1 Chronicles 5:14

KJV

These [are] the children of Abihail the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz;

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the children {H1121} of Abihail {H32} the son {H1121} of Huri {H2359}, the son {H1121} of Jaroah {H3386}, the son {H1121} of Gilead {H1568}, the son {H1121} of Michael {H4317}, the son {H1121} of Jeshishai {H3454}, the son {H1121} of Jahdo {H3163}, the son {H1121} of Buz {H938};

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the sons of Avichayil the son of Huri the son of Yaroach the son of Gil'ad the son of Mikha'el the son of Yeshishai the son of Yachdo the son of Buz;

Berean Standard Bible

These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz.

American Standard Version

These were the sons of Abihail, the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:14 is a precise entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Gad, meticulously tracing the lineage of Abihail through seven generations back to Buz. This verse, situated within the broader genealogical record of Israel, underscores the Chronicler's deep concern for establishing and preserving tribal identities, land rights, and the continuity of God's covenant promises for the post-exilic community. It exemplifies the detailed record-keeping essential for the nation's restoration and spiritual heritage, affirming each individual's place within God's overarching redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 5:14 is embedded within the comprehensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the detailed account of the tribe of Gad (1 Chronicles 5:11-17). These opening chapters (1 Chronicles 1-9) serve as a foundational historical and theological preamble, tracing the lineage of humanity from [Adam](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam's Lineage") through the patriarchs, and then systematically detailing the twelve tribes of Israel. The inclusion of such a meticulous list, even for a seemingly minor individual like Abihail, highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on the continuity of God's people and the divine preservation of their heritage, providing legitimacy and identity to the returning exiles. The flow moves from broader humanity to the chosen people, then to specific tribal and family units, culminating in the Davidic line, which is central to the Chronicler's theological agenda.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th or 4th century BCE, after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this community, re-establishing their identity, tribal affiliations, land claims, and the legitimacy of the priesthood was paramount. Genealogies were not merely historical records but vital legal and social documents. They confirmed who belonged to which tribe, which families could claim ancestral lands (as outlined in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Tribe")), and who was eligible for specific roles, particularly within the temple service. The tribe of Gad, mentioned here, was one of the Transjordanian tribes, settled east of the Jordan River. Their inclusion in these records affirmed their integral, though geographically distinct, place within the reunited nation of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the surrounding genealogies, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **preservation of lineage**, demonstrating the meticulous care taken in ancient Israel to record family lines, which were crucial for identity, inheritance, and tribal affiliation. Secondly, it subtly speaks to **God's faithfulness** in preserving His people and their heritage, even through periods of immense upheaval like the exile. The very existence of these records, despite the destruction and displacement, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. Thirdly, the genealogies reinforce the theme of **tribal identity and inheritance**, reminding the post-exilic community of their roots, their specific place within God's chosen people, and their divinely appointed land. This meticulous record-keeping undergirds the Chronicler's broader theological message of hope, restoration, and the enduring nature of God's promises to His people, particularly through the Davidic covenant, which is the ultimate focus of the book (e.g., [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abihail (Hebrew, _ʼĂbhîḥayil'_):** This name means "my father is strength" or "father of strength." While the specific individual Abihail in this verse is not prominent elsewhere in biblical narrative, the name itself carries a connotation of robustness and divine support. In a genealogical context, it signifies a legitimate and established paternal line, reinforcing the strength and continuity of the family unit within the tribe of Gad. The very act of naming and recording such a lineage underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the enduring strength of Israel's tribal structure, even after national crises.
* **Buz (Hebrew, _Bûz'_):** Meaning "contempt" or "despised," Buz is a less common name, but it appears in other biblical contexts, notably as the name of a nephew of Abraham (Genesis 22:21) and as the ancestor of Elihu, one of Job's friends (Job 32:2). Here, Buz serves as a distant but vital anchor in Abihail's lineage, tracing the family's roots back several generations. The inclusion of such a specific, multi-generational chain highlights the Chronicler's dedication to historical accuracy and the comprehensive nature of the genealogical records. It demonstrates that every link in the chain, no matter how seemingly obscure, was considered essential for establishing the full and legitimate identity of the individual and their tribal affiliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the children of Abihail":** This opening phrase immediately sets the focus on Abihail as the progenitor of the specific lineage being detailed. The "children" here implicitly refers to the descendants that follow from Abihail's line, with the subsequent names tracing his *paternal* ancestry. It marks a specific branch within the broader Gadite genealogy, indicating a precise and deliberate focus on this particular family unit. The Chronicler's use of this introductory phrase highlights the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, ensuring clarity and precision in identifying each family's place within the larger tribal structure.
* **"the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz;":** This extended chain of "the son of" (Hebrew: `ben`) meticulously traces Abihail's paternal ancestry back through seven generations to Buz. Each repetition of "the son of" serves as a direct link, establishing an unbroken and legitimate line of descent. This detailed enumeration was crucial in ancient Israel for validating tribal membership, confirming claims to inherited land, and ensuring one's place within the covenant community. The inclusion of multiple generations underscores the depth and thoroughness of the records available to the Chronicler, emphasizing the historical continuity and divine preservation of these family lines within the tribe of Gad. The names themselves, while not providing narrative details, collectively form a testament to the enduring presence of God's people through time.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 5:14, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** (or **List**). This is not merely a dry list of names but a highly functional and theologically significant literary form. Its purpose is multifaceted: to establish historical continuity from creation to the post-exilic community, to legitimize tribal and family identities, to confirm land rights, and to underscore the continuity of God's covenant promises. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the son of" (`ben`) is a key feature of this genealogical style, creating a rhythmic, unbroken chain that emphasizes direct paternal lineage and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. This repetition serves to reinforce the authenticity and reliability of the lineage. Furthermore, while not overtly narrative, the names themselves, through **Nominalism**, carry inherent meaning (e.g., Abihail, Buz), subtly contributing to the overall tapestry of Israel's history and identity. The entire section functions as a foundational **Historical Record**, providing the necessary framework for understanding the subsequent narratives of the kings and the temple, all rooted in these established lineages.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:14, though a seemingly minor genealogical entry, profoundly connects to the broader theological narrative of God's meticulous care and faithfulness. The very existence of such detailed records, tracing individuals through generations, speaks to a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, not merely in grand historical movements but in the specific, individual threads that compose the tapestry of His plan. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, these genealogies were a powerful reminder that despite the exile and dispersion, God had preserved a remnant, maintaining their identity and their claim to the covenant promises. It instilled hope and a sense of belonging, assuring them that their lineage, and thus their future, was secure in God's sovereign hands. This attention to detail underscores that every person, every family, and every generation has a divinely ordained place within God's unfolding story of redemption.

* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unclear Lineage")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names like 1 Chronicles 5:14 might initially appear distant from modern life, it offers profound truths for contemporary believers. This verse reminds us that God is a God of intricate detail, who knows and cares about every individual, every family, and every generation. Just as Abihail's lineage was meticulously recorded and preserved, so too are the details of our lives known to God, affirming His intimate involvement and sovereign plan for each of us. It calls us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that we are part of a continuous lineage of faith, connected to generations of believers who have walked with God. Understanding our "roots" in Christ helps us grasp our identity and purpose within the vast family of God, encouraging us to live faithfully as a testament to His enduring faithfulness across time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like that of Abihail, impact your understanding of God's attention to detail in your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways can understanding your spiritual lineage – your connection to the historical church and the great cloud of witnesses – strengthen your identity and sense of belonging as a believer?**
* **How might recognizing your unique place within God's larger narrative, as part of His ongoing story of redemption, encourage you to live out your purpose with greater intentionality?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons, particularly in the post-exilic context of Chronicles. They served as vital records for establishing and confirming tribal identity, land inheritance rights (as seen in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Allotted East of the Jordan")), and eligibility for priestly or royal service. For the returning exiles, these lists provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their continuity as God's chosen people and their claim to the covenant promises. They also demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations, even through periods of national upheaval like the Babylonian exile. The Chronicler uses them to build a comprehensive history from [Adam](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") to the present, emphasizing the unbroken line of God's work.

**What is the significance of tracing a lineage back through multiple generations, as seen with Abihail to Buz?**

Answer: Tracing a lineage back through multiple generations, as 1 Chronicles 5:14 does for Abihail, was not merely an exercise in historical record-keeping; it was a profound act of validation. Each "son of" link established an unbroken, legitimate claim to tribal affiliation, ancestral land, and communal rights within Israel. It confirmed that the individual was a rightful member of the covenant community, with all the associated privileges and responsibilities. This meticulous detail underscored the authenticity of their heritage and their place within God's unfolding plan. For the Chronicler's audience, it provided assurance that their identity and future were firmly rooted in God's historical faithfulness, connecting them directly to the promises made to their patriarchs, such as those found in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abram").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 5:14 details a specific lineage within the tribe of Gad, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how these Old Testament genealogies collectively point to the coming of the Messiah. The meticulous preservation of family lines, particularly those leading to the royal tribe of Judah, served to establish the legitimacy of Jesus Christ as the promised King and High Priest. Genealogies like those in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") trace Jesus's lineage back through David and Abraham, and even to Adam, demonstrating His perfect credentials as the one who fulfills all the Old Testament promises. In Christ, the focus shifts from physical tribal identity to spiritual adoption. Through faith in Him, believers from every tribe and nation are grafted into God's family, becoming spiritual "children of Abraham" (e.g., [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")) and co-heirs with Christ (e.g., [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, the detailed record of Abihail's lineage, like all Old Testament genealogies, ultimately foreshadows the one in whom all humanity can find their true identity and belonging: Jesus, the culmination of God's redemptive history.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.