1 Chronicles 8 26

1 Chronicles 8:26 kjv

And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,

1 Chronicles 8:26 nkjv

Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,

1 Chronicles 8:26 niv

Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,

1 Chronicles 8:26 esv

Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,

1 Chronicles 8:26 nlt

Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 26 Meaning

1 Chronicles 8:26 lists three individuals, Shamsherai, Shehariah, and Athaliah, identifying them as key figures within the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. These men are presented as significant descendants or heads of families, contributing to the detailed record of Benjamin's lineage, particularly those dwelling in or around Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes the continuation and meticulous recording of tribal identity and family lines.

1 Chronicles 8 26 Context

First Chronicles chapter 8 is dedicated to detailing the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This focus is significant because Benjamin was the tribe from which Israel's first king, Saul, emerged (though the Chronicler emphasizes the Davidic line). The chapter meticulously traces the descendants, heads of families, and places of habitation, particularly emphasizing those who lived in Jerusalem. This detailed account would have been crucial for the post-exilic community in Israel to re-establish their tribal identities, land inheritance rights, and to affirm their continuity with the ancient covenant people of God. Verse 26, "And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah," falls within a specific listing of individuals and families who are identified as prominent or residing in specific localities, likely signifying their status as "heads of fathers’ houses, chief men according to their generations" (1 Chr 8:28).

1 Chronicles 8 26 Word analysis

• And (וְ – ve-): A simple conjunctive, connecting the listed names to the preceding verses (1 Chr 8:25), indicating that these individuals are additional descendants or heads of families from the lineage being described.
• Shamsherai (שַׁמְשְׁרַי֙ – Shamshay): A personal name. The Hebrew root is uncertain, but it might relate to "sun" or "service." As with many names in these genealogies, its primary significance lies in identifying a specific individual within the tribal structure, not in its etymological meaning for a broader theological point. This individual is recorded as a significant figure in Benjamin's lineage.
• Shehariah (שְׁחַרְיָה֙ – Sh'charyah): A personal name. This name typically means "Yahweh has sought" or "Dawn of Yah." It reflects a common Hebrew practice of incorporating the divine name "Yah" (short for Yahweh) into personal names, indicating a relationship with God. The name signifies a hopeful start or God's attentive care for this individual.
• Athaliah (עֲתַלְיָה֙ – Athalyah): A personal name. This name usually means "Yahweh is exalted" or "Yahweh has restrained/afflicted." It's crucial to distinguish this Athaliah from the infamous wicked Queen Athaliah of Judah (2 Ki 11:1-20), who was not of the tribe of Benjamin but a descendant of Omri, King of Israel. The Athaliah here is a male Benjamite, serving as a reminder that names, while potentially shared, refer to distinct individuals whose character and lineage can vastly differ. The inclusion of this name simply records a recognized Benjamite head of family.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah": This phrasing exemplifies the common enumerative style found throughout biblical genealogies. It concisely presents a list of names, signifying individual members of a family line who were deemed important enough to be recorded for the historical, legal, and theological purposes of the Chronicler. These names, presented as a triplet, denote specific, recognized figures, possibly brothers, cousins, or influential family heads within the broader Benjamite lineage.

1 Chronicles 8 26 Bonus section

The seemingly exhaustive yet often selective nature of biblical genealogies in Chronicles implies a purposeful divine memory and preservation. While not every person in the tribal line is named, those who are specifically mentioned like Shamsherai, Shehariah, and Athaliah, were likely heads of important families, significant landowners, or prominent figures in the re-establishment of the community. For the Chronicler’s original audience, these names would not have been just abstract; they likely represented known families still existing in their day, providing tangible proof of their heritage and rightful place in the reconstructed community of Israel.

1 Chronicles 8 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:26, by listing Shamsherai, Shehariah, and Athaliah, serves a fundamental purpose within the broader Chronicler's narrative: establishing and affirming Israelite identity through precise lineage. In a post-exilic world, with disrupted societal structures, these genealogies were vital. They reconnected the present community to their ancient heritage, their land claims, and God's enduring covenant promises made to their forefathers. Each name, though seemingly just a data point, represents a link in the unbroken chain of God's chosen people. The Chronicler's painstaking effort in preserving these details underscores the divine meticulousness and care in maintaining the historical and covenantal thread that ultimately leads to the Davidic line and, ultimately, the Messiah. These seemingly mundane lists serve to demonstrate the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant and rebuilding His people.