1 Chronicles 7:6

KJV

[The sons] of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons of Benjamin {H1144}; Bela {H1106}, and Becher {H1071}, and Jediael {H3043}, three {H7969}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[The sons of] Binyamin were: Bela, Bekher and Y'dia'el - three.

Berean Standard Bible

The three sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael.

American Standard Version

The sons ofBenjamin: Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:6 offers a concise yet significant genealogical entry, specifically listing Bela, Becher, and Jediael as three of the sons of Benjamin. Situated within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9, this verse serves the Chronicler's broader purpose of re-establishing the identity, heritage, and covenant connection of the post-exilic Jewish community, meticulously preserving the tribal lineages as a testament to God's faithfulness and the continuity of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section of genealogies in [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - The Genealogies of Israel"), which meticulously traces the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher") focuses on the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Following a detailed account of Issachar's descendants in [1 Chronicles 7:1-5](/1_chronicles/7-1 "1 Chronicles 7:1-5 - Descendants of Issachar"), verse 6 initiates the record for the tribe of Benjamin, which continues through [1 Chronicles 7:12](/1_chronicles/7-12 "1 Chronicles 7:12 - Further Descendants of Benjamin"). The Chronicler's placement of Benjamin's lineage here, alongside other tribes, underscores the comprehensive nature of his historical and theological project, aiming to provide a foundational identity for the returning exiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was composed in the post-exilic period, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, for the Jewish community returning to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. For a people who had experienced displacement, loss of land, and disruption of their social and religious structures, genealogies were profoundly important. They served as vital documents for establishing tribal affiliations, confirming land rights, validating priestly and Levitical succession, and reinforcing the legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy. By meticulously recording these lineages, the Chronicler sought to remind the returning exiles of their unbroken connection to God's covenant people, their heritage in the land, and their place within the unfolding divine story. The tribe of Benjamin, in particular, held significant historical weight as the tribe from which [Israel's first king, Saul, emerged](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Lineage"), and it was a tribe that remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty, forming part of the kingdom of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of specific names like Bela, Becher, and Jediael, even in a brief list, highlights several key themes. First, it emphasizes the **Preservation of Lineage**, demonstrating God's meticulous faithfulness in maintaining the family lines of His people, thereby affirming His enduring commitment to His covenant promises. Second, these lists were crucial for upholding **Tribal Identity**, which was essential for the social structure, land inheritance, and the eventual fulfillment of prophecies pertaining to each tribe. Third, and notably, this verse exemplifies the **Selectivity in Scripture**. While 1 Chronicles 7:6 lists three sons of Benjamin, other biblical accounts, such as [Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "Genesis 46:21 - Benjamin's Sons in Jacob's Household"), list ten sons, and even [1 Chronicles 8:1-2](/1_chronicles/8-1 "1 Chronicles 8:1-2 - Benjamin's Descendants") provides a different, more extensive genealogy for Benjamin. This discrepancy underscores that biblical genealogies are not exhaustive census records but are often selective, focusing on lines that were prominent or relevant to the Chronicler's specific theological or historical purpose for his audience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyamin_):** Meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south," Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, born near Bethlehem. His name carries significance as a symbol of strength and favor. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors and its unique geographical position, bordering Judah. In this context, naming Benjamin's sons directly connects the post-exilic community to one of the foundational tribes of Israel, reinforcing their ancient heritage.
* **Three (Hebrew, _shalosh_):** The explicit mention of "three" sons is crucial. It highlights the Chronicler's selective focus. Rather than providing an exhaustive list (which elsewhere includes more sons, e.g., ten in Genesis 46:21), the Chronicler chooses to enumerate only these three. This selectivity is not an oversight but a deliberate choice, likely emphasizing the most prominent or relevant lines for his specific historical and theological agenda, perhaps focusing on those whose descendants were significant in the post-exilic community or who represented key branches of the tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[The sons] of Benjamin;":** The KJV supplies "The sons" in brackets, indicating it's implied in the Hebrew text. The verse immediately shifts from the previous tribal genealogy (Issachar) to Benjamin, signifying a direct continuation of the comprehensive tribal record. The focus is on the lineage, establishing the connection to the patriarch Benjamin.
* **"Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.":** This clause provides the specific names of three individuals identified as sons of Benjamin. The enumeration "three" is a definitive statement, underscoring the Chronicler's particular selection. Bela is consistently listed as Benjamin's firstborn in other genealogies (e.g., Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:38; 1 Chronicles 8:1). Becher and Jediael are also found in other lists, though the specific relationships and comprehensiveness vary across different biblical accounts. This precise naming serves to ground the post-exilic community in their ancestral past.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 7:6 is **Genealogy**, which serves as the foundational structure for much of the early chapters of 1 Chronicles. Genealogies are not merely dry lists but are purposeful literary constructs that establish identity, legitimize claims, and trace divine promises through generations. Within this genealogical framework, the Chronicler utilizes **Enumeration**, explicitly stating "three" sons. This precise counting, rather than a more general reference, highlights the meticulous nature of the record and the Chronicler's deliberate selectivity. Furthermore, the verse employs **Ellipsis**, where the subject "sons" is implied rather than explicitly stated at the beginning of the Hebrew sentence, relying on context for clarity. This concise style is characteristic of ancient genealogical records, prioritizing the names and their connections over elaborate prose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a simple enumeration, 1 Chronicles 7:6, like all genealogical passages, carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through the generations. The very existence of these names, hundreds of years after their lives, testifies to a divine plan that spans millennia, connecting the present community to their ancient roots and assuring them of God's enduring commitment. It teaches us that every individual, even those merely listed in ancient records, has a place in God's grand narrative of redemption. This verse affirms that God knows His people by name and carefully oversees the unfolding of history, ensuring the continuity of His promises, particularly those leading to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Genesis 10:1-32](/genesis/10-1 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")
* [Numbers 26:38](/numbers/26-38 "Numbers 26:38 - Census of Benjamin's Descendants")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 7:6, a seemingly brief and dry list of names, invites us to ponder the profound significance of our own place within God's vast and ancient story. It reminds us that God is a God of history, who meticulously preserves lineages, not out of mere historical interest, but because every name and every generation plays a part in His unfolding plan. For the original audience, it was an anchor, rooting them in a divinely ordained heritage after the trauma of exile. For us today, it serves as a quiet affirmation that our lives are not random but are known and cared for by a God who oversees every detail. It encourages us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faith and to recognize that we, too, are part of a continuous, living lineage of believers, called to carry forward the story of God's faithfulness into our own time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous attention to ancient genealogies inform your view of His care for your own life and story?**
* **In what ways can you connect with and honor your spiritual heritage, recognizing the "sons" and "daughters" who have gone before you in faith?**
* **What does the selective nature of biblical genealogies teach us about the purpose of Scripture and how we should approach its details?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies often inconsistent or selective?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, including the one in 1 Chronicles 7:6, are not intended to be exhaustive census records but serve specific theological, historical, or literary purposes. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, was primarily concerned with re-establishing identity, land rights, priestly legitimacy, and the continuity of the Davidic line. Therefore, he often selected specific branches or individuals that were most relevant to his message. For instance, while [Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "Genesis 46:21 - Benjamin's Sons in Jacob's Household") lists ten sons of Benjamin, and [1 Chronicles 8:1-2](/1_chronicles/8-1 "1 Chronicles 8:1-2 - Benjamin's Descendants") provides a more extensive list of his descendants, 1 Chronicles 7:6 highlights only three. This selectivity allows the Chronicler to focus on the lineages most pertinent to the re-establishment of the community in Judah, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people rather than providing a complete demographic record.

**What is the significance of the tribe of Benjamin?**

Answer: The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique and significant place in Israelite history. Benjamin was the youngest and only son of Jacob and Rachel born in the land of Canaan. The tribe was known for its fierce warriors (e.g., [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjaminite Slingers")), and it was from this tribe that [Israel's first king, Saul](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Lineage") emerged. Historically, Benjamin's territory was strategically located between the northern tribes and Judah, and after the division of the kingdom, Benjamin largely remained allied with Judah, forming the core of the southern kingdom. This tribal connection was crucial for the post-exilic community, as many of the returning exiles were from Judah and Benjamin, reinforcing their identity and claim to the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical list of 1 Chronicles 7:6, like all the lineages in Scripture, ultimately points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Son" who fulfills all the promises of God. These meticulous records demonstrate God's sovereign and faithful preservation of a specific lineage, a divine thread running through human history that culminates in the birth of the Messiah. The Chronicler's emphasis on the continuity of Israel's tribes, including Benjamin, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, a commitment that finds its most profound expression in Christ. Jesus, as the Son of David (as traced 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")), is the culmination of all these genealogies, the one through whom God's promises to Abraham and David are realized. Through Christ, physical lineage is transcended, as all who believe are adopted into God's family, becoming spiritual "sons and daughters" and co-heirs with Him, irrespective of their earthly heritage ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 7:6, in its small way, is part of the grand narrative demonstrating God's meticulous preparation for the arrival of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and establishes a new, eternal lineage of faith.

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

Genesis 46:21

And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

1 Chronicles 8:1

¶ Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,

1 Chronicles 8:40

And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these [are] of the sons of Benjamin.

1 Chronicles 7:10

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

1 Chronicles 7:11

All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, [were] seventeen thousand and two hundred [soldiers], fit to go out for war [and] battle.

Numbers 26:38

The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:

Numbers 26:41

These [are] the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred.