1 Chronicles 5:5

KJV

Micah his son, Reaia his son, Baal his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

Micah {H4318} his son {H1121}, Reaia {H7211} his son {H1121}, Baal {H1168} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Mikhah, his son Re'ayah, his son Ba'al,

Berean Standard Bible

Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son,

American Standard Version

Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:5, a concise verse listing three names—Micah, Reaia, and Baal—serves as a vital link within the extensive genealogical record of the tribe of Reuben. Situated in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, this verse contributes to the Chronicler's overarching purpose of meticulously documenting Israelite heritage and identity for the post-exilic community. Far from being a mere list, it subtly underscores the continuity of God's covenant people, His faithfulness in preserving lineage, and the historical veracity foundational to the restored nation's claims and spiritual identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 5:5 is embedded within the detailed genealogies that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, a section critical to the Chronicler's agenda. Specifically, it continues the lineage of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, whose tribal record is presented in [1 Chronicles 5](/1_chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - Genealogy of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh"). This verse directly follows the mention of Joel's descendants in [1 Chronicles 5:4](/1_chronicles/5-4 "1 Chronicles 5:4 - Joel's Descendants"), tracing the line through Micah, Reaia, and Baal. The meticulous nature of these lists reflects the Chronicler's concern for establishing legitimate tribal identity, land inheritance, and priestly claims for the community returning from Babylonian exile. These genealogies serve as a foundational anchor, connecting the present community to their ancient covenantal past and demonstrating the unbroken thread of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For the returned exiles, identity, heritage, and land ownership were paramount concerns. Genealogies were not merely historical records; they were legal and social documents that validated claims to tribal affiliation, ancestral lands, and the right to serve in specific capacities, particularly within the priesthood. The meticulous recording of names like Micah, Reaia, and Baal, even for a tribe like Reuben that had lost its prominence, highlights the cultural importance of lineage in ancient Israel. It reinforced the community's sense of continuity with their pre-exilic ancestors and their place within God's covenant people, providing a foundational stability in a time of rebuilding and re-establishment.
* **Key Themes:** Despite its brevity, 1 Chronicles 5:5 contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the Chronicler's work. Firstly, it emphasizes the **continuity of lineage** and the **divine preservation** of God's people, demonstrating that even through periods of apostasy, judgment, and exile, God maintained a remnant and preserved the tribal lines. Secondly, it speaks to the **importance of identity and heritage**, providing the post-exilic community with a verifiable connection to their past, reinforcing their claims to the land, and reminding them of their unique status as God's covenant people. This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his descendants, as seen in passages like [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram"). Finally, the inclusion of such detailed names, even seemingly minor ones, subtly highlights God's **meticulous oversight** of history and His sovereign plan unfolding through generations, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of His grand redemptive purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Micah (Hebrew, _Mîḵāh'_):** A shortened form of the name Mikha'el (Michael), which means "Who is like Yah?" or "Who is like the Lord?" This rhetorical question serves as an affirmation of God's incomparable greatness and uniqueness. The name reflects a theological confession, even if given by parents who simply appreciated its sound, echoing a pervasive Israelite worldview that acknowledged Yahweh's supreme authority.
* **Reaia (Hebrew, _Rə‘āyāh'_):** This name translates to "Yah has seen" or "Yah has provided." It signifies a recognition of God's providential care, His watchful eye over His people, and His active involvement in their lives. The name itself is a testament to divine oversight and provision, a common theme in Hebrew naming conventions that often expressed hope, gratitude, or a theological statement.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Ba‘al'_):** This name literally means "lord," "master," or "owner." While famously associated with the Canaanite fertility deity, it was also used as a legitimate personal name in ancient Israel, often as a component in compound names (e.g., Eshbaal, Meribbaal). In this specific genealogical context, it should be understood as a personal name, not necessarily implying idolatrous worship by the individual or his family. Its presence in a respected lineage from an early period suggests a time when the name was used without the later, stronger pejorative connotations that developed as the conflict with Canaanite religion intensified. It highlights the fluidity of naming practices and the historical context of the period being chronicled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Micah his son":** This phrase establishes Micah as the direct descendant of the previously mentioned individual (Joel, from 1 Chronicles 5:4). It signifies the continuation of the family line, emphasizing the unbroken chain of generations within Reuben's tribe. The "his son" formula is a standard genealogical marker, underscoring the direct patrilineal succession central to Israelite identity and inheritance.
* **"Reaia his son":** Following Micah, Reaia is identified as Micah's son, further extending the lineage. This repetition of the "his son" formula reinforces the meticulous nature of the record and the importance of each link in the ancestral chain. It demonstrates the multi-generational scope of the genealogy, tracing the family's history over several centuries.
* **"Baal his son":** The final name in this specific sequence, Baal, is presented as Reaia's son. This completes the immediate segment of the genealogy, providing a concise yet precise record of three successive generations. The inclusion of Baal, with its complex etymological history, highlights the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy, recording names as they were, even if they later acquired different associations.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 5:5, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form with specific functions: to establish lineage, validate tribal identity, confirm land rights, and underscore historical continuity. The repetitive use of the phrase "his son" (or "his sons") acts as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the direct, unbroken line of descent. This repetition serves to reinforce the meticulousness of the record and the orderly progression of generations. While not a direct literary device, the **Nominalism** (the inherent meaning of the names themselves) subtly imbues the seemingly dry list with theological undertones, as names like "Micah" ("Who is like Yah?") and "Reaia" ("Yah has seen") reflect the faith and worldview of the people or their parents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 5:5, like all biblical genealogies, serves a profound theological purpose. It is a testament to God's meticulous care for His creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The preservation of these lineages, even through periods of national decline, apostasy, and devastating exile, demonstrates God's sovereign hand guiding history and ensuring the continuity of His chosen people. These records were not simply historical; they were theological affirmations that God remembers His covenant, maintains His people, and works out His purposes across generations, preparing the way for the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan. They underscore the importance of our spiritual heritage and the reality that we are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:39-40](/hebrews/11-39 "Hebrews 11:39-40 - God's Plan for the Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 5:5 might appear to be a remote and irrelevant verse, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God reminds us that every detail of history, every individual, and every generation matters to God. The meticulous preservation of these lineages speaks to God's profound care for His people and His unwavering commitment to His long-term plans. For us today, it encourages a deeper appreciation for our own spiritual heritage, recognizing that we are part of a continuous story of faith that stretches back through millennia. It invites us to trust in God's sovereign oversight, even when our own lives or circumstances feel mundane or insignificant, knowing that He is meticulously weaving together all things for His glory and our good. This verse calls us to consider our place in the grand narrative of redemption and to live faithfully as inheritors of a rich spiritual legacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving genealogies impact your view of His care for your own life and the seemingly small details within it?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage—your connection to the unbroken line of faith—provide a deeper sense of identity and purpose in your walk with God?**
* **What "mundane" or seemingly insignificant aspects of your life or family history might God be using to fulfill His greater, unseen purposes?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons, particularly in Chronicles. They served to establish and confirm tribal identity, which was essential for land ownership and inheritance in ancient Israel. They validated claims to priestly and Levitical service, ensuring that only those from the correct lineage could perform sacred duties. Historically, they provided a continuous record, linking the present generation to their ancestral past and demonstrating the unbroken thread of God's covenant people. The Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile, used these genealogies to re-establish the identity and legitimacy of the returned community, connecting them to their heritage and God's promises (see [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned") for examples of their practical use). Theologically, they underscore God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and ultimately, the lineage through which the Messiah would come.

**What is the significance of the name "Baal" appearing in this genealogy?**

Answer: The appearance of "Baal" in this genealogy can be surprising given its strong association with the Canaanite fertility deity. However, it's important to understand that "Baal" literally means "lord," "master," or "owner" in Hebrew. In early Israelite history, before the intense prophetic condemnations against Baal worship, the term was used as a legitimate personal name or as a component in compound names (e.g., Ishbaal, Meribbaal). Its presence in 1 Chronicles 5:5, within a respected lineage, indicates that it was a valid personal name for an Israelite at the time this individual lived, likely predating the more rigid prohibitions against its use due to its later idolatrous connotations. It does not necessarily imply that the individual named Baal or his family were idolaters, but rather reflects the historical context and naming conventions of an earlier period in Israel's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 5:5, like all the biblical genealogies, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. These meticulous records, tracing the lineage of God's people, are not merely historical curiosities but vital threads in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan. They demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise to Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Blessing of Abraham's Seed")). The preservation of these family lines, even through periods of national apostasy and devastating exile, underscores God's sovereign hand guiding history toward the advent of the Messiah. The "his son" repetitions, linking generation after generation, culminate in the ultimate Son, Jesus, who is the [seed of Abraham](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ") and the [descendant of David](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Descendant of David"). The genealogies presented in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus") validate Jesus' claim as the promised Christ, demonstrating that He is the culmination of all these ancient hopes and the one through whom God's covenant faithfulness is perfectly realized. Thus, 1 Chronicles 5:5, a small part of a larger genealogical record, points forward to the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.