FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation 1 Chronicles 8:30
KJVAnd his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
Read it in context
Genealogy from Benjamin to Saul
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 8:1 (1 Chronicles 8:1 to 1 Chronicles 8:32).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
- 8:1 Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,
- 8:2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
- 8:3 And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,
- 8:4 And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,
- 8:5 And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.
- 8:6 And these are the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba, and they removed them to Manahath:
- 8:7 And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud.
- 8:8 And Shaharaim begat children in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives.
- 8:9 And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,
- 8:10 And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These were his sons, heads of the fathers.
- 8:11 And of Hushim he begat Abitub, and Elpaal.
- 8:12 The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:
- 8:13 Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:
- 8:14 And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,
- 8:15 And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,
- 8:16 And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;
- 8:17 And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki, and Heber,
- 8:18 Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal;
- 8:19 And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,
- 8:20 And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel,
- 8:21 And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;
- 8:22 And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,
- 8:23 And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,
- 8:24 And Hananiah, and Elam, and Antothijah,
- 8:25 And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;
- 8:26 And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,
- 8:27 And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham.
- 8:28 These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem.
- 8:29 And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was Maachah:
- 8:30 And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
- 8:31 And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.
- 8:32 And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44): These genealogies and settlement lists identify ancestral families, tribes, priests, Levites, and returned inhabitants for the community's record. The people listed are not all participants in one contemporary gathering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Genealogy from Benjamin to Saul. Read 1 Chronicles 8:1 through 1 Chronicles 8:32 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Genealogy from Benjamin to Saul (1 Chronicles 8:1 to 1 Chronicles 8:32). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 8:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 8:1, 1 Chronicles 8:32, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The genealogies extend past the exile.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 8
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The Family of Saul
1 Chronicles 8:33–40FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation David's kingship established
1 Chronicles 10:1–12:40FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation David's reign and the ark
1 Chronicles 13:1–20:8FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
interpretation Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Connection to the wholeDavid arranges materials and personnel and charges Solomon and the people, directing the close of his reign toward the future temple.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.