1 Chronicles 8 28

1 Chronicles 8:28 kjv

These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8:28 nkjv

These were heads of the fathers' houses by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8:28 niv

All these were heads of families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8:28 esv

These were the heads of fathers' houses, according to their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8:28 nlt

These were the leaders of the ancestral clans; they were listed in their genealogical records, and they all lived in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 28 Meaning

The verse 1 Chronicles 8:28 concludes a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, affirming that the individuals listed previously were prominent family leaders and significant chieftains. Crucially, it notes that these influential figures resided in Jerusalem, underscoring the city's importance as a central dwelling place for established tribal authorities and their ongoing presence within the restored community.

1 Chronicles 8 28 Context

This verse appears at the conclusion of a lengthy and detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chr 8:1-28). The immediate context details family lines, sons, and descendants of Benjamin, including Saul's lineage. This exhaustive record serves a vital purpose for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem and Judah. Written by the Chronicler, likely in the Persian period (around 450-400 BCE), this book aimed to establish the identity, legitimacy, and land claims of the returning exiles. After generations of displacement, detailed genealogies like this were essential for re-establishing tribal and family ties, affirming rights to ancestral lands, and demonstrating continuity with their historical roots. For the Chronicler's audience, particularly those settling in Jerusalem, affirming the presence of respected Benjaminite "heads of families" and "chiefs" within the city legitimized their leadership and underscored Jerusalem's ongoing centrality as a spiritual and administrative hub for the reunited community. It highlights the divine ordering of the community around the city chosen by God.

1 Chronicles 8 28 Word analysis

• These were: Points backward, serving as a summary statement for the extensive list of names presented from 1 Chronicles 8:1 to 8:27. It asserts that the preceding enumeration is not merely a list, but specifically identifies significant individuals.
• the heads of families: Hebrew: rashei avot (רָאשֵׁי אָבוֹת). This refers to the patriarchs or leaders of extended families or ancestral houses. This title indicates primary leadership within the social and genealogical structure, signifying inherited authority and the representation of family units in communal affairs. It underlines the importance of lineage in the Israelite tribal system, especially vital for post-exilic identity and land claims.
• by their generations: Emphasizes the continuity and accuracy of the genealogical record across successive family lines. It highlights the meticulousness with which these records were maintained and their foundational role in preserving tribal identity and historical links from one period to the next.
• chiefs: Hebrew: nesi'im (נְשִׂיאִים). This term denotes leaders, princes, or chieftains, implying a role of public authority beyond mere family headship. These individuals were prominent figures, holding positions of political, military, or civic leadership within the Benjaminite tribe. Their recognition as "chiefs" suggests their significant influence and active participation in the governance and administration of the community.
• these dwelt: Hebrew: yashvu (יָשְׁבוּ), meaning "they settled" or "they resided." This verb signifies an established and permanent habitation. It's not a temporary stay but a committed presence, underscoring their settled residence.
• in Jerusalem: Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם - Yerushalayim) was the central city, the capital, and the spiritual heart of the Judean community. The specific mention of Jerusalem as their dwelling place is highly significant. It indicates that these prominent Benjaminite leaders were residents of the administrative and religious capital. This affirms Jerusalem's restored status and the vital role of the Benjamin tribe alongside Judah in its re-establishment and governance, especially pertinent for the post-exilic community seeking to rebuild and legitimize their habitation of the sacred city. Their presence would lend stability and leadership to the new Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8 28 Bonus section

The Chronicler places significant emphasis on genealogies (seen prominently in 1 Chr 1-9) to establish continuity between the pre-exilic Davidic kingdom and the post-exilic community. For the returning exiles, these lists weren't mere historical data; they served as legal documents, defining land rights, social standing, priestly lineages, and access to communal resources. The tribe of Benjamin is particularly highlighted because, unlike most of the northern tribes, it remained largely faithful to the Davidic kingdom and later contributed significantly to the returnees alongside Judah. Their territory partially encompassed Jerusalem itself, and many early figures, including Israel's first king, Saul, came from this tribe. The verse, by pointing to prominent Benjaminite "chiefs" residing in Jerusalem, reinforces the divine promise of restoration and re-establishes the functional order within the holy city, demonstrating that the land was being properly settled by its rightful heirs and led by designated authorities.

1 Chronicles 8 28 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:28 functions as a concise summary and concluding statement for the detailed genealogy of Benjamin. It underscores the foundational importance of lineage, recognizing the continuity of "heads of families" and the administrative authority of "chiefs" who resided in Jerusalem. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, this verse provided reassurance and legitimacy by demonstrating that leadership from one of the foundational tribes, Benjamin (which remained loyal to Judah), was firmly established in the restored capital. It reflects the Chronicler's deep concern with Israel's true heritage, emphasizing the crucial link between proper tribal identity, qualified leadership, and the centralized worship and governance in Jerusalem, thus upholding divine order for the community. The dwelling of these leaders in Jerusalem symbolized the renewal and importance of the holy city as the hub for the re-gathered remnant of God's people.