1 Chronicles 8 39

1 Chronicles 8:39 kjv

And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

1 Chronicles 8:39 nkjv

And the sons of Eshek his brother were Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

1 Chronicles 8:39 niv

The sons of his brother Eshek: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second son and Eliphelet the third.

1 Chronicles 8:39 esv

The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

1 Chronicles 8:39 nlt

Azel's brother Eshek had three sons: the first was Ulam, the second was Jeush, and the third was Eliphelet.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 39 Meaning

1 Chronicles 8:39 identifies three sons of Eshek: Ulam, his firstborn; Jehush, his second; and Eliphelet, his third. This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record for the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing descendants in the line that ultimately leads to King Saul. It serves to establish family identity, tribal lineage, and historical continuity within Israel, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant people through the preservation of their families.

1 Chronicles 8 39 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 8 meticulously details the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This comprehensive listing begins by tracing Benjamin's immediate descendants and then expands into various family branches and notable individuals within the tribe. The extensive nature of this chapter, particularly in verses 29-40, provides a detailed lineage of the family of Jeiel, the "father" of Gibeon, through Ner, leading to King Saul and his descendants. This section of Chronicles, written after the Babylonian exile, served a crucial purpose for the returning exiles: to re-establish their identity, lineage, and right to the land, ensuring proper tribal inheritance and demonstrating God's ongoing faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite their displacement. The meticulous record keeping within these genealogies reinforces the divine hand in Israel's history and underscores the legitimacy of their tribal structures for future generations, including the preparation for the Davidic line and ultimately the Messiah.

1 Chronicles 8 39 Word analysis

• And Eshek: Hebrew: וָאֵ֥שֶׁק (vā’êšeq). "And Eshek" introduces another descendant. Eshek (אֵשֶׁק) means "oppression" or "oppressor," which could relate to circumstances surrounding his birth or a character trait. In genealogies, names are primarily identifiers within a lineage, and their meanings are secondary to their role in tracking ancestry. Eshek is here linked to his brother, Azel (v.38).
• his brother: Refers to Azel, mentioned in the preceding verse (1 Chr 8:38). This phrase clarifies the familial relationship and accurately places Eshek within this specific branch of Benjamin's descendants, confirming the paternal line being recorded.
• Ulam: Hebrew: אוּלָ֖ם (’Ūlām). The first of Eshek's listed sons. The name Ulam can mean "forecourt," "portico," or "leading/foremost," perhaps suggesting prominence or the position of a leader, especially as the "firstborn." As a personal name, it designates his specific identity within the family.
• his firstborn: Specifies Ulam's birth order and status as the eldest son. In ancient Israelite society, the firstborn held significant legal and social standing, including inheritance rights (Deu 21:17) and sometimes leadership roles. This detail is crucial for documenting lineage and primogeniture.
• Jehush: Hebrew: יְע֥וּשׁ (Yə‘ūš). The second son named. The name Jehush means "he gives counsel" or "counselor." This name may reflect a hoped-for characteristic or a significant event related to his birth. Its inclusion ensures a complete and accurate enumeration of Eshek's sons.
• the second: Clearly indicates Jehush's birth order, confirming him as the middle son among the three mentioned here. Precision in listing birth order reflects the genealogical focus on order and inheritance.
• and Eliphelet: Hebrew: וֶאֱלִיפֶ֑לֶט (ve’ělîp̄eleṭ). The third and final son of Eshek listed here. The name Eliphelet (אֱלִיפֶלֶט) means "My God is deliverance" or "God of deliverance." This name appears in other biblical contexts as well (e.g., in David's sons, 2 Sam 5:16; 1 Chr 14:7), signifying divine rescue or salvation. Its meaning carries a strong theological implication.
• the third: Designates Eliphelet's position as the youngest of the three sons listed. The sequential numbering maintains the meticulous and orderly nature characteristic of genealogical records throughout the Bible, emphasizing precision in historical documentation.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And Eshek his brother, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.": This entire phrase functions as a concise yet complete enumeration of a single family unit's male descendants. It precisely defines Eshek's direct male offspring, establishing the continuation of his specific lineage. The consistent use of birth order (firstborn, second, third) is a literary device characteristic of Hebrew genealogies, providing clarity and structure to the historical record. The purpose is to demonstrate the continuous generations of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting God's faithfulness in sustaining their families through time and preparing the way for future historical developments, including the lineage of kings.

1 Chronicles 8 39 Bonus section

The extended genealogy of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8, especially leading to Saul's family, suggests the Chronicler's particular interest in this tribe. This might be due to Benjamin's territory encompassing part of Jerusalem after the return from exile, making it a pivotal tribe alongside Judah. The names listed, such as Eliphelet ("My God is deliverance"), reflect underlying theological sentiments or events in the lives of these individuals or their parents, even when not explicitly stated. The meticulous detail found here (compared to more abbreviated lists elsewhere) emphasizes the Chronicler's intent to rebuild identity and ensure the continuity of Israel's spiritual heritage after the devastating Babylonian exile. This focus on family lines underscores the communal and intergenerational nature of God's covenant with Israel, ensuring that no link in the ancestral chain was lost.

1 Chronicles 8 39 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:39 is a verse embedded within one of the most extensive genealogies in the Hebrew Bible, focusing specifically on the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe from which Israel's first king, Saul, arose. Far from being a mere list of names, this verse, like others in these chapters, served crucial theological and communal purposes for the post-exilic community. By meticulously detailing lineages, the Chronicler sought to remind the returned exiles of their heritage, their divine election, and the unbroken covenant with God, emphasizing that even through exile and disruption, God preserved their identity. The mention of each son's name and birth order reinforces the concept of order, divine sovereignty, and the sacred nature of each life within God's covenant community. Such lists provided reassurance of continuity and validated claims to land, priestly roles, and leadership positions necessary for rebuilding a God-centered society in the land. This precision laid the groundwork for understanding the intricate tapestry of salvation history, leading ultimately to the fulfillment of God's promises through a particular lineage.