1 Chronicles 8 12

1 Chronicles 8:12 kjv

The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:

1 Chronicles 8:12 nkjv

The sons of Elpaal were Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns;

1 Chronicles 8:12 niv

The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its surrounding villages),

1 Chronicles 8:12 esv

The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns,

1 Chronicles 8:12 nlt

The sons of Elpaal were Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built the towns of Ono and Lod and their nearby villages),

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 12 Meaning

The verse lists Shemed as one of the sons of Elpaal from the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights Shemed’s significant role in establishing or rebuilding the towns of Ono and Lod, along with their surrounding villages, demonstrating his contribution to the settlement and organization of the Benjaminite territory.

1 Chronicles 8 12 Context

First Chronicles chapter 8 is a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, significantly expanding on earlier biblical accounts. Its primary purpose for the Chronicler was to meticulously document the tribal lineages, particularly emphasizing those who dwelt in Jerusalem and were connected to the royal line of Saul. This chapter serves to establish the legitimacy and historical roots of the post-exilic community, connecting them to their pre-exilic ancestors and the rightful occupants of the land, especially Benjamin's strategic territory which included parts of Jerusalem. Verse 12 fits within this framework, tracing a specific branch of Elpaal's descendants, particularly highlighting Shemed. The mention of his role in building Ono and Lod serves to demonstrate not just the continuity of lineage but also the active role these Benjaminite families played in the practical settlement and development of their inherited lands. Historically, Ono and Lod were important towns located in the strategic Plain of Sharon, close to the border with Ephraim, making their development crucial for the stability and economic prosperity of the region within Israel's early history.

1 Chronicles 8 12 Word analysis

• and the sons of Elpaal: This phrase indicates a direct genealogical succession, listing the next generation from Elpaal, who was himself listed earlier in 1 Chr 8:11 as a descendant of Hushim and a Benjaminite head of a father's house. It highlights the patrilineal focus typical of biblical genealogies.
• Eber, and Misham, and Shemed, These are the personal names of three of Elpaal's sons. While Eber and Misham are mentioned, the narrative specifically focuses on Shemed. Shemed (Hebrew: שֶׁמֶד, Shemed) is a proper noun, a personal name here. While the Hebrew common noun shemed can mean "destruction," it's crucial not to conflate this with the proper name. Many biblical names have a positive meaning, but the exact etymology of Shemed as a personal name isn't readily available to connect it with building activities positively, making his name ironically juxtaposed with his action of "building" cities. His inclusion indicates a noteworthy individual within the family lineage.
• who built: (Hebrew: בָּנָה, banah). This verb can mean to construct, establish, found, or rebuild. In the context of ancient settlements, "building" could involve creating new structures where none existed, fortifying existing but decaying structures, or simply repopulating and organizing desolate areas. Given the context of a developing tribal land, it implies active settlement, civilizing efforts, and securing tribal claims. It denotes significant effort and leadership in urban development within their tribal territory.
• Ono, (Hebrew: אוֹנוֹ, ’Ōnō). An ancient city located in the Plain of Sharon, near modern-day Lod. It was situated along an important trade route. It is mentioned again in Ezra and Nehemiah as a significant place from which many returned from Babylonian exile, confirming its long-term importance. Its name possibly means "vigour" or "strength".
• and Lod (Hebrew: לוֹד, Lôḏ). Also known later as Lydda in the New Testament (Acts 9:32), it was a prominent city in the Plain of Sharon, southwest of Ono, strategically located on a vital route between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean coast. Like Ono, it housed a significant population returning from exile (Ezra 2:33; Neh 7:37; 11:35). The name "Lod" likely means "strife" or "contention" possibly reflecting its historical importance as a strategic point.
• with its towns: This phrase signifies not just the primary city itself, but the surrounding dependent villages, settlements, and agricultural areas. It indicates a more extensive work of settlement, organization, and establishment of regional control, forming a mini-urban center with its satellite communities, critical for tribal stability and prosperity. This suggests that Shemed’s activities led to the foundation and growth of a broader network of settlements in the Benjaminite territory.

1 Chronicles 8 12 Bonus section

The cities of Ono and Lod were geographically significant due to their location in the Sharon plain, a fertile area essential for agriculture and trade, and along major travel routes. Their strategic importance continued through various periods of Israelite history, from the initial settlement of the tribes to the return from Babylonian exile, where their populations are specifically enumerated among those who came back to Judah. This continuity highlights the long-term historical impact of the "building" work attributed to Shemed and his kin. The inclusion of this detail within the Chronicles' genealogies serves to emphasize the physical presence and ownership of the land by the tribal descendants, an essential theme for the returning exiles seeking to re-establish their claims and national identity. The Chronicler often highlights specific achievements or residences within his genealogies to provide a more tangible connection to the ancestral heritage and to provide models of faithfulness and industry.

1 Chronicles 8 12 Commentary

This concise verse, though embedded within a long genealogy, is rich in significance. It anchors a specific branch of Benjamin's tribe, the descendants of Elpaal, to the practical and crucial task of land settlement and urban development. By attributing the building of Ono and Lod to Shemed, the Chronicler emphasizes the active role individuals played in shaping the geographical and political landscape of early Israel. It underscores the Chronicler's deep interest in tribal territories, their rightful inhabitants, and the continuity of the Israelite community on the land. These details were particularly important for the post-exilic audience, affirming their heritage and the divine hand in their re-establishment, linking present inhabitants to their ancient, legitimate claims through ancestral actions of building and settling the land. The establishment of these towns by a specific family lineage from Benjamin reflects a structured process of tribal consolidation and demonstrates a practical aspect of possessing the promised land.