Scripture reading – 1 Chronicles 8
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1 Chronicles 8 concludes our study of the genealogies of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and returns to the lineage of Benjamin, Jacob’s twelfth born son. Benjamin was also the brother of Joseph, born to Rachel, Jacob’s favored wife.
I am uncertain why the historian returned to the tribe of Benjamin, whose lineage was partially recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:6-11. I suspect the purpose was to give a thorough record of the lineage of Saul, the first king of Israel (1 Chronicles 8:29-40). Saul and his sons are named in 1 Chronicles 8:33, and the lineage of his son Jonathan follows beginning in 1 Chronicles 8:34. (The son of Jonathan named Meribbaal (1 Chronicles 8:34), is believed to be Mephibosheth who was lame after his nurse dropped him when fleeing the palace, 2 Samuel 4:4).
The lineage of Benjamin concludes with an observation by the historian that the Benjaminites were known for their skill in war. They “were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin” (1 Chronicles 8:40; Judges 20:16).
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
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