1 Chronicles 8 32

1 Chronicles 8:32 kjv

And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them.

1 Chronicles 8:32 nkjv

and Mikloth, who begot Shimeah. They also dwelt alongside their relatives in Jerusalem, with their brethren.

1 Chronicles 8:32 niv

and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeah. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8:32 esv

and Mikloth (he fathered Shimeah). Now these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen.

1 Chronicles 8:32 nlt

and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeam. All these families lived near each other in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 32 Meaning

First Chronicles 8:32 delineates a specific point in the genealogy of Benjamin, stating that Mikloth fathered Shimeah. It further specifies that this family line, along with their kinsmen, resided in Jerusalem, indicating their established presence and communal living arrangement within the re-settled capital, facing or in their designated place among their brethren.

1 Chronicles 8 32 Context

First Chronicles chapter 8 meticulously details the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This comprehensive list primarily focuses on the descendants of Benjamin, especially those who returned to Jerusalem and other parts of the land after the Babylonian exile. The chapter lays a foundation by establishing Benjamin's immediate offspring, then branches out to their numerous family lines. Importantly, it also traces the lineage leading to King Saul, Israel's first king, who hailed from Benjamin (vv. 33-40). Verse 32, specifically, bridges two genealogical sections. It concludes a list of Mikloth's family line and geographically places them in Jerusalem, preparing the reader for the subsequent focus on the famous lineage of Saul within the same tribal context. The Chronicler’s overarching purpose in providing these genealogies is to establish continuity from the pre-exilic kingdom to the post-exilic community, reinforcing tribal identity, claims to land, and the divine promises attached to lineage and land for the returned exiles. Jerusalem, as the restored capital and religious center, holds paramount significance in this new phase of national life.

1 Chronicles 8 32 Word analysis

• And Mikloth (וּמִקְלוֹת - U-miklot): The conjunction "And" connects this statement to the preceding genealogical record, showing continuation. "Mikloth" is a proper name, meaning "rods" or "staves." He is a notable figure in this specific line, previously mentioned in verse 31 as a father of a Gibeonite branch that dwelt in Jerusalem.

• begat (הוֹלִיד - holid): A common Hebrew verb in genealogies, signifying "to cause to be born," "to father," or "to perpetuate a line." It emphasizes the continuation of the family tree and the covenant promise through generations.

• Shimeah (שִׁמְאָה - Shim'ah): Another proper name, meaning "hearing" or "rumor." He is established as a direct descendant of Mikloth, contributing to the family record.

• And these also (וְאַף-הֵם - v'af-hem): This phrase connects this specific family unit to the broader group previously mentioned. "These" likely refers to Mikloth, Shimeah, and their immediate families, alongside their other family branches listed. The "also" signifies inclusion, emphasizing that this branch was part of the collective dwelling.

• dwelt (יָשְׁבוּ - yashvu): From the verb yashab, meaning "to sit," "to reside," "to settle." This signifies a permanent and established habitation, rather than temporary sojourning. It points to their re-settlement after the exile, emphasizing the stability of the returning community.

• with their brethren (עִם-אֲחֵיהֶם - im achēhem): "Brethren" refers to their kinsmen, fellow members of their tribe, or even extended family. This highlights the communal aspect of their dwelling. It emphasizes tribal unity and the shared experience of living together as God's covenant people.

• in Jerusalem (בִּירוּשָׁלָם - bi-Yerushalayim): The city of Jerusalem is central to the Chronicler's narrative. This specific geographical placement confirms their presence in the re-established capital and religious hub of Judah, which was vital for the returned exiles' identity and future.

• over against them (לְעֻמָּתָם - l'ummatam): This Hebrew phrase (le'ummat) can mean "opposite them," "corresponding to them," or "in their proper place." In this context, it suggests an ordered settlement or positioning within Jerusalem. It implies that this family line and their kin were settled in a specific area, facing or corresponding to the dwelling places of their related tribal branches, maintaining a sense of community structure and spatial organization within the city. It underscores their settled, integrated presence among their kin.

• "And Mikloth begat Shimeah.": This is a direct genealogical statement, fundamental to the Chronicler's purpose of preserving family lines and affirming tribal identity. It establishes continuity across generations.

• "And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem,": This clause broadens the focus from a single father-son relationship to the wider family unit and their collective residence. It emphasizes tribal solidarity and the act of re-settlement in the significant capital city. Their shared dwelling reinforced communal bonds.

• "over against them.": This specific locational or relational phrase indicates not just presence, but a structured and perhaps organized habitation. It suggests a facing relationship or a placement "corresponding" to their kin within the city. This precise detail conveys the order and stability of the post-exilic community's re-establishment, hinting at defined family districts or areas of tribal settlement.

1 Chronicles 8 32 Bonus section

The detailed genealogies in Chronicles, including this verse, serve as more than just lists of names; they are theological statements affirming God's ongoing covenant with Israel through the preservation of its families and tribes. They establish the legitimacy of land claims and tribal affiliations after the exile. The focus on Jerusalem as the dwelling place emphasizes its critical role as the center of worship and national life, highlighting the restoration of the covenant community around the Temple. The tribe of Benjamin is significant due to its association with Saul, Israel's first king, and its unique position geographically bordering Judah, with parts of its territory including sections of Jerusalem. Thus, their dwelling in Jerusalem further underscores the intertwined history of Benjamin and Judah and the city's shared tribal heritage.

1 Chronicles 8 32 Commentary

First Chronicles 8:32 acts as a pivot in the lengthy genealogy of Benjamin, specifically concluding a sub-lineage while concurrently highlighting the established return of the tribe's families to Jerusalem. The simple "Mikloth begat Shimeah" underscores the chronicler's dedication to meticulous genealogical record-keeping, crucial for affirming tribal claims, property rights, and priestly eligibility in the post-exilic community.

The latter part of the verse, "And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them," provides vital social and geographical context. It portrays the successful re-settlement of these Benjaminite families within Jerusalem. The emphasis on dwelling "with their brethren" reinforces the theme of communal unity and tribal solidarity—an essential aspect of identity and survival for the newly returned exiles. The phrase "over against them" further elaborates on their placement, suggesting an organized settlement where various family branches might have been situated in designated areas, facing or corresponding to their relatives. This speaks to the ordered re-establishment of community life and the restoration of God's people in their ancient land, particularly within the significant city of Jerusalem. The verse subtly underscores God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their heritage and re-establishing them as a unified body, foundational for future generations and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.