1 Chronicles 8 5

1 Chronicles 8:5 kjv

And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.

1 Chronicles 8:5 nkjv

Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

1 Chronicles 8:5 niv

Gera, Shephuphan and Huram.

1 Chronicles 8:5 esv

Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

1 Chronicles 8:5 nlt

Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 5 Meaning

This verse continues the genealogical listing within the tribe of Benjamin, specifically identifying Abishua, Nogah, and Rapha as three further sons of Bela, who was Benjamin's firstborn. It serves to meticulously record and preserve the lineage, underscoring the identity and historical continuity of the post-exilic community. While seemingly a simple list of names, the inclusion and very meanings of these names subtly affirm divine care, identity, and the character of God within the fabric of Israel's history.

1 Chronicles 8 5 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 8 meticulously details the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe of significant historical and spiritual standing. After initial verses establishing Benjamin's immediate sons, the Chronicler, presumed to be Ezra, dives into the intricate lineage of Bela, Benjamin's firstborn, in verses 3-5. This verse (8:5) specifically identifies Abishua, Nogah, and Rapha as part of Bela’s extended family, ensuring their inclusion in the official records.

The historical context for these detailed genealogies is primarily the post-exilic period (after 539 BC). Following the return from Babylon, establishing and affirming tribal identity, land inheritance, and purity for temple service were crucial for the resettled community. Genealogies served as legal documents validating claims and defining the boundaries of the restored people of God. The Chronicler’s overarching purpose was to remind the exiles of their heritage, their covenant relationship with God, and God’s enduring faithfulness, even in meticulous record-keeping. The inclusion of Benjamin’s lineage was particularly important given Jerusalem’s location within the combined territory of Benjamin and Judah, highlighting the continuity of the covenant line.

1 Chronicles 8 5 Word analysis

• And (Hebrew: וְ - wə): A simple conjunction "and," serving to connect these names directly to the previously listed sons of Bela, showing a continuation and expansion of the same family line. It indicates a systematic cataloging.
• Abishua (Hebrew: אֲבִישׁוּעַ - ʼĂḇîšūaʻ): This name literally means "my father is salvation" or "father of prosperity/riches."
  • Significance: This name points to God as the source of salvation and prosperity. It implies a recognition of divine providence and deliverance, resonating with a foundational belief that God (the "Father") provides true salvation. It also appears elsewhere as the name of a high priestly line descendant of Phinehas (1 Chr 6:4, 50), linking this lineage, perhaps coincidentally, to divine leadership and priestly function, where salvation through atonement was central.
• Nogah (Hebrew: וְנוֹגַהּ - wənôgah): The word nogah means "splendor," "brightness," or "dawn." It can denote light or brilliance.
  • Significance: This name speaks of glory and divine illumination. It may reflect a desire for God's glory to shine upon the family or signify a person seen as bringing brightness or hope. It reminds of God's attribute as light and His glory, which fills the earth and guides His people. Interestingly, a son of David is also named Nogah (1 Chr 3:7), perhaps symbolizing a kingdom under divine light.
• Rapha (Hebrew: וְרָפָא - wərāp̄āʼ): This name is rich in meaning, carrying a dual significance:
  • Meaning 1: "healed" or "to heal." This is tied to the verb rapha, "to heal," which gives us God's name "Yahweh Rapha" (the LORD who heals).
  • Meaning 2: Related to Rephaim, which refers to "giants" or an ancient race of formidable people (Gen 6:4, Deut 2:10-11). It can also mean "strong one" or "champion."
  • Significance:
    • Healed: If taken as "healed," the name serves as a testimony to God's restorative power amidst trials or illnesses experienced by the family or tribe. It implies divine grace and preservation.
    • Giant/Champion: If related to "giant," it might imply someone of large stature or significant strength. Given the Chronicler’s interest in lineage that overcomes adversaries (like David over Goliath), or in the lineage that exists among formidable challenges, the name could also signify one who prevails against odds, reminiscent of Israel's victory over the inhabitants of Canaan, including literal "giants" or the "Rephaim."
    • The inclusion might emphasize divine providence over powerful adversaries or healing during a time of struggle, both relevant themes for a people returning from exile.

• "Abishua, and Nogah, and Rapha": The clustering of these three names within this particular Benjamite lineage might collectively paint a picture of God's character and ongoing work: the Father who provides salvation, brings light and glory, and heals or ensures triumph over formidable challenges (like "giants"). In a period of national restoration post-exile, these names served as miniature confessions of faith, affirming God's sustaining presence, protective power, and a future guided by divine light. Their listing, while administrative, embedded profound theological truth within the fabric of identity.

1 Chronicles 8 5 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s emphasis on Benjamin’s genealogy is significant beyond mere record-keeping. As Benjamin's territory was adjacent to and eventually merged with Judah around Jerusalem, understanding their tribal boundaries and heritage was critical for the unified identity of the southern kingdom. The tribe had a complex history, including providing Israel's first king, Saul, and later joining Judah in resisting northern idolatry. For the returned exiles, these names affirmed their continued place in God’s redemptive plan and provided an ancestral connection to the very heartland of the promised land and the city of Jerusalem. The inclusion of names with such powerful theological undertones like Abishua, Nogah, and Rapha might have served to encourage the community that God, who had provided salvation, light, and healing (or victory) in the past, would continue to do so in their present challenges. This intricate attention to specific families and their named individuals points to God's profound personal engagement with His chosen people.

1 Chronicles 8 5 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:5, by simply listing three names—Abishua, Nogah, and Rapha—as descendants of Benjamin through his son Bela, profoundly contributes to the Chronicler's narrative of national identity and divine faithfulness. These aren't just names on a roll call; their very meanings embed testimonies of God’s character and work: "my father is salvation," "splendor," and "healed" or "giant." This suggests that even within the precise record-keeping vital for post-exilic societal restructuring, there was an intentional affirmation of God as the saving Father, the source of glory, and the Great Healer or One who grants victory over formidable obstacles. This concise verse reinforces the consistent biblical theme that God is meticulously involved in the lives of His people, preserving their lineage, ensuring their continuity, and imbuing their very existence with meaning reflective of His attributes and covenant promises. It is a subtle but powerful reminder of God’s omnipresence in the most fundamental details of His people’s history.