1 Chronicles 8:12

KJV

The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Elpaal {H508}; Eber {H5677}, and Misham {H4936}, and Shamed {H8106}, who built {H1129} Ono {H207}, and Lod {H3850}, with the towns {H1323} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Elpa'al: 'Ever, Mish'am, Shemed - he built Ono and Lod with its towns -

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Elpaal:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Elpaal: Eber, and Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with the towns thereof;

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles commences with an expansive and purposeful series of genealogies, meticulously spanning the first nine chapters. Far from being mere dry lists, these genealogies serve as a foundational theological statement for the post-exilic community, tracing Israel's unbroken lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, the twelve tribes, and ultimately culminating in the Davidic monarchy. Chapter 8 is entirely dedicated to the tribe of Benjamin, providing a detailed account of its various families, their dwelling places, and notable individuals. Within this comprehensive enumeration, [1 Chronicles 8:12](/1_chronicles/8-12 "1 Chronicles 8:12 - Shamed's Building of Ono and Lod") specifically details a branch of Elpaal's family within Benjamin's sprawling lineage. This verse, like others that highlight specific accomplishments within the genealogies (e.g., military prowess or settlement), functions to reinforce the identity, continuity, and divine promises relevant to the returned exiles, connecting their present reality to their rich ancestral heritage and God's enduring covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, particularly during the post-exilic period (c. 5th-4th century BCE) when Chronicles was likely compiled, genealogical records were of paramount socio-religious importance. They were not just family trees but legal and theological documents that validated claims to tribal identity, land inheritance, priestly or royal succession, and social standing. The tribe of Benjamin, strategically situated between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, occupied a crucial geographical position. Ono and Lod (modern Lydda) were significant towns located in the fertile Shephelah region, a transitional zone between the coastal plain and the Judean hills. Their strategic location near major trade routes, including the Via Maris, made their establishment and development vital for economic prosperity, communication, and defensive capabilities. The act of "building" (Hebrew: בנה, _banah'_) these towns signifies more than just physical construction; it implies the active settlement, organization, and establishment of a stable, functioning Israelite presence in the Promised Land, reflecting a fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land and their responsibility to steward it.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of lineages throughout [the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Comprehensive Genealogies") underscores the paramount importance of **Genealogical Preservation and Identity** for ancient Israel. These lists served to validate claims to land, position, and heritage, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant people despite exile and dispersion. Furthermore, the explicit mention of Shamed "who built Ono, and Lod" highlights the theme of **Community Building and Development**. This act was not merely about constructing physical structures but about establishing stable social, economic, and defensive centers vital for the nation's growth and security, echoing the broader biblical narrative of Israel's settlement in the land, as seen in [Joshua's allocation of tribal territories](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - The Allotment of Benjamin's Inheritance"). Finally, the Chronicler's choice to highlight this specific accomplishment, even within a long list of names, emphasizes the theme of **Legacy and Contribution**. It suggests that every individual, regardless of their apparent prominence, can make a lasting and tangible contribution to their community and the ongoing story of God's people, a principle also reflected in [Nehemiah's account of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. In this context, the verb signifies more than just the physical erection of structures; it denotes the active establishment, founding, and organization of a community, including its infrastructure and social order. It implies a foundational and lasting act of creation and settlement.
* **Ono (Hebrew, _ʼÔwnôw'_):** From H207, or (shortened) אֹנוֹ; prolonged from אוֹן; strong; Ono, a place in Palestine. Ono was a significant town in the territory of Benjamin, located in the Shephelah. Its name, possibly derived from a root meaning "strength" or "vigor," suggests its importance or resilience within the region. It is also mentioned in later biblical texts, such as Nehemiah 6:2.
* **Lod (Hebrew, _Lôd'_):** From H3850, from an unused root of uncertain signification; Lod, a place in Palestine. Also known as Lydda, Lod was another strategically important town in Benjamin's territory, situated in the Shephelah. Its prominence continued into the New Testament era, appearing in Acts 9:32-35 as a place where the Apostle Peter performed a miracle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed,"**: This opening clause introduces a specific familial branch within the extensive Benjaminite genealogy. It establishes the direct lineage from Elpaal to his three sons, Eber, Misham, and Shamed. In genealogical lists, this progression from father to sons is standard, serving to clearly delineate family units and reinforce the comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's record. While Eber and Misham are simply named, Shamed is singled out for further mention, indicating a particular significance attached to his actions.
* **"who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:"**: This is the pivotal phrase, attributing a significant act of community development and settlement to Shamed. The verb "built" (בנה, _banah'_) indicates active construction and establishment, implying a foundational role in the physical and social organization of these areas. Ono and Lod were not minor settlements but strategically important towns in the Shephelah, bordering the coastal plain, making their development crucial for the tribe's security and prosperity. The phrase "with the towns thereof" (ובנתיהא, _uvenoteha'_) literally means "with its daughters," referring to the dependent villages and surrounding agricultural lands that were part of the larger urban center's sphere of influence. This signifies a comprehensive act of regional development and settlement, highlighting Shamed's role as a foundational figure in establishing Benjamin's enduring presence in the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse, and indeed throughout much of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - The Genealogies of Israel"), 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.

* [Nehemiah 11:35](/nehemiah/11-35 "Nehemiah 11:35 - Post-Exilic Inhabitants of Ono and Lod")
* [Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas in Lydda (Lod)")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House")

### 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
* **What "Ono and Lod" is God calling me to build or contribute to in my sphere of influence, whether physically, relationally, or spiritually?**
* **How am I actively participating in the establishment and flourishing of my local church or broader community, using the gifts and resources God has given me?**
* **What kind of lasting legacy am I creating through my daily actions and long-term commitments, and how does it reflect God's purposes for my life and for His kingdom?**

### 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](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - The Genealogies of Israel").

**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](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless 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](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")," 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](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones in 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 (cf. [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - The City with Foundations")). 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.

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

Nehemiah 6:2

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [some one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

Nehemiah 11:35

Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

Ezra 2:33

The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.

Nehemiah 7:37

The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.