1 Chronicles 8 17

1 Chronicles 8:17 kjv

And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki, and Heber,

1 Chronicles 8:17 nkjv

Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,

1 Chronicles 8:17 niv

Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,

1 Chronicles 8:17 esv

Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,

1 Chronicles 8:17 nlt

Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 17 Meaning

This verse identifies Ishpan, Eber, and Eliel as direct descendants, specifically sons, of Elpaal. It serves as a meticulous record within the comprehensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, affirming the lineage and continuity of the family lines for the post-exilic Israelite community.

1 Chronicles 8 17 Context

1 Chronicles 8:17 is embedded within an extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, which spans almost the entire eighth chapter. Specifically, these three individuals – Ishpan, Eber, and Eliel – are listed as sons of Elpaal (mentioned in 1 Chr 8:12, along with his other sons in 1 Chr 8:18). This chapter traces various branches of the Benjamite lineage, a tribe with significant historical importance due to its connection to Israel’s first king, Saul, and its geographical proximity to Judah, encompassing parts of Jerusalem and its surrounding regions. The broader purpose of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9) is to affirm the identity, legitimacy, and land rights of the post-exilic community returning to Judah. By meticulously listing ancestral lines, the Chronicler sought to re-establish the covenantal connections to the patriarchs, the tribes, the Davidic dynasty, and the priesthood, providing a foundational record for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life.

1 Chronicles 8 17 Word Analysis

• and Ishpan (וְיִשְׁפָּן, vĕyishpan)
  • "and" (וְ, vĕ-): This common Hebrew conjunctive particle serves to link the preceding names in the list (Shamed, Perazim, Elpaal) and to introduce each new individual, emphasizing their sequential enumeration within the lineage.
  • "Ishpan" (יִשְׁפָּן, Yishpan): The name means "He will hide" or possibly "He will seize" or even "Baldness." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible. Its inclusion here, though not highlighting any specific deed, is crucial for maintaining the precise flow and completeness of the tribal record. In genealogies, the mere existence of a name denotes an individual’s significant role in perpetuating the family line.
• and Eber (וְעֵבֶר, vĕ'ēver)
  • "and" (וְ, vĕ-): Continues the linking function, ensuring each name is seen as an distinct, yet connected, part of the family structure.
  • "Eber" (עֵבֶר, Ever): The name signifies "beyond," "across," or "the region beyond." This is a significant name as it shares the same root as "Hebrew" (Ivri), derived from Abraham's ancestor Eber (Gen 10:24; 11:14). While this specific Eber in Benjamin's genealogy is not the patriarchal ancestor, the repetition of the name in the lineage connects this Benjamite family to the broader ethnic identity of the Israelites, recalling their foundational journey across the Euphrates with Abraham. This name subtly grounds the family line in the very definition of who the "Hebrews" are.
• and Eliel (וְאֱלִיאֵל, vĕ'eli'el)
  • "and" (וְ, vĕ-): Continues the enumeration, presenting Eliel as another distinct individual in the series of descendants.
  • "Eliel" (אֱלִיאֵל, Eli'el): This name is composed of two Hebrew words: "El" (אֵל), meaning "God," and "li" (לִי), meaning "my," thus translating to "My God is God," or "God of God." It is a relatively common name in the Hebrew Bible, borne by various individuals including Levites, valiant men of David, and chiefs of tribes (e.g., 1 Chr 11:46; 12:11; 15:9, 11). The theological meaning embedded in such a name reflects a strong statement of faith in Yahweh, indicating the persistence of monotheistic belief and covenantal allegiance within the families, even as simply a proper noun.
• Word Group: "and Ishpan, and Eber, and Eliel,"
  • This triplet of names represents individuals born of Elpaal. The repeated conjunctive "and" serves a legal and documentary purpose, confirming each individual's precise inclusion and the exhaustive nature of the list. Such precise naming and listing of descendants reinforced the integrity of tribal claims, particularly regarding land distribution and inheritance rights, which were critical concerns for the post-exilic community attempting to reclaim their ancestral heritage in the land. This format also contributes to the liturgical and historical reliability of the Chronicler’s narrative, emphasizing continuity across generations.

1 Chronicles 8 17 Bonus Section

• The meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, especially in Chronicles, serves not just historical or administrative purposes but deeply theological ones. They affirm God's covenantal faithfulness across generations, demonstrating His commitment to preserve a remnant and fulfill His promises.
• The repeated listing of "sons of..." emphasizes patriarchal authority and the foundational role of family units in ancient Israelite society and religious life. These structures were crucial for the transmission of faith and culture.
• In the ancient Near East, detailed genealogies were also common, but Israel's unique emphasis was on divine election and covenant, rather than purely political power or administrative control.
• The placement of this detailed Benjamite genealogy within Chronicles (preceding Judah in some cases, highlighting its prominence after Judah and Levi) demonstrates Benjamin's unique position, bordering Judah and housing important sites like Gibeah (Saul's hometown) and portions of Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8 17 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:17, while seemingly a simple list of names, is deeply significant within the Chronicler's narrative. As part of a meticulous Benjamite genealogy, it underscores the author's overarching purpose: to affirm the unbroken continuity of the tribes of Israel, particularly Benjamin, alongside Judah. For a community returning from exile, this exhaustive documentation was crucial. It provided a clear, undeniable link to their ancestral lands, their tribal identities, and their covenantal heritage, assuring them of their legitimate place as God's chosen people. The individual names, though not associated with any recorded actions, perform a vital function in completing the chain of descent, demonstrating the vitality and divine preservation of the family line. Names like "Eber," connecting to the very concept of being a "Hebrew," and "Eliel," expressing "God is my God," inject theological affirmations directly into the fabric of identity, even within a mere genealogical entry. This verse, like the countless others in Chronicles' opening chapters, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant through generations, ensuring a foundation upon which the returning community could rebuild its future in the land of promise.