1 Chronicles 8:10

KJV

And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These [were] his sons, heads of the fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jeuz {H3263}, and Shachia {H7634}, and Mirma {H4821}. These were his sons {H1121}, heads {H7218} of the fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ye'utz, Sokhya and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of clans.

Berean Standard Bible

Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of families.

American Standard Version

and Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ houses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:10 meticulously lists Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as sons of Shaharaim, identifying them specifically as "heads of the fathers." This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, serves to underscore the precise record-keeping of Israelite lineage, highlighting the continuity of family lines and the structured leadership roles within the tribal system, particularly crucial for identity and inheritance in the post-exilic period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical section of 1 Chronicles, specifically chapters 7 and 8, which are dedicated to the tribal lineages of Israel. Chapter 8 focuses almost exclusively on the tribe of Benjamin, providing an extensive and somewhat complex account of its various families and their descendants. The immediate preceding verses (1 Chronicles 8:8-9) introduce Shaharaim and his wives, Hodesh and Baara, and begin listing their offspring. Verse 10 continues this enumeration of Shaharaim's sons, specifically those born through Hodesh, and assigns them the significant title of "heads of the fathers," indicating their prominent leadership roles within their respective clans. This meticulous cataloging serves the Chronicler's broader purpose of establishing the legitimate tribal identities and land claims for the returning exiles, ensuring the continuity of the covenant community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of genealogies in 1 Chronicles was of paramount importance in the post-exilic period (after 538 BC). With the return from Babylonian captivity, the Jewish community faced the immense task of re-establishing its national and religious identity, re-occupying its ancestral lands, and reorganizing its society. Genealogies provided the legal and social framework for this restoration. They determined who belonged to which tribe, who could inherit land, who was eligible for priestly service, and crucially, who could claim descent from the royal line of David. The phrase "heads of the fathers" (Hebrew: _rashei avot_) refers to the patriarchal leaders of extended families or clans, who held significant administrative, judicial, and often religious authority within their tribal structures. These were not merely biological progenitors but individuals responsible for the well-being, organization, and representation of their descendants, ensuring the maintenance of communal order and tradition.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evident in 1 Chronicles 8:10 and its broader context include **Genealogical Precision** and **Continuity**, emphasizing the meticulous preservation of Israel's family records as a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people. This precision was vital for establishing **Identity and Inheritance** for the returning exiles, as seen in the detailed records of those who returned to Judah in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Those Who Returned from Exile"). Another key theme is **Structured Leadership** within the tribal system, highlighted by the designation "heads of the fathers." This demonstrates the hierarchical organization of Israelite society, where family units formed the bedrock of national life and leadership roles were clearly defined to ensure order and governance, a concept deeply rooted in the Mosaic law and early Israelite history, as illustrated in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of the Tribes of Israel"). Finally, the overarching theme of **Divine Preservation** is evident; despite periods of exile and upheaval, God meticulously preserved the lineage of His people, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises, including the eventual arrival of the Messiah through the tribe of Judah, a lineage carefully traced in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heads of the fathers (Hebrew, _rashei avot'_):** This is a crucial technical term in Israelite society, denoting the leading men or patriarchs of the ancestral houses or clans. It signifies not merely biological fatherhood but a position of authority, responsibility, and leadership within the extended family unit. These individuals were often involved in tribal administration, judicial decisions, and the maintenance of social and religious order. Their role was foundational to the tribal structure of Israel, representing their respective clans in broader tribal or national assemblies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma."**: This clause simply lists three specific individuals by name. In the context of a genealogy, each name represents a distinct person who contributed to the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, ensuring the detailed and unbroken record of descent.
* **"These [were] his sons,"**: This phrase explicitly connects the named individuals (Jeuz, Shachia, Mirma) back to their father, Shaharaim, who was introduced earlier in the chapter (1 Chronicles 8:8). It clarifies their immediate paternal lineage within the broader family structure.
* **"heads of the fathers."**: This concluding phrase is the most significant, providing a vital piece of information about the status and role of Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma. It indicates that these sons were not merely members of the family but held positions of leadership and authority as patriarchs or chiefs within their respective ancestral houses. This designation elevates their importance beyond simple biological descent, highlighting their functional role in the tribal governance of Benjamin.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:10, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of the book, is **Cataloging**. This involves the systematic listing of names and relationships to create a comprehensive record. The sheer volume and detail of these lists, while seemingly dry to a modern reader, serve a crucial purpose: they establish the legitimacy, identity, and continuity of the Israelite people. The device of **Emphasis** is also present, particularly through the repeated use of phrases like "heads of the fathers" or similar designations of leadership. This repetition underscores the importance of structured authority and the meticulous preservation of lineage within the community. Furthermore, the very act of preserving these names, even obscure ones, can be seen as a form of **Remembrance**, ensuring that individuals and their contributions to the collective history of Israel are not forgotten.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of genealogies, as exemplified in 1 Chronicles 8:10, transcends mere historical data; it is deeply theological. It reflects God's covenant faithfulness in preserving a distinct people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The emphasis on "heads of the fathers" underscores the divine design for order and leadership within His community, a structure that allowed for the transmission of covenant promises and responsibilities across generations. This attention to detail demonstrates that God cares not only for the grand narrative of salvation but also for the individual lives and family units that comprise His people, each playing a part in His overarching purpose. The preservation of these lineages, especially post-exile, was a tangible sign of God's commitment to restore His people and fulfill His promises.

* [Numbers 1:4](/numbers/1-4 "Numbers 1:4 - Leaders of the Ancestral Houses")
* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Importance of Genealogies for Returning Exiles")
* [Nehemiah 7:61](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61 - Genealogical Records for Priestly Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear distant from modern experience, 1 Chronicles 8:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the profound value God places on identity, heritage, and continuity. Just as these ancient genealogies established who belonged and who led, so too are we called to understand our place within God's larger story—our spiritual heritage in Christ. The concept of "heads of the fathers" speaks to the enduring importance of leadership, particularly within families and spiritual communities. Those in positions of influence are called to guide, protect, and shepherd with wisdom and integrity, recognizing the weighty responsibility that accompanies authority. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of these records assures us of God's comprehensive knowledge and care for every individual. If He cared to record the names and roles of these ancient figures, how much more does He know and care for each hair on our heads, each detail of our lives, and each step of our journey, affirming His intimate involvement in our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the importance of ancient genealogies help us appreciate our own spiritual heritage in Christ?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "heads of the fathers" inform our understanding of leadership within our families, churches, or communities today?**
* **What does God's meticulous attention to detail in these ancient records teach us about His care and knowledge of our individual lives?**
* **How can we better preserve and honor the spiritual legacy passed down to us by previous generations of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why are these extensive genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 8:10, so important in the Bible?**

Answer: These genealogies are crucial for several reasons. Historically and culturally, they served as legal documents, establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and eligibility for specific roles (like priesthood or kingship) after the Babylonian exile. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations, ensuring the continuity of His promises. They also meticulously trace the lineage leading to the Messiah, showing God's sovereign plan unfolding through specific families, as seen in the detailed genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). They affirm that God works through real people in history, not abstract concepts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:10 appears to be a simple listing of names and roles, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The meticulous preservation of these ancient lineages, including that of Benjamin, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His overarching plan for redemption. Every name recorded, every "head of the fathers" designated, points to a divine purpose unfolding through history, culminating in the arrival of the promised Messiah. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Head" of the new family of God, the one who gathers all nations into His spiritual lineage, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and David. He is the true patriarch, the one through whom all blessings flow, establishing a new covenant family where identity is found not in biological descent but in spiritual adoption through faith in Him, as powerfully declared in [Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - All Are One in Christ Jesus"). Just as the "heads of the fathers" were responsible for their clans, Christ is the Head of the Church, His body, providing perfect leadership, protection, and provision for all who are united to Him, a truth beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 5:23](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ is the Head of the Church"). Thus, this seemingly dry genealogical entry ultimately contributes to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness in bringing forth His Son, the ultimate fulfillment of all promises and the source of our true identity.

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.