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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 8 verses 1–32
There is little or nothing of history in all these verses; we have not therefore much to observe. 1. As to the difficulties that occur in this and the foregoing genealogies we need not perplex ourselves. I presume Ezra took them as he found them in the books of the kings of Israel and Judah (Ezr 9:1), according as they were given in by the several tribes, each observing what method they thought fit. Hence some ascend, others desecnd; some have numbers affixed, others places; some have historical remarks intermixed, others have not; some are shorter, others longer; some agree with other records, others differ; some, it is likely, were torn, erased, and blotted, others more legible. Those of Dan and Reuben were entirely lost. This holy man wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost; but there was no necessity for the making up of the defects, no, nor for the rectifying of the mistakes, of these genealogies by inspiration. It was sufficient that he copied them out as they came into his hand, or so much of them as was requisite to the present purpose, which was the directing of the returned captives to settle as nearly as they could with those of their own family, and in the places of their former residence. We may suppose that many things in these genealogies which to us seem intricate, abrupt, and perplexed, were plain and easy to them then (who knew how to fill up the deficiencies) and abundantly answered the intention of the publishing of them. 2. Many great and mighty nations there were now in being upon earth, and many illustrious men in them, whose names are buried in perpetual oblivion, while the names of multitudes of the Israel of God are here carefully preserved in everlasting remembrance. They are Jasher, Jeshurun - just ones, and the memory of the just is blessed. Many of these we have reason to fear, came short of everlasting honour (for even the wicked kings of Judah come into the genealogy), yet the perpetuating of their names here was a figure of the writing of the names of all God's spiritual Israel in the Lamb's book of life. 3. This tribe of Benjamin was once brought to a very low ebb, in the time of the judges, upon the occasion of the iniquity of Gibeah, when only 600 men escaped the sword of justice; and yet, in these genealogies, it makes as good a figure as almost any of the tribes: for it is the honour of God to help the weakest and raise up those that are most diminished and abased. 4. Here is mention of one Ehud (Ch1 8:6), in the preceding verse of one Gera (Ch1 8:5) and (Ch1 8:8) of one that descended from him, that begat children in the country of Moab, which inclines me to think it was that Ehud who was the second of the judges of Israel; for he is said to be the son of Gera and a Benjamite (Jdg 3:15), and he delivered Israel from the oppression of the Moabites by killing the king of Moab, which might give him a greater sway in the country of Moab than we find evidence of in his history and might occasion some of his posterity to settle there. 5. Here is mention of some of the Benjamites that drove away the inhabitants of Gath (Ch1 8:13), perhaps those that had slain the Ephraimites (Ch1 7:21) or their posterity, by way of reprisal: and one of those that did this piece of justice was named Beriah too, that name in which the memorial of that injury was preserved. 6. Particular notice is taken of those that dwelt in Jerusalem (Ch1 8:28 and again Ch1 8:32), that those whose ancestors had had their residence there might thereby be induced, at their return from captivity, to settle there too, which, for aught that appears, few were willing to do, because it was the post of danger: and therefore we find (Neh 11:2) the people blessed those that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem, the greater part being inclined to prefer the cities of Judah. Those whose godly parents had their conversation in the new Jerusalem should thereby be engaged to set their faces thitherward and pursue the way thither, whatever it cost them.
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:12 meticulously records a specific branch of Benjamin's lineage through Elpaal, highlighting his sons Eber, Misham, and Shamed. This verse uniquely singles out Shamed for his significant role in establishing and developing the strategically important towns of Ono and Lod, along with their surrounding settlements. This detail underscores the tribe's active contribution to the physical and social infrastructure of the Promised Land, serving as a testament to the Chronicler's emphasis on the continuity of God's people and their faithful stewardship in settling the land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 1-9, is Genealogy. This systematic listing of names and lineages serves a crucial function in establishing historical continuity, tribal identity, and validating land claims for the post-exilic community. Within this overarching genealogical framework, the Chronicler employs Selective Detail, choosing to highlight specific individuals or accomplishments that serve his broader theological agenda. In this case, Shamed's act of building is singled out from a long list of names, indicating its particular significance. This selective detail functions as a form of Emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the active, constructive role of individuals in the physical establishment of Israel's presence in the land. The mention of specific, geographically identifiable locations (Ono, Lod) also serves as Verisimilitude, lending an air of historical accuracy and grounding the abstract genealogical lists in concrete reality, making the account more tangible and relatable to the original audience who would have known these places.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a simple genealogical entry, 1 Chronicles 8:12 carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and enabling them to inhabit and develop the land He promised. The act of "building" is not merely a secular endeavor but a participation in God's ongoing work of establishing His kingdom on earth. It signifies human responsibility in stewarding the land and creating ordered communities where God's people can thrive. This verse subtly teaches that every individual, even those whose names appear in long lists, has a part to play in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, contributing to the physical and social fabric that supports spiritual life. It reminds us that our practical efforts in building and organizing are integral to the flourishing of God's people and the expansion of His presence in the world, demonstrating that ordinary acts of diligence and foresight can have lasting, God-honoring impact.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 8:12, though brief, offers a powerful call to reflection on our own contributions to the communities and spiritual structures around us. Just as Shamed played a tangible role in establishing the physical infrastructure for his tribe, we are called to be active participants in building up the body of Christ and fostering healthy environments in our families, churches, and broader society. This isn't always about grand, visible projects; it can be in the quiet, consistent work of nurturing relationships, upholding truth, serving others, and contributing our unique gifts. The verse reminds us that our efforts, however small they may seem, contribute to a larger, divinely orchestrated tapestry. It challenges us to consider the legacy we are creating and whether our lives are characterized by constructive, faith-filled endeavors that benefit future generations and honor God. We are not just consumers but co-laborers with God, called to build wisely and faithfully, recognizing that every act of stewardship and service, done in faith, contributes to the flourishing of God's kingdom on earth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies given such extensive space in the Book of 1 Chronicles?
Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve several critical purposes, especially for the post-exilic community to whom the book was primarily addressed. Firstly, they establish legitimacy and continuity, connecting the returned exiles to their ancient heritage, proving their rightful claim to the land of Israel, and validating their tribal identities, particularly for the priesthood and the Davidic line. Secondly, they reinforce God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite exile and dispersion, demonstrating that His promises endure through generations. Thirdly, they provide a framework for land distribution and social order, reminding the people of their ancestral territories and tribal responsibilities. Finally, by tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, judges, and kings, the genealogies offer a comprehensive theological history of God's interaction with humanity, culminating in the hope of a restored kingdom under the Davidic covenant, as seen in the emphasis on David's line in 1 Chronicles 1-9.
What is the deeper significance of Shamed "building Ono and Lod" beyond mere construction?
Answer: The act of "building" (Hebrew: בנה, banah') in this context carries profound significance beyond simply erecting physical structures. It represents the active establishment and development of stable communities within the Promised Land. For the Chronicler, this highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land and their responsibility to settle and cultivate it. Building towns like Ono and Lod, which were strategically important, signifies the creation of social, economic, and defensive infrastructure. It speaks to the themes of order, flourishing, and the physical manifestation of God's people in the land. In a broader theological sense, it underscores that human effort and responsibility are integral to God's plan for His people to thrive, reflecting a collaborative partnership in stewarding God's creation and establishing His presence on earth, a theme also found in Psalm 127:1 where the Lord builds the house. It implies foresight, leadership, and a commitment to the long-term well-being of the community.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:12 details the physical building efforts of Shamed in establishing towns for the tribe of Benjamin, it points forward to the ultimate "builder" and the true "city" in Christ Jesus. The meticulous genealogies, including that of Shamed, ultimately trace a lineage that culminates in Jesus, the Son of David, through whom God establishes His eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," signifying a spiritual construction far grander than any earthly city. He is the cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of God's people is built, as described by Peter in 1 Peter 2:4-5, where believers are living stones built into a spiritual house. The physical settlements of Ono and Lod provided a place for God's people to dwell and thrive, but Christ provides the ultimate dwelling place and security in the "new Jerusalem," a city not made with hands, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). Thus, Shamed's ancient act of building foreshadows Christ's foundational work in establishing a spiritual community, a people redeemed and united in Him, who are themselves called to be "builders" of the kingdom through the proclamation of the gospel and acts of love and service, expanding the spiritual "city" of God until His glorious return.