1 Chronicles 7:10

KJV

The sons also of Jediael; Bilhan: and the sons of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} also of Jediael {H3043}; Bilhan {H1092}: and the sons {H1121} of Bilhan {H1092}; Jeush {H3274}, and Benjamin {H1144}, and Ehud {H164}, and Chenaanah {H3668}, and Zethan {H2133}, and Tharshish {H8659}, and Ahishahar {H300}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of Y'dia'el was Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan were: Ye'ush, Binyamin, Ehud, Kena'anah, Zeitan, Tarshish and Achishachar.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Jediael: Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jediael: Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan: Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tarshish, and Ahishahar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:10 is a meticulously preserved genealogical record within the broader tribal rosters of the book, specifically detailing a segment of the lineage of Benjamin. This verse enumerates Bilhan as a son of Jediael, who himself descends from Benjamin, and then further lists Bilhan's seven sons: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tharshish, and Ahishahar. Far from a mere list of names, this verse contributes to the Chronicler's overarching purpose of affirming Israel's post-exilic identity, validating tribal claims, and demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse 1 Chronicles 7:10 is embedded within the extensive genealogical sections of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - The Genealogies of Israel"), which serve as the foundational chapters for the entire book. Following the universal history from Adam to Noah and the patriarchs, the Chronicler then meticulously traces the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapter 7 specifically focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Within this chapter, [1 Chronicles 7:6-12](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6-12 - Descendants of Benjamin") details the descendants of Benjamin, making 1 Chronicles 7:10 a specific branch within this tribal lineage. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 7:6](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6 - Benjamin's Sons") and [1 Chronicles 7:7](/1_chronicles/7-7 "1 Chronicles 7:7 - Sons of Bela")) establish the broader family tree of Benjamin, setting the stage for the enumeration of Jediael's and Bilhan's offspring. This meticulous listing underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on continuity and identity for the post-exilic community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period, roughly between 450-400 BC, after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this community, who had experienced the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the loss of their land and national identity, these genealogies were profoundly significant. They served as a vital means of re-establishing communal identity, validating claims to ancestral lands, confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and tracing the Davidic royal line. Culturally, lineage was paramount in ancient Israel, determining social status, inheritance rights, and religious roles. The inclusion of specific names like "Benjamin" (who was a son of Jacob, and also appears as a descendant here) highlights the importance of remembering and honoring the patriarchal founders and their covenantal promises. The very act of preserving these names, even seemingly minor ones, reflects a deep cultural value placed on memory, heritage, and the continuity of the family unit within the larger tribal structure.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 7:10, though a single verse of names, contributes to several overarching themes present in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and History of Israel"). Firstly, it underscores the **faithfulness of God** in preserving His covenant people through generations, even through periods of exile and dispersion. The continuity of these lineages, despite national upheaval, speaks to God's enduring commitment to His promises. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of identity and heritage** for the returning exiles. By meticulously listing tribal affiliations, the Chronicler provided a tangible link to their past, enabling them to reconstruct their society and reclaim their place within God's covenant. This was crucial for rebuilding the Temple and re-establishing proper worship. Thirdly, these genealogies, including the one in [1 Chronicles 7:10](/1_chronicles/7-10 "1 Chronicles 7:10 - Benjamin's Descendants"), serve as a **foundation for future hope and messianic expectation**. By tracing the lines of Israel, the Chronicler subtly points towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the coming Messiah, whose lineage would be meticulously recorded (as seen in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jediael (Hebrew, _Yəḏîʿaʾēl'_):** Meaning "Known of God" or "God knows." This name, like many in biblical genealogies, carries theological significance. It suggests a divine recognition or intimacy, implying that God is intimately aware of each individual within His covenant people, even those whose lives are only recorded as a name in a list. This reinforces the theme of God's meticulous care and knowledge of His people, extending beyond the prominent figures to every member of the lineage.
* **Bilhan (Hebrew, _Bilḥān'_):** The meaning is uncertain, possibly related to "fading" or "troubled." While the literal meaning might not be immediately clear or positive, its inclusion here, like all names in these genealogies, serves a specific purpose: to establish a link in the chain of descent. The fact that a name of uncertain or potentially negative connotation is preserved highlights the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the comprehensive nature of the record, regardless of individual name meanings.
* **Tharshish (Hebrew, _Taršîš'_):** This name is intriguing as it is also the name of a distant maritime city (e.g., [Jonah 1:3](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah 1:3 - Jonah Flees to Tarshish")). While it is unlikely that this individual is directly connected to the city, the name's reappearance suggests a possible cultural or geographical influence on naming conventions, or simply that the name was not uncommon. Its presence here adds to the diverse array of names within the Benjaminite lineage, showcasing the breadth of the family tree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons also of Jediael; Bilhan:"** This opening clause establishes Jediael as the father of Bilhan, directly linking this lineage to the broader Benjaminite family tree previously introduced. Jediael himself is identified in [1 Chronicles 7:6](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6 - Benjamin's Sons") as one of the sons of Benjamin. This structure of "X, the son of Y" is characteristic of biblical genealogies, ensuring clear lines of descent and preventing confusion.
* **"and the sons of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar."** This second clause expands the lineage further, enumerating seven direct descendants of Bilhan. The sheer number of names, particularly seven, which often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, suggests a fruitful and established family line. The repetition of the name "Benjamin" within this list is notable, indicating that names of significant ancestors were often reused within families, honoring the patriarch and reinforcing tribal identity. Each name represents a distinct individual, a branch of the family tree, contributing to the overall tapestry of Israel's heritage.

#### Literary Devices
While 1 Chronicles 7:10 is primarily a genealogical record, it implicitly employs several literary devices. The most obvious is **Enumeration**, where a list of names is provided to meticulously detail lineage. This systematic listing serves to establish a comprehensive and verifiable record, crucial for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. There is also an element of **Repetition**, particularly with the name "Benjamin" appearing both as the tribal patriarch and as a descendant within this specific verse. This repetition serves to reinforce the tribal identity and connection to the founding ancestor. Furthermore, the entire genealogical section, including this verse, functions as a form of **Historical Record**, albeit one presented in a highly stylized and selective manner. It is not merely a dry list but a curated account designed to convey theological truths about God's faithfulness and Israel's enduring identity. The cumulative effect of these names also creates a sense of **Continuity**, emphasizing the unbroken chain of generations from the patriarchs to the Chronicler's own time, thereby providing hope and a sense of rootedness for the returning exiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:10 carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His faithfulness across generations. The very act of preserving these lineages, even for individuals who do not play a prominent role in narrative history, reveals that every life within God's plan matters. It speaks to a divine economy where individual identity is deeply intertwined with communal heritage and divine purpose. This passage reminds us that God is not a God of chaos but of order, meticulously tracking the unfolding of His redemptive plan through specific families and tribes. It implicitly teaches that our personal histories are part of a larger divine narrative, connecting us to a heritage of faith that extends back to the patriarchs and forward to the consummation of God's kingdom.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Register of Genealogies")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 7:10 presents a list of ancient names, its enduring message resonates deeply with contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God knows each of us intimately, not merely as a statistic but as a uniquely created individual within His grand design. Just as He meticulously recorded the lineages of Israel, He is intimately acquainted with our personal histories, our families, and our place in His unfolding story. This should inspire both comfort and purpose: comfort in knowing we are seen and valued by God, and purpose in recognizing our role within the larger "family of God." We are part of a spiritual heritage, connected to a vast cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, and called to faithfully live out our faith for the generations to come. This verse challenges us to consider our own legacy and how we are contributing to the continuity of faith in our families and communities, recognizing that our lives, however seemingly ordinary, are significant in God's eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 7:10, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God values and remembers every individual, even those in a list of names, impact your sense of personal significance?**
* **How can you better appreciate and connect with your spiritual heritage as a believer, recognizing yourself as part of a continuous lineage of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and History"), serve several crucial purposes. For the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was addressed, they were vital for re-establishing identity after the Babylonian exile, confirming tribal land claims, ensuring proper priestly and Levitical service, and validating the royal line of David. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their lineage despite adversity, preparing the way for future blessings and the coming Messiah (as seen in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). They underscore the importance of heritage, continuity, and God's meticulous care for every individual within His plan.

**Is the "Benjamin" listed in 1 Chronicles 7:10 the same as the son of Jacob?**

Answer: No, the "Benjamin" listed in [1 Chronicles 7:10](/1_chronicles/7-10 "1 Chronicles 7:10 - Benjamin's Descendants") is a descendant of Bilhan, who is himself a descendant of Jediael, a son of Benjamin (the son of Jacob). This indicates that the name "Benjamin" was reused within the tribe, honoring the patriarch. It was a common practice in ancient Israel to name children after significant ancestors. The original Benjamin, son of Jacob, is introduced in [Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Genesis 35:18 - Rachel Names Benjamin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:10 is a pre-Christ Old Testament genealogy, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these lineages, including the tribe of Benjamin, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, which ultimately culminate in the Messiah. The very purpose of these genealogies in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and History of Israel") was to demonstrate continuity and prepare the way for the Davidic king. Jesus, though primarily from the tribe of Judah, is the ultimate fulfillment of all tribal promises and the true "Son of David" (as proclaimed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). He is the one in whom all the scattered "sons" of Israel find their true identity and belonging. Through Christ, the concept of a physical lineage transforms into a spiritual one, where believers from every tribe and nation are adopted into God's family, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:10 points forward to the vibrant, inclusive family of God established through the blood of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, who unites all who believe into one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity in Christ")).

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.

Cross-References

Judges 3:15

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

Judges 3:30

So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.