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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.

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1 Chronicles 8 at a glance

  1. 1 Chronicles 8:1–6The Lineage of Benjamin
  2. 1 Chronicles 8:7–11Captivity and Family of Shaharaim
  3. 1 Chronicles 8:12–22Sons of Elpaal and Beriah
  4. 1 Chronicles 8:23–28Heads of Households in Jerusalem
  5. 1 Chronicles 8:29–36Gibeon and the Family of Kish
  6. 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

Verse 1. Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, Verse 2. Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. Verse 3. Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, Verse 4. Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Verse 5. Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. Verse 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

Verse 7. Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them captive; and he became the father of Uzza and Ahihud. Verse 8. Shaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away. Hushim and Baara were his wives. Verse 9. By Hodesh his wife, he became the father of Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Verse 10. Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ households. Verse 11. By Hushim, he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal.

Sons of Elpaal and Beriah 1 Chronicles 8:12–22

Verse 12. The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with its towns; Verse 13. and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath; Verse 14. and Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth, Verse 15. Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, Verse 16. Michael, Ishpah, Joha, the sons of Beriah, Verse 17. Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,

Verse 18. Ishmerai, Izliah, Jobab, the sons of Elpaal, Verse 19. Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, Verse 20. Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, Verse 21. Adaiah, Beraiah, Shimrath, the sons of Shimei, Verse 22. Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,

Heads of Households in Jerusalem 1 Chronicles 8:23–28

Verse 23. Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Verse 24. Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Verse 25. Iphdeiah, Penuel, the sons of Shashak, Verse 26. Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, Verse 27. Jaareshiah, Elijah, Zichri, and the sons of Jeroham. Verse 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

Verse 29. The father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, lived in Gibeon, Verse 30. with his firstborn son Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, Verse 31. Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher. Verse 32. Mikloth became the father of Shimeah. They also lived with their brothers in Jerusalem, near their brothers. Verse 33. Ner became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. Verse 34. The son of Jonathan was Merib Baal. Merib Baal became the father of Micah.

Verse 35. The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. Verse 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

Verse 37. Moza became the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. Verse 38. Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. Verse 39. The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. Verse 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. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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).

  5. 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).

  6. 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

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v6, who are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba?
  2. observeWhat do the sons of Ulam in v39 have in common with each other?
  3. interpretIn v33, why is the lineage from Kish to Saul significant in Israel's history?
  4. interpretIn v34, what does the name 'Merib Baal' suggest about Jonathan's legacy?
  5. applyWhen has a family connection helped you in a time of adversity, like the line of Benjamin?

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1 Chronicles 8: frequently asked questions

What is 1 Chronicles 8 about?+
Benjamin had five sons: Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, and Rapha (vv. 1-2).
What is the key verse in 1 Chronicles 8?+
1 Chronicles 8:1: “Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,”
What are the main themes of 1 Chronicles 8?+
The main themes of 1 Chronicles 8 are Genealogy and Heritage, God's Faithfulness, Identity in Community, The Importance of Lineage.

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