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 records Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as sons of Shaharaim, explicitly identifying them as "heads of the fathers." This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, serves as a precise record of Israelite lineage, underscoring the continuity of family lines and the structured leadership roles essential for identity, inheritance, and the re-establishment of the covenant community in the post-exilic period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, specifically chapters 7-9, which are dedicated to tracing the tribal lineages of Israel. Chapter 8 focuses almost exclusively on the tribe of Benjamin, providing a detailed and somewhat intricate account of its various families and their descendants. The immediate preceding verses [1 Chronicles 8:8-9](/1_chronicles/8-8-9 "1 Chronicles 8:8-9 - Shaharaim's Sons") 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 theological and historical purpose of establishing the legitimate tribal identities, land claims, and social order for the returning exiles, ensuring the continuity and purity 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), following 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 essential 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 individuals were not merely biological progenitors but were responsible for the well-being, organization, and representation of their descendants, ensuring the maintenance of communal order and the transmission of tradition.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evident in [1 Chronicles 8:10](/1_chronicles/8-10 "1 Chronicles 8:10 - Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as Heads of Fathers") 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 the census and organization of tribes 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
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** (H1121) Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term signifies a son as a builder of the family name. In its widest sense, it encompasses literal and figurative relationships, extending beyond immediate offspring to include grandsons, subjects, or even a nation. In this context, it denotes a direct paternal relationship, establishing Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as legitimate descendants of Shaharaim, thereby contributing to the continuity of the family line within the tribe of Benjamin.
* **Heads (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** (H7218) This word literally refers to the "head" of a body, but figuratively it denotes the most prominent, principal, or chief part. It implies leadership, authority, and preeminence. When applied to individuals, as here, it signifies their position as leaders or chiefs of a group, indicating their significant rank and influence within their respective family units or clans.
* **Fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** (H1) A primitive word, "father" refers to a progenitor, either literally and immediately, or figuratively and remotely. It can also denote a chief or a patriarch. In the phrase "heads of the fathers," it refers to the ancestral houses or clans, emphasizing the patriarchal structure of Israelite society where lineage and family identity were paramount. These "fathers" represent the foundational units from which the larger tribal structure was built.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma."**: This clause serves as a direct and precise enumeration of three specific individuals. In the context of a genealogical record, each name represents a distinct person vital to the unbroken and detailed account of the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. The Chronicler's inclusion of these names underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, ensuring that no part of the ancestral line is omitted.
* **"These [were] his sons,"**: This phrase explicitly connects the named individuals—Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma—back to their father, Shaharaim, who was introduced earlier in the chapter [1 Chronicles 8:8](/1_chronicles/8-8 "1 Chronicles 8:8 - Shaharaim's Family"). It clearly defines their immediate paternal lineage within the broader family structure, confirming their place in the Benjaminite genealogy. This connection is crucial for establishing their identity and rights within the tribal system.
* **"heads of the fathers."**: This concluding phrase is the most significant, providing vital 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 or clans. This designation elevates their importance beyond simple biological descent, highlighting their functional role in the tribal governance and social organization of Benjamin, responsible for the welfare and representation of their extended families.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 8:10](/1_chronicles/8-10 "1 Chronicles 8:10 - Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as Heads of Fathers"), and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of the book, is **Cataloging**. This involves the systematic listing of names, relationships, and roles to create a comprehensive and authoritative record. The sheer volume and meticulous detail of these lists, while appearing dry to a modern reader, serve a crucial purpose: they establish the legitimacy, identity, and continuity of the Israelite people, particularly vital for the post-exilic community. The device of **Emphasis** is also present, particularly through the specific designation "heads of the fathers." This phrase draws attention to the significant leadership roles these individuals held, underscoring the importance of structured authority and the meticulous preservation of lineage within the community. Furthermore, the very act of preserving these names, even those of seemingly obscure figures, can be seen as a form of **Remembrance**, ensuring that individuals and their contributions to the collective history and identity of Israel are not forgotten, highlighting God's care for every member of His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of genealogies, as exemplified in [1 Chronicles 8:10](/1_chronicles/8-10 "1 Chronicles 8:10 - Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as Heads of Fathers"), transcends mere historical data; it is deeply theological. It reflects God's unwavering 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 faithful transmission of covenant promises, laws, 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 in the challenging post-exilic period, was a tangible sign of God's commitment to restore His people and fulfill His promises, culminating in the lineage of the Messiah.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names from ancient history might initially appear distant from modern experience, [1 Chronicles 8:10](/1_chronicles/8-10 "1 Chronicles 8:10 - Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as Heads of Fathers") 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 found 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, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility, recognizing the weighty stewardship that accompanies authority. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of these records assures us of God's comprehensive knowledge and intimate 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 and His faithfulness to His people across all generations.

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

### FAQ
**Why are these extensive genealogies, like the one in [1 Chronicles 8:10](/1_chronicles/8-10 "1 Chronicles 8:10 - Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as Heads of Fathers"), so important in the Bible?**

Answer: These genealogies are crucial for several reasons, serving both historical and theological purposes. Historically and culturally, they functioned as vital legal documents, establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and eligibility for specific roles (such as priesthood or kingship) for the Jewish community, especially after the Babylonian exile. Theologically, they powerfully demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through countless generations, ensuring the continuity of His promises despite human failure and historical upheaval. 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"). Ultimately, these records affirm that God works through real people in concrete historical events, not abstract concepts, demonstrating His providential hand in human affairs to bring about His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 8:10](/1_chronicles/8-10 "1 Chronicles 8:10 - Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirma as Heads of Fathers") 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/3-28-29 "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") and [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body, 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 and belonging in Him.

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.