1 Chronicles 8 13

1 Chronicles 8:13 kjv

Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:

1 Chronicles 8:13 nkjv

and Beriah and Shema, who were heads of their fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove out the inhabitants of Gath.

1 Chronicles 8:13 niv

and Beriah and Shema, who were heads of families of those living in Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath.

1 Chronicles 8:13 esv

and Beriah and Shema (they were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who caused the inhabitants of Gath to flee);

1 Chronicles 8:13 nlt

Beriah, and Shema. They were the leaders of the clans living in Aijalon, and they drove out the inhabitants of Gath.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 13 Meaning

1 Chronicles 8:13 details the lineage and a notable achievement of two Benjamite tribal leaders, Beriah and Shema. It states that they were prominent "heads of ancestral houses," indicating their significant leadership and authority within their clan. Their notable accomplishment was successfully driving away or expelling the inhabitants of Gath from the area around Aijalon. This act highlights their prowess in warfare and their role in securing tribal territory against powerful Philistine adversaries, a key theme in Israel's settlement in the Promised Land.

1 Chronicles 8 13 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 8 meticulously details the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. Following extensive lists of Benjamin's sons, the Chronicler inserts specific, often terse, historical notes about certain individuals or their clans, highlighting their unique contributions or roles. This chapter emphasizes the legitimacy and internal structure of Benjamin, a tribe pivotal to Israel's early monarchy. The Chronicler's broader aim throughout the book is to establish Israel's identity and connection to its divinely granted land and heritage, particularly for the post-exilic community. This specific verse, therefore, serves not merely as a record of names but as an important assertion of territorial control and martial success achieved by specific Benjamite clans, demonstrating their strength and fidelity in securing the Promised Land. It positions them as active agents in dispossessing the enemies and securing Israelite settlement, reflecting God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding the land and victory over adversaries.

1 Chronicles 8 13 Word analysis

• Beriah (בְּרִיעָה - Bᵉrî‘āh): A personal name meaning "with a friend" or possibly "unhappy" or "evil." In this context, it refers to a specific Benjamite son of Elpaal (verse 12), not to the Ephraimite Beriah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:23. The recurrence of names underscores the genealogical tradition's complexity and how different individuals bore the same name across various tribal lines. He is identified as a tribal leader.

• and Shema (וְשֵׁמַע - wə-Šēma‘): A personal name meaning "report," "fame," or "a hearing." Also identified as a Benjamite chieftain. These names are not merely lists but represent individuals who had a significant historical role.

• were heads (הָיוּ רָאשֵׁי - hā-yū rā-šê): From Hebrew ראש (rosh), meaning "head" or "chief." This signifies positions of authority, leadership, and prominence within the tribal or family structure. It indicates they were not just members, but leading figures.

• of ancestral houses (אָבוֹת - ’āḇôṯ): The plural of אָב (’āḇ), "father." This term refers to the primary subdivisions of Israelite tribes—patriarchal families, clans, or large households. It denotes their established status as progenitors and leaders of distinct familial units within the Benjamite tribe. These houses formed the foundational socio-political units of ancient Israel.

• of the inhabitants of Aijalon (יֹשְׁבֵי אַיָּלוֹן - yōšḇê ’ayyālôwn): יֹשְׁבֵי (yoshevei) means "dwellers" or "inhabitants." אַיָּלוֹן (Ayyalon) means "place of deer." Aijalon was a Levitical city in the territory allotted initially to Dan and later Benjamin (Josh 21:24). It was strategically located in a key valley that served as a major east-west pass, connecting the coastal plain with the Judean hills. Its inhabitants would have controlled this vital area. This indicates a focus on their regional influence.

• who put to flight (הֵם הִבְרִיחוּ - hēm hiḇrîḥū): The verb הִבְרִיחוּ (hivrihu) is the Hiphil form of ברח (barach), meaning "to flee," "escape." The Hiphil form intensifies the action, meaning "to cause to flee," "to drive away forcibly," or "to expel." This denotes a successful, decisive military action against the mentioned inhabitants, rather than mere displacement.

• the inhabitants of Gath (אֶת־יוֹשְׁבֵי גַת - ’eṯ yōšḇê Gaṯ): גת (Gath) means "winepress." Gath was one of the five primary cities of the Philistines (1 Sam 6:17), a powerful and long-standing adversary of Israel. It was a significant political and military center in the Shephelah (foothills) and a source of constant conflict. Expelling their inhabitants signifies a considerable achievement against a formidable enemy, likely a local settlement or outpost of Gath's influence near Aijalon, rather than the Philistine capital itself.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Heads of ancestral houses": This phrase underlines the established leadership structure within Israelite society. It signifies individuals who derived their authority from their family lineage, reflecting a patriarchal social system where land rights and social standing were deeply tied to one's family and tribal heritage. Such leaders played crucial roles in governance, war, and the maintenance of tribal identity.
  • "Put to flight the inhabitants of Gath": This specific detail transforms a mere genealogical listing into an account of national significance. It portrays these Benjamite leaders not just as lineage holders but as active defenders of Israelite territory against their archenemies, the Philistines. This action exemplifies the fulfillment of God's command to dispossess the foreign nations and secure the Promised Land for His people, showcasing Benjamite military might and divine favor in reclaiming contested lands.

1 Chronicles 8 13 Bonus section

The inclusion of a military exploit like driving out the Gathites from Aijalon within a detailed genealogy is characteristic of the Chronicler's theological agenda. Beyond merely recording family lines, these lists validate Israel's historical claims to the land and demonstrate God's continued support for those who act in faith to secure their inheritance. The conflict between Israel and the Philistines was constant, and mentioning such a specific victory, particularly from the territory of Benjamin (King Saul's tribe), serves to reinforce the strength and divine favor upon these leaders. While the exact historical dating of this particular skirmish is not given, its presence validates the legitimacy and active role of this Benjamite lineage in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people and their land. It portrays these individuals as proactive stewards of the divine promise, emphasizing their role in pushing back idolatrous forces to maintain Israelite dominion.

1 Chronicles 8 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:13 offers more than just a dry enumeration of names; it serves as a condensed historical testament within the meticulous Benjamite genealogy. By identifying Beriah and Shema as "heads of ancestral houses," the Chronicler highlights their foundational importance to their tribe, signifying their inherited status and leadership responsibilities. The brief yet potent account of their action—driving out the inhabitants of Gath from Aijalon—speaks volumes about the continuous struggle for land possession and the success of certain clans in this divine mandate. This specific act of dispossessing the Gathites, a representation of the powerful Philistine presence, underscores the strength of the Benjamites and God's continued faithfulness in aiding His people against their adversaries, enabling them to secure key strategic locations like the Aijalon valley. It confirms the tribe's legitimate claim to their inheritance and emphasizes the military and leadership qualities vital for a nation entrusted with defending the land given by God.