different in name from the five sons of the earlier Bela (1Ch_7:7). The names Gera, Naaman, and Shephuphan (Num_26:39) are heirlooms from the household of the former Benjamin (Jdg_3:15) [Murphy].
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1Ch_8:6-12.—Ehud same as 1Ch_7:10; others either Abihud of 1Ch_8:3, or Ahoah of 1Ch_8:4. Some of sons heads of houses in Geba, now Jeba, probably removed by force to Manhahath, 1Ch_8:7. 1Ch_8:8. “Shar, from some untold cause, made a temporary migration to the plains of Moab, as Elimelech and David afterwards (Rth_1:2; 1Sa_20:3).” 1Ch_8:9. Hodesh, third wife, from whom seven sons, some names indicating Moabitish affinity. 1Ch_8:12. These places mentioned, Ezr_2:33; Neh_7:37. Lod, same as Lydda (Act_9:32), which is now Lydd [Speak. Com.]. 1Ch_8:13. Ber. and Sh., names to be attached to last verse to complete list of sons of Elpaal [Speak. Com.].
1Ch_8:14-18.—Nine sons of Beriah, 1Ch_8:14-16; seven other sons of Elpaal, 1Ch_8:17-18; twelve altogether.
1Ch_8:19-21.—Nine sons of Shimi, the Shema (1Ch_8:13), son of Elpaal, associated with Beriah.
1Ch_8:22-28.—Eleven sons of Shashak, son of Beriah, 1Ch_8:14. 1Ch_8:27 Jeroham as Jeremoth, 1Ch_8:14. 1Ch_8:28. These, descendants of Bilhan, given from beginning of ch. Dwelt. Jerusalem partly within the limits of the tribe of Benjamin (Jos_18:28); but we do not hear of Benjamites inhabiting it until return from Captivity (1Ch_9:13; Neh_11:4).
1Ch_8:29-40.—Genealogy of Saul and Jonathan. Gibeon, not Gibeah, capital of Saul’s kingdom (1Sa_10:26; 1Sa_13:2); modern name El-jib, five or six miles from Jerusalem. Father, i.e., chief of city. whose name Jehiel dropped out here, but given ch. 1Ch_9:35, where this genealogy is repeated. 1Ch_8:30. Baal, between which and Nadab should come “Ner,” restored ch. 1Ch_9:36; Zacher (Zacchariah), to which add Mikloth, ch. 1Ch_9:37. 1Ch_8:33. Kish, called after his uncle, 1Ch_8:30. Abinadab, another name for Ishui, 1Sa_14:49; 1Sa_31:2. Esh-baal Ish-bosheth (“man of shame”), as Jerub-baal and Jerub-besheth, 2Sa_11:21. Merib-baal (“striving with Baal”) called Mephibosheth, 2Sa_4:2. 1Ch_8:36. Jehodah, Jarah in parallel list 1Ch_9:42; and Rapha (1Ch_9:37) Rephaiah (1Ch_9:43). 1Ch_8:40. This genealogy of the house of Saul appears, by the number of generations, to belong probably to time of Hezekiah (cf. ch. 1Ch_4:41). Ulam’s “sons’ sons” are in the thirteenth generation from Jonathan, as Hezekiah is in the thirteenth generation from David [Speak. Com.].
HOMILETICS
THE NATURE OF INSPIRED HISTORY.—1Ch_8:1-40
I. The materials of which it is composed. Persons and events histories and genealogies, exhortations and warnings, giving variety and interest.
II. The difficulties which surround it. In names and repetitions, chronology, numbers, and authorship. Difficulties in history and condition of text itself. But these do not destroy the value of the record. Difficulties an evidence in favour of its Divine character, in harmony with its professed design, and a moral test and training. “The very difficulties and limitations of revelation are adapted to the conditions of moral growth. It requires and repays toil. It tasks, tries, and puzzles and strengthens faith. It is like man to make everything regular, easy, and plain; but that is not like the God of nature, of history, and of the Bible” [Smyth].
III. The principles on which it is written. Special in design; substantial unity in authorship, periods, and growth. Hence care in choice of matter, and providence in preservation of the records. Methods to bring in prominence and to keep in shade. Records in full, and apparently insignificant allusions; but one grand aim, one directing force, one unbroken leadership in all ages, arranging and guiding for the accomplishment of one purpose.
THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN.—1Ch_8:1-32
The tribe mentioned, ch. 1Ch_7:6-12; reverted to because Saul, the first king of Israel, came from this tribe. The genealogy contains its chief men, and forms an introduction to the history recorded in these books.
I. The changes through which it passed. Its history to entrance into Promised Land as meagre as afterwards full. After departure from Egypt, the smallest tribe but one (Num_1:36), in the time of the Judges involved in civil war, upon the occasion of iniquity of Gibeah, almost extinguished, and little hope of revival, for nearly all women slain, and the eleven other tribes bound by oath not to marry their daughters to any man belonging to Benjamin (Jdg_19:20-21; Jdg_21:10; Jdg_21:21). But increase of tribe so rapid, that in time of David it numbered 59,434 able men (1Ch_7:6-12); in that of Asa, 280,000 (2Ch_14:8); and in that of Jehoshaphat, 200,000 (2Ch_17:17). The tribe honoured with giving the first king to Israel, and after the exile, along with Judah, constituted the flower of the Jewish colony (cf. Ezra 11:1; Ezr_10:9).
II. The notices by which it is characterised. Several circumstances conduce to the importance of this small tribe.
1. The only tribe that produced skilful archers, men expert with the bow, 1Ch_8:40 (cf. 1Sa_20:20; 2Sa_1:22; 2Ch_17:17), and with sling (Jdg_20:16).
2. From this tribe sprang a deliverer. After first conquest of country the nation under foreign yoke, groaned in misery, and turned to Ehud, son of Gera, for help (1Ch_8:6). Proficient in use of left hand, a practice confined to Benjamites, who did work with small risk (cf. Jdg_3:15; Jdg_20:16; 1Ch_12:2).
3. Baanah and Rechab, captains of predatory bands, were of “the children of Benjamin” (2Sa_4:2).
THE ROYAL FAMILY.—1Ch_8:33-40
A particular account given.
I. Its head or chief. “Saul, son of Kish.” Good-looking and of commanding appearance, the choice of Israel, but not by the will of God (1Sa_9:2). A man of valoûr, with capacity to govern and lead; the first king of Israel who occupied a position between the heroic age of Judges and the settled monarchy of David and Solomon.
II. Its posterity. Numerous, able, and honoured in sacred genealogy. Jonathan’s line given for about ten generations. The list ends in Ulam, whose family became famous in the tribe (1Ch_8:40), and qualified to serve their country. This better than wealth and high position. In this list trace the hand of David in fulfilling his promise (1Sa_20:15; 2Sa_9:1; 2Sa_9:3; 2Sa_9:7). A mark of generosity to remember in prosperity what we promised in adversity.
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
1Ch_8:8-9. Shaharaim, the Benjamite polygamist, sent away (by divorce many think) Hushim and Baara, his wives, and this prepared the way for another, Hodesh (new, recent). Others say that Hodesh is another name for Baara, so called because her husband, after long desertion, returned in affection to her.
1Ch_8:9-11. Seven unknown sons. How many pass away never mentioned, unknown and buried in oblivion!
1Ch_8:13. Drove away. A deed showing—
1. That inheritance gained by violence may be taken away again. It is insecure. Wicked schemes may prosper, but justice tracks their steps and ruin is inevitable. “So are the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain, which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.”
2. Hence retribution certain. In ch. 1Ch_7:21, the men of Gath slew the Ephraimites; in this verse Beriah and Shema “drove away the inhabitants of Gath.” “They that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
1Ch_8:28. Dwelling in Jerusalem. After return from Babylon, in the city was danger, civic duties and lack of population. Hence—
1. Preference for position of duty and danger.
2. Imitation of noble example. Their ancestors dwelt in the city, and they were induced to take their place. “The glory of children are their fathers.” Let us become children of “parents passed into the skies,” take their place and carry on their work.
3. Blessedness in the result. “The people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem” (Neh_11:2).
1Ch_8:33. Jonathan, who was, as the Romans said of Pompey, a most amiable son of an odious father [Trapp].
1Ch_8:33-34. Suggestive names. Esh-baal, Ishbosheth (2Sa_2:8; 2Sa_3:7-14; 2Sa_4:4-12). Meri-baal, Mephibosheth (2Sa_9:12). The Hebrew word bosheth is always applied in Scripture to denote an idol, “as exposing the devotee to shame, as well as being an abomination to the Lord.” Esh, a man of shame, and Merib-baal (contender against Baal), the destroyer of shame, exterminator of idols [Gesenius].
1Ch_8:40. All these sons.
1. The natural succession of the race. We read of “sons,” “children,” and “fathers,” and “children’s children.” “One generation passeth away and another generation cometh.” “The earth is a stage, persons passing and vanishing before our eyes” [Beza].
2. The moral connection of the race. Men an honour or dishonour to their own lineage; influenced by their fathers as they are influencing posterity. There are laws of influence and dependence which run through the whole race. Every human being sustains a relation, possesses a right and is endowed with power to subserve the great end. “No man liveth unto himself.”
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. R. Dummelow 1909 · Public Domain On v1 Genealogies (continued)
Genealogies (continued)
This chapter contains a second account of the descendants of Benjamin, and traces the ancestors and descendants of Saul.
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1. Now Benjamin, etc.] The names of Benjamin's descendants are repeated (with some variants) from 1Ch_7:7., in order to lead up to the mention of Saul (1Ch_8:33), the predecessor of David (1Ch_10:14), whose history forms the chief subject of this book.
3. And Abihud] perhaps to be corrected to 'father (Heb. Abi) of Ehud': see 1Ch_8:6 and Jdg_3:15.
6. Removed] RV 'carried them captive': and so in 1Ch_8:7. The occasion is not known.
8. After he had, etc.] RM 'after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives.'
12. Ono and Lod] These towns elsewhere are mentioned only in post-exilic times (Ezr_2:33), so that the personal or family names in these vv. probably belong to that period. Benjamites are expressly mentioned in 1Ch_9:3; Neh_11:4, as being among those who returned from the captivity.
29. The father of Gibeon] the 'Jehiel' of 1Ch_9:35.
33. Ner begat Kish] Ner and Kish were brothers (1Ch_9:36), so that the text should be corrected to 'Ner begat Abner and Kish begat Saul': cp. 1 Samuel 14 Eshbaal] the 'Ish-bosheth' of 2Sa_2:8. The title 'Baal,' meaning 'lord' or 'possessor,' was at first used of Jehovah as well as of other deities (see Hos_2:16) and entered into several Hebrew names ('Eshbaal,' 'Merib-baal,' 'Beeliada'). But in consequence of the evil associations that gathered round it, it afterwards came to be disused in connexion with the Lord, and in the personal appellations of which it formed part the word bosheth ('shame') was often substituted to indicate abhorrence ('Ish-bosheth,' 'Mephibosheth').
34. Meribbaal] i.e. Mephibosheth: see on 1Ch_8:33.
40. Archers] for the skill of Benjamites with the bow see 2Ch_14:8.
J. R. Dummelow, A Commentary on the Holy Bible (Macmillan, 1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain On v1 6. Benjamin
6. Benjamin
CHAPTER 8
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1. The genealogies of Benjamin (1Ch 8:1-28)
2. The house of Saul (1Ch 8:29-40)
In comparing this list with Gen 46:21 we find some differences. The names of Benjamites include many who were born in the captivity and who returned to the land and dwelt in Jerusalem. Twice we read “those dwelt in Jerusalem” (verses 28, 32). Some of the names are found in the list of restored exiles in Ezra (chapter 2). Benjamin being brought back from the exile, their loyalty to Judah and the temple was rewarded by God. The following passages will give further light on Benjamin’s connection with Judah and sharing the blessing of the return from Babylon (Ezr 1:5; chapter 2; 4:1; Neh. 7; 11:4, 7, 31; 12:34).
The genealogy of Saul stands last in this chapter. The overthrow of Saul in chapter 10 forms the beginning of the historical records in Chronicles. The son of Jonathan mentioned in verse 34 as Merib-baal is Mephibosheth (2Sa 4:4).
Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible (1913–1922) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv1, 32 The Line of the Tribe of Benjamin
The Line of the Tribe of Benjamin
v. 1. Now, Benjamin begat Bela, his firstborn, Ashbel, the second, and Aharah, the third,
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v. 2. Nohah, the fourth, and Rapha, the fifth. The fact that many names in the list following are different from those given by Moses is due either to the custom of having more than one name or to the use of the word "sons" in the wider sense, which includes grandsons and even descendants farther removed.
v. 3. And the sons of Bela were Addar (or Ard), and Gera, and Abihud,
v. 4. and Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,
v. 5. and Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram. Cf Gen 46:21; Num 26:38-39.
v. 6. And these are the sons of Ehud; these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba, a Levitical city otherwise known as Gibea of Benjamin, 1Sa 13:3-16, and they removed them to Manahath;
v. 7. and Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, it was under his direction that the transfer to Manahath was effected, and begat Uzza and Ahihud.
v. 8. And Shaharaim begat children in the country of Moab, where he may have gone during one of the famines in the time of the Judges, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives. It appears that he forsook his wives for the time of the famine and married a Moabite woman, returning afterward, however, to his first wives.
v. 9. And he begat of Hodesh, his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,
v. 10. and Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These were his sons, heads of the fathers, powerful and influential leaders of large divisions in the tribe.
v. 11. And of Hushim he begat Ahitub and Elpaal.
v. 12. The sons of Elpaal: Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono and Lod with the towns thereof, these being cities on the extreme western boundary of Benjamin;
v. 13. Beriah also and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, in the neighborhood of the other cities, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath, the Philistine city-state at some distance to the west;
v. 14. and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,
v. 15. and Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,
v. 16. and Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;
v. 17. and Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki, and Heber,
v. 18. Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal;
v. 19. and Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,
v. 20. and Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel,
v. 21. and Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi (or Shema);
v. 22. and Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,
v. 23. and Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,
v. 24. and Hananiah, and Elam, and Antothijah,
v. 25. and Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;
v. 26. and Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,
v. 27. and Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham.
v. 28. These were heads of the fathers by their generations, chief men, the registration lists showed them to be leaders in their respective divisions. These dwelt in Jerusalem, whose upper city was really in the tribe of Benjamin.
v. 29. And at Gibeon, some eight miles northwest of Jerusalem, dwelt the father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maachah;
v. 30. and his first-born son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
v. 31. and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher (or Zachariah). V. 32. And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them, in a special quarter near them. The tribe of Benjamin recovered in a very remarkable manner after the events which almost resulted in its extermination, Judges 20, 21.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 6, 8, 12, 14, 19, 22, 26, 29, 32, 35, 38 General Information:
General Information:
All of the names here are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
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translationWords
Benjamin
firstborn
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 3, 6, 7, 29, 33 8:1-40 The genealogy of Benjamin’s descendants brings the genealogies…
8:1-40 The genealogy of Benjamin’s descendants brings the genealogies to a close. The record began with Judah, the tribe of David; it ends with Benjamin, the tribe of Saul.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.