1 Chronicles 9 7

1 Chronicles 9:7 kjv

And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah,

1 Chronicles 9:7 nkjv

Of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;

1 Chronicles 9:7 niv

Of the Benjamites: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;

1 Chronicles 9:7 esv

Of the Benjaminites: Sallu the son of Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Hassenuah,

1 Chronicles 9:7 nlt

From the tribe of Benjamin came Sallu son of Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Hassenuah;

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 7 Meaning

First Chronicles 9:7 meticulously lists specific individuals from the tribe of Benjamin, beginning with Geba, through a lineage of his descendants Elah, Uzzi, Meshullam, Hadaviah, and Joe, all of whom resided in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse details the re-establishment of the tribal presence of Benjamin within the Holy City as part of the returned community, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people.

1 Chronicles 9 7 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 9 continues the extensive genealogical records established by the Chronicler, serving as a comprehensive registry of those who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Following general lists of Israel and Judah (1 Chr 9:1-6), this particular verse narrows its focus to a specific line within the tribe of Benjamin. The overall purpose of these post-exilic lists was multi-faceted: to legitimate claims to tribal land, verify priestly and Levitical descent for temple service, provide a framework for community organization, and ultimately affirm God's faithfulness in restoring His covenant people to their land and capital. Historically, after 70 years of exile, the returnees faced the immense task of rebuilding society, including re-establishing Jerusalem as a functional city. Knowing who belonged to which lineage, and therefore where their traditional land assignments and civic duties lay, was crucial for order and identity in this new beginning.

1 Chronicles 9 7 Word analysis

• And of the sons of Benjamin: This phrase serves as a transitional connector from the previous listings, introducing a new tribal group. "Benjamin" (Hebrew: Binyamin) signifies "son of my right hand." The tribe of Benjamin held a unique historical position, initially producing Israel's first king, Saul, and later remaining loyal to Judah after the kingdom split, effectively becoming part of the southern kingdom's continuity. Its inclusion here demonstrates their return to their ancestral land and involvement in the renewed Jerusalem community.
• Geba: (Hebrew: Geba), meaning "hill." This is a specific city located within Benjamin's tribal territory. Its mention signifies a geographical point of origin or prominent settlement for this particular family line. The naming of the progenitor by his place implies their deep roots and connection to specific Benjaminite lands, emphasizing continuity with the pre-exilic tribal divisions.
• and Elah his son: "Elah" (Hebrew: Elah), possibly meaning "terebinth tree" or "oak." This indicates a direct paternal lineage from Geba, showcasing the chronological succession within the family unit.
• and Uzzi his son: "Uzzi" (Hebrew: Uzzi), meaning "my strength." This continues the precise genealogical record, critical for establishing legal and familial identities in post-exilic Israel.
• and Meshullam his son: "Meshullam" (Hebrew: Meshullam), meaning "paid" or "reconciled." This further traces the paternal line, demonstrating careful preservation of family records spanning multiple generations.
• and Hadaviah his son: "Hadaviah" (Hebrew: Hadavyah), likely a shortened form, potentially meaning "Yahweh has directed" or "Yah is ornament." Another link in the ancestral chain, reinforcing the unbroken lineage.
• and Joe his son: "Joe" (Hebrew: Yo'e or Yow'eh), meaning "Yahweh is brother" or possibly related to "to gather." This concludes the specific lineage listed in this verse, underscoring the granular detail provided in these vital community registers.

1 Chronicles 9 7 Bonus section

The inclusion of detailed genealogies like 1 Chronicles 9:7 served as more than just a roll call; it was a testament to God's covenant keeping, a foundation for land inheritance, and a verification for eligibility for religious roles. In a post-exilic context, tribal identity provided a critical framework for rebuilding society and demonstrating a legitimate return. The emphasis on specific male lines also highlights the patriarchal structure and inheritance patterns common in ancient Israel. While the names themselves may not carry unique symbolic meaning beyond their literal translation in this context, their inclusion is symbolic of a renewed divine act of calling forth a community from scattered remnants, demonstrating God's consistent purpose for His people even across significant historical dislocations. These lists refute the idea that Israel ceased to exist during exile; rather, they affirm its continued lineage and divinely ordained identity.

1 Chronicles 9 7 Commentary

First Chronicles 9:7, like many verses in this chapter, presents a dry list of names, yet it holds profound theological and historical significance. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of these genealogical records after the exile highlights God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining a remnant of His people, even through judgment and dispersion. The specific listing of Benjamin's descendants emphasizes the tribal continuity and the re-population of Jerusalem by legitimate heirs who could verify their ancestral claims and fulfill civic or priestly duties. These lists were not merely for historical interest but served as vital legal and spiritual documents for the returned community. They affirmed their identity as the true Israel, rooted in God's covenant promises, ensuring order, accountability, and the proper functioning of worship in the newly rebuilt temple and city. The naming of specific individuals, tracing back through generations, illustrates God's active preservation of family lines to accomplish His redemptive plan, reminding us that even in what appears to be a mere list, there is a testament to divine sovereignty and careful providence over His chosen people.