ScriptureDepth's study of 1 Chronicles 8
“Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,”
1 Chronicles 8:1
The Chronicler recounts Benjamin's lineage, establishing Bela as firstborn, which sets the foundation for the historical connections and identities of the tribe of Benjamin.
What 1 Chronicles 8 is about
Benjamin had five sons: Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, and Rapha (vv. 1-2). Bela’s lineage includes Addar, Gera, and others in Geba, where they were taken captive (vv. 3-6). Shaharaim had children in Moab with his wives Hushim and Baara, along with other sons listed by name (vv. 8-11). The sons of Elpaal included Eber and Misham, who were involved in settling Ono and Lod alongside Beriah, whose family expelled inhabitants from Gath (vv. 12-22). The chapter names heads of households living in Jerusalem, mentioning names like Ishpan and Jeroham (vv. 23-28). Next, it describes the family of Kish, highlighting Saul and his descendants, including Jonathan (vv. 29-36). The lineage concludes with Azel, who had six sons, and Ulam, a notable warrior with many descendants (vv. 37-40).
The chapter leaves a record of the lineage of Benjamin and their roles, establishing their connection to Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 8 at a glance
- 1 Chronicles 8:1–6The Lineage of Benjamin
- 1 Chronicles 8:7–11Captivity and Family of Shaharaim
- 1 Chronicles 8:12–22Sons of Elpaal and Beriah
- 1 Chronicles 8:23–28Heads of Households in Jerusalem
- 1 Chronicles 8:29–36Gibeon and the Family of Kish
- 1 Chronicles 8:37–40Final Descendants of Benjamin
Key verse: 1 Chronicles 8:1
One thing to notice
The names of Benjamin's descendants are listed in a structured format throughout the chapter. Each segment introduces a new family line, such as 'Bela his firstborn' in v. 1 and 'the sons of Elpaal' in v. 12, creating a consistent pattern in the genealogical record.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read 1 Chronicles 8 (WEB)
The Lineage of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:1–6
1Verse 1. Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, 2Verse 2. Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3Verse 3. Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4Verse 4. Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5Verse 5. Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 6Verse 6. These are the sons of Ehud. These are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba, who were carried captive to Manahath:
Captivity and Family of Shaharaim 1 Chronicles 8:7–11
7Verse 7. Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them captive; and he became the father of Uzza and Ahihud. 8Verse 8. Shaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away. Hushim and Baara were his wives. 9Verse 9. By Hodesh his wife, he became the father of Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 10Verse 10. Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ households. 11Verse 11. By Hushim, he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal.
Sons of Elpaal and Beriah 1 Chronicles 8:12–22
12Verse 12. The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with its towns; 13Verse 13. and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath; 14Verse 14. and Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth, 15Verse 15. Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16Verse 16. Michael, Ishpah, Joha, the sons of Beriah, 17Verse 17. Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,
18Verse 18. Ishmerai, Izliah, Jobab, the sons of Elpaal, 19Verse 19. Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 20Verse 20. Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21Verse 21. Adaiah, Beraiah, Shimrath, the sons of Shimei, 22Verse 22. Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,
Heads of Households in Jerusalem 1 Chronicles 8:23–28
23Verse 23. Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, 24Verse 24. Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25Verse 25. Iphdeiah, Penuel, the sons of Shashak, 26Verse 26. Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27Verse 27. Jaareshiah, Elijah, Zichri, and the sons of Jeroham. 28Verse 28. These were heads of fathers’ households throughout their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.
Gibeon and the Family of Kish 1 Chronicles 8:29–36
29Verse 29. The father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, lived in Gibeon, 30Verse 30. with his firstborn son Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31Verse 31. Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher. 32Verse 32. Mikloth became the father of Shimeah. They also lived with their brothers in Jerusalem, near their brothers. 33Verse 33. Ner became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 34Verse 34. The son of Jonathan was Merib Baal. Merib Baal became the father of Micah.
35Verse 35. The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36Verse 36. Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah. Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.
Final Descendants of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:37–40
37Verse 37. Moza became the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. 38Verse 38. Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39Verse 39. The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40Verse 40. 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.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in 1 Chronicles 8
Genealogy and Heritage
This chapter provides a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, tracing their lineage from Benjamin through various descendants. In verses 1-6, the names of Benjamin's sons are listed, including 'Bela' and 'Ashbel', which establishes family connections. The genealogy continues with listings of families and their leaders, such as 'Eber' and 'Elpaal' in verses 12-18, which is significant for understanding Israel's tribal history.
God's Faithfulness
The continuity of God's promise to the descendants of Benjamin is evident in the lineage of notable figures throughout this chapter. For instance, verses 33-34 trace the lineage from 'Kish' to 'Saul' and then to 'Jonathan', affirming God's faithfulness in preserving a royal line. The consistent recording of family names and their achievements shows that God remains active in the history of His people.
Identity in Community
The chapter outlines the families that compose the community of Benjamin, presenting them as a cohesive group. Verses 28-29 detail the heads of households living in Jerusalem, indicating a structured community identity tied to their ancestral lineage. This sense of belonging is reinforced as the descendants are listed alongside their roles and accomplishments, such as those who 'put to flight the inhabitants of Gath' in vv. 13-14.
The Importance of Lineage
Lineage is crucial in this chapter, as it records the genealogical lines that connect individuals to their ancestors. In verses 37-40, the descendants of 'Azel' and 'Ulam' are named, showcasing how lineage establishes identity and status within Israel. This focus on family ties indicates the role of ancestry in defining a person’s place within the broader community.
Chapter outline
How 1 Chronicles 8 unfolds
1 Chronicles 8:1–6 The Lineage of Benjamin
Benjamin's lineage begins with 'Bela his firstborn' and lists his sons, establishing their identities as 'heads of fathers’ households' in Geba who were 'carried captive to Manahath' (vv. 1-6).
1 Chronicles 8:7–11 Captivity and Family of Shaharaim
Shaharaim's story reveals his lineage and the families he established after sending away his children (v. 8). The passage identifies his wives and their offspring, further detailing his family connections.
1 Chronicles 8:12–22 Sons of Elpaal and Beriah
The descendants of Elpaal include 'Eber, Misham, and Shemed,' who 'built Ono and Lod,' while Beriah's line 'put to flight the inhabitants of Gath' (vv. 12-22).
1 Chronicles 8:23–28 Heads of Households in Jerusalem
The heads of households in Jerusalem include 'Abdon, Zichri, Hanan,' and others, identified as 'chief men' who 'lived in Jerusalem' (vv. 23-28).
1 Chronicles 8:29–36 Gibeon and the Family of Kish
Kish, the father of Saul, is linked to Gibeon and his lineage includes 'Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal,' leading to 'Merib Baal' and his descendants (vv. 29-36).
1 Chronicles 8:37–40 Final Descendants of Benjamin
The genealogy concludes with 'Moza' as the father of 'Binea' and lists Ulam's sons as 'mighty men of valor,' totaling 'one hundred fifty' descendants (vv. 37-40).
Key verses
1 Chronicles 8:1The Chronicler recounts Benjamin's lineage, establishing Bela as firstborn, which sets the foundation for the historical connections and identities of the tribe of Benjamin.
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Study questions
Questions for studying 1 Chronicles 8
- observeIn v6, who are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba?
- observeWhat do the sons of Ulam in v39 have in common with each other?
- interpretIn v33, why is the lineage from Kish to Saul significant in Israel's history?
- interpretIn v34, what does the name 'Merib Baal' suggest about Jonathan's legacy?
- applyWhen has a family connection helped you in a time of adversity, like the line of Benjamin?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 8
- 1 Chronicles 91 Chronicles 8:35 and 1 Chronicles 9:41Both list sons of Micah: 1 Chronicles 8:35 says Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz, while 1 Chronicles 9:41 says Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.
- 2 Samuel 91 Chronicles 8:34 and 2 Samuel 9:12Both identify Merib Baal: 1 Chronicles 8:34 states he was the son of Jonathan, while 2 Samuel 9:12 calls Mica the young son of Mephibosheth.
- Genesis 461 Chronicles 8:1 and Genesis 46:21Both list sons of Benjamin: 1 Chronicles 8:1 names Bela, Ashbel, and Aharah, while Genesis 46:21 includes Bela, Becher, and Ashbel.
- Numbers 261 Chronicles 8:1 and Numbers 26:38Both detail sons of Benjamin: 1 Chronicles 8:1 lists Bela, Ashbel, and Aharah, while Numbers 26:38 elaborates on these families.
- 1 Chronicles 21 Chronicles 8:6 and 1 Chronicles 2:54Both enumerate households: 1 Chronicles 8:6 identifies heads from Geba, while 1 Chronicles 2:54 lists the sons of Salma.
- Nehemiah 111 Chronicles 8:12 and Nehemiah 11:35Both refer to Ono and Lod: 1 Chronicles 8:12 states these were built with towns, while Nehemiah 11:35 merely mentions the locations.
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Chapters that connect with 1 Chronicles 8
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