1 Chronicles 8 4

1 Chronicles 8:4 kjv

And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,

1 Chronicles 8:4 nkjv

Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,

1 Chronicles 8:4 niv

Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,

1 Chronicles 8:4 esv

Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,

1 Chronicles 8:4 nlt

Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 4 Meaning

This verse continues the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically listing four of the sons of Shaharaim through his wife Hodesh: Abishua, Ibni, Ziza, and Meremoth. These names are part of a meticulously preserved lineage, emphasizing continuity and the identity of the covenant people during the post-exilic period when the book of 1 Chronicles was compiled. It serves as a vital link connecting the present community to their ancestral roots, highlighting God's faithfulness in maintaining His people and their heritage.

1 Chronicles 8 4 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 8 focuses entirely on the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This comprehensive detailing of lineages is a distinctive feature of the Chronicler’s work, which spans the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, tracing Israel's heritage from Adam to the post-exilic return. Within this extensive framework, chapter 8 meticulously enumerates the descendants of Benjamin, including various families, their settlements, and prominent figures, particularly those who were "chief men" or heads of clans. Verse 4 specifically identifies four sons of Shaharaim through his wife Hodesh. The inclusion of such detailed family trees was crucial for the original post-exilic audience, helping them to reaffirm their identity, claim tribal lands, re-establish temple services based on rightful priestly lines, and understand their place in God's continuing covenant plan. It served to assure them of their rightful place within the restored community of Israel, confirming the unbroken thread of God's chosen people.

1 Chronicles 8 4 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve-): This Hebrew conjunction primarily means "and," serving to connect thoughts or names, indicating continuation or addition. In this context, it simply links this group of sons to the previous list of Shaharaim's offspring, emphasizing a cumulative and ongoing record.
• Abishua (אֲבִישׁוּעַ, ’Avishua’): A Hebrew name meaning "my father is salvation" or "father of welfare." This name appears elsewhere in the Bible, notably as a high priest in Ezra’s lineage (Ezra 7:5). The repeated use of such names across generations, while likely referring to different individuals, highlights themes of divine salvation or well-being desired within families.
• Ibni (יִבְנִי, Yivni): The meaning of this Hebrew name is not clearly established but is often linked to the root banah, meaning "to build" or "to construct." Its presence in a genealogical list contributes to the overall picture of building families and rebuilding the nation of Israel.
• Ziza (זִיזָא, Ziza’): This Hebrew name is interpreted as "fullness," "abundance," or "splendor" (from a root suggesting shining or blooming). The choice or preservation of names often reflected the hopes, characteristics, or perceived destinies within a family or the community.
• Meremoth (מְרֵמוֹת, Meremoth): A Hebrew name derived from the root rum, meaning "to be high," "to exalt," or "heights." This name appears for a priest in Ezra’s time (Ezra 8:33; Neh 3:4), reinforcing connections to spiritual leadership or places of elevated status, even if referring to distinct individuals across different historical periods.
• Names as a group: The listing of these specific names, though seemingly simple, serves to meticulously document the expansion of families within the tribe of Benjamin. This attention to detail signifies the Chronicler's concern with the precise fulfillment of God's promises regarding the multitude of Abraham's descendants (Gen 12:2; 22:17). For the post-exilic community, knowing their precise lineage allowed them to affirm their covenant identity, ensure rightful inheritance, and maintain social and religious order.

1 Chronicles 8 4 Bonus section

The Chronicler's extensive genealogical lists, like the one found in 1 Chronicles 8, hold unique significance compared to other biblical genealogies. While Genesis and Numbers present lineages to establish tribal origins or for census purposes, the Chronicler's work (written significantly later, likely post-exile) primarily aimed to reconstruct and solidify the identity of a dislocated and vulnerable community. These genealogies functioned as a historical and theological anchor, reassuring the returned exiles of their continuity with Abraham, David, and all of Israel's heritage. The precision of detailing minor figures and various lines, even within a specific tribe like Benjamin, underscored the divine care and oversight that meticulously preserved even seemingly insignificant family branches. This emphasis reinforced the belief that God had not abandoned His people but continued to work through their unbroken lineage toward His redemptive purposes, culminating in the restoration and anticipation of the Messiah.

1 Chronicles 8 4 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:4 is a vital thread in the extensive genealogical tapestry woven by the Chronicler. It moves beyond just a simple listing of names to underscore profound theological and historical realities for the returning exiles. Each name, however briefly mentioned, contributes to the demonstration of God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people, upholding His covenant promises despite generations of sin and exile. The Chronicler’s exhaustive record-keeping of lineages like this Benjaminite line provided a crucial foundation for the restored community, establishing their claim to their tribal lands, identifying individuals eligible for priestly or Levitical service, and most importantly, affirming their continuity as the chosen people of God leading eventually to the Davidic line from which the Messiah would come. This verse, therefore, is not a dry fact, but a testament to divine providence in sustaining His people throughout history, ensuring their heritage and future in the land.