(The Lord speaking is red text)
The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:
The sons of Elpa'al: 'Ever, Mish'am, Shemed - he built Ono and Lod with its towns -
The sons of Elpaal:
And the sons of Elpaal: Eber, and Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with the towns thereof;
The sons{H1121} of Elpaal{H508}; Eber{H5677}, and Misham{H4936}, and Shamed{H8106}, who built{H1129} Ono{H207}, and Lod{H3850}, with the towns{H1323} thereof:
1 Chronicles 8:12 is a verse that falls within a genealogical section of the book, which meticulously traces the ancestry of the Israelite tribes, particularly focusing on the tribe of Benjamin in this chapter. The verse specifically mentions the sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shamed. These individuals are part of the broader lineage of King Saul, who hailed from the tribe of Benjamin.
The historical context of this verse is set after the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land, following their exodus from Egypt. The Chronicler, the traditional author of 1 Chronicles, is writing for a post-exilic audience, meaning the Jewish people who have returned from the Babylonian exile. The purpose of this detailed genealogy is to reestablish the identity and heritage of the Israelites, affirming their tribal connections and land inheritances after a period of displacement.
The verse also highlights the role of Shamed, who is credited with building the towns of Ono and Lod, along with their respective villages. This detail underscores the importance of place and the rebuilding of the homeland after the return from exile. It reflects the broader theme of restoration that is central to the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. The mention of town-building is significant as it symbolizes the resettlement and re-establishment of the Israelite community in their ancestral land, a key aspect of their national and spiritual identity.
In summary, 1 Chronicles 8:12 is a verse that contributes to the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing the lineage of Elpaal and the nation-building efforts of his son Shamed. It serves to reinforce the continuity of Israelite heritage and the importance of reclaiming and rebuilding the land of Israel after the Babylonian exile.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)