1 Chronicles 7:8

KJV

And the sons of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. All these [are] the sons of Becher.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Becher {H1071}; Zemira {H2160}, and Joash {H3135}, and Eliezer {H461}, and Elioenai {H454}, and Omri {H6018}, and Jerimoth {H3406}, and Abiah {H29}, and Anathoth {H6068}, and Alameth {H5964}. All these are the sons {H1121} of Becher {H1071}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Bekher were: Z'mirah, Yo'ash, Eli'ezer, Elyo'enai, 'Omri, Yeremot, Aviyah, 'Anatot and 'Alemet; all these were sons of Bekher.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Becher:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Becher: Zemirah, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jeremoth, and Abijah, and Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:8 meticulously lists nine direct descendants of Becher, one of the sons of Benjamin, thereby contributing to the comprehensive genealogical records compiled by the Chronicler. This verse, embedded within a larger section of tribal lineages, serves to establish and preserve the identity and continuity of the Benjaminite clan, underscoring the importance of family lines and tribal organization within ancient Israelite society and God's overarching plan for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:8 is situated within the extensive genealogical section of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies"), which lays the foundational historical and theological framework for the entire book. Specifically, chapter 7 focuses on the lineages of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The immediate context of this verse is the genealogy of Benjamin, introduced in [1 Chronicles 7:6](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6 - Sons of Benjamin"), which names Becher as one of Benjamin's three sons (alongside Bela and Jediael). The Chronicler's detailed enumeration of Becher's descendants here, as well as those of Bela in [1 Chronicles 7:7](/1_chronicles/7-7 "1 Chronicles 7:7 - Descendants of Bela"), highlights the importance of this tribe, which played a significant role in Israel's history, including providing its first king, Saul. These lists are not merely dry records but serve to demonstrate the continuity of God's covenant people through generations, even after the Babylonian exile, when the Chronicler was writing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than mere family trees; they were vital documents that established tribal identity, land inheritance rights, eligibility for priestly service, and social standing. The meticulous preservation of these records, particularly after the return from exile, was crucial for the re-establishment of the nation. The tribe of Benjamin, though smaller than Judah or Ephraim, held a unique place, being the tribe from which King Saul originated ([1 Samuel 9:1-2](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1-2 - Saul's Lineage")). The Chronicler's emphasis on such detailed lists underscores a post-exilic concern for national identity, purity of lineage, and the re-affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when the people were scattered. The names themselves often carried meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or theological affirmations of the parents, though their primary function here is to identify individuals within the family structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader genealogical sections, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, **Genealogical Precision** is paramount; the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine order and care in preserving the lineage of Israel, which was essential for maintaining tribal boundaries and fulfilling covenant promises. Secondly, the theme of **Continuity and Preservation** is evident, as the listing of generations demonstrates God's faithfulness in sustaining His people through various historical upheavals, ensuring the survival of the twelve tribes despite exile and dispersion. This continuity ultimately points towards the preservation of the Davidic line, crucial for the coming Messiah ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - Davidic Covenant")). Finally, these genealogies provide a **Historical Foundation** for the nation, connecting individuals to their heritage and to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, reminding the restored community of their roots and their place in God's ongoing story, as seen in the foundational covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (בְּנֵי, _b'nei_):** This plural construct noun literally means "sons of" or "children of." In this context, it signifies direct male descendants, emphasizing the patrilineal nature of Israelite society and the transmission of lineage through the male line. The repetition of "sons of Becher" at the beginning and end of the verse highlights the primary focus on Becher's direct progeny and reinforces the specific family unit being detailed.
* **All these (כָּל־אֵלֶּה, _kol-elleh_):** This phrase serves as a conclusive summary, affirming that the preceding list of names constitutes the complete enumeration of Becher's sons being presented. It provides a definitive closure to the list, a common stylistic device in ancient Near Eastern and biblical texts used to confirm the accuracy and completeness of a given record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Becher;":** This introductory phrase immediately identifies the subject of the verse, establishing the specific lineage that will be detailed. It links this verse directly to the preceding context in [1 Chronicles 7:6](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6 - Sons of Benjamin"), where Becher is named as one of Benjamin's sons, setting the stage for the enumeration of his descendants.
* **"Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth.":** This is the core of the verse, a precise list of nine proper names. Each name represents an individual male descendant, meticulously recorded to preserve the family line. While the specific historical contributions of each individual are not detailed here, their inclusion underscores the Chronicler's commitment to comprehensive record-keeping and the importance of every link in the genealogical chain.
* **"All these [are] the sons of Becher.":** This concluding statement acts as an emphatic summary and confirmation. It reiterates the initial declaration, ensuring clarity and reinforcing that the preceding list comprehensively covers the direct male lineage of Becher as intended by the Chronicler. This repetition is a common rhetorical device for emphasis and closure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 7:8 is **Enumeration**, where a detailed list of items (in this case, names) is provided. This technique serves to convey precision and thoroughness, emphasizing the Chronicler's commitment to accurate historical record-keeping. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** through the phrase "the sons of Becher" at both the beginning and the end. This stylistic choice acts as an **Inclusio**, framing the list and providing a strong sense of unity and completeness to the enumeration of Becher's descendants. The use of "and" (the Hebrew _waw_ conjunction) before each name in the list creates a sense of continuous flow and connection, characteristic of ancient Hebrew narrative and record-keeping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 7:8 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous nature, His faithfulness in preserving His covenant people, and the importance of individual identity within the larger tapestry of His redemptive plan. The Chronicler's post-exilic audience would have found reassurance in these precise records, confirming their heritage and their place in God's ongoing story. These genealogies are not just historical documents; they are theological statements about God's sovereign hand guiding history and fulfilling His promises through specific individuals and families. They remind us that every person, even those only mentioned by name, plays a part in God's grand design.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Numbers 26:1-65](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census of Israel")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those who could not prove their lineage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern reader, 1 Chronicles 7:8 might initially appear as an obscure and irrelevant list. However, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God compels us to look deeper. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, who cares about the details of history and the lives of individuals. Just as the names of Becher's sons were meticulously recorded, so too are our lives known to God. This passage invites us to consider our own place within God's grand narrative – our spiritual heritage as believers, connected to a lineage of faith that stretches back through generations. It encourages us to value our own unique identity and the role we play in the unfolding story of God's kingdom, recognizing that even seemingly small contributions are significant in His eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 7:8, inform your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does recognizing your spiritual heritage in Christ connect you to a larger story of faith, similar to how these genealogies connected Israelites to their tribal identity?**
* **What might it mean for you to live a life that contributes to God's ongoing story, even if your name is not explicitly recorded in a grand biblical genealogy?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive and detailed genealogies in Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 7:8, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. Firstly, they provided a **historical and theological anchor**, connecting the returning exiles to their heritage as the people of God, tracing their lineage back to Adam and Abraham. This re-established their identity and legitimacy as the true Israel. Secondly, these lists were vital for **practical administration**, confirming tribal affiliations for land inheritance ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of Land by Lot")), determining eligibility for priestly and Levitical service ([Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests who could not prove their lineage")), and verifying the purity of family lines. Thirdly, and most significantly from a theological perspective, these genealogies **preserved the messianic line**, meticulously tracing the lineage of David, through whom the promised Messiah would come ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The Chronicler's emphasis on these records underscored God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and His promises, even through periods of exile and dispersion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:8 is a specific genealogical record from the Old Testament, its ultimate fulfillment and theological significance are found in Christ. The meticulous preservation of lineages, like that of Becher, underscores God's sovereign hand in history, meticulously preparing the way for the promised Messiah. Every name in these ancient lists, no matter how obscure, is a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining a chosen people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The ultimate purpose of all biblical genealogies, including those in Chronicles, is to establish the legitimate lineage of Jesus Christ, proving His rightful claim as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, as detailed in the Gospels ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Jesus is the culmination of all these family lines, the one in whom God's promises to Israel find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Through Him, a new spiritual lineage is established, where believers are adopted into God's family, becoming "sons and daughters" not by physical descent but by faith ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God through Faith")). Thus, these ancient records point forward to the one who gathers all people into His one, eternal family, whose names are written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life").

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.