1 Chronicles 8:13

KJV

Beriah also, and Shema, who [were] heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:

KJV (with Strong's)

Beriah {H1283} also, and Shema {H8087}, who {H1992} were heads {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the inhabitants {H3427} of Aijalon {H357}, who drove away {H1272} the inhabitants {H3427} of Gath {H1661}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and B'ri'ah and Shema - they were heads of fathers' clans among the inhabitants of Ayalon, who drove away the people living in Gat.

Berean Standard Bible

Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its villages), and Beriah and Shema (who were the heads of families of the inhabitants of Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath).

American Standard Version

and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:13 highlights Beriah and Shema, two prominent Benjaminite leaders from Aijalon, for their significant act of driving away the inhabitants of Gath. This specific detail, embedded within an extensive genealogy, underscores their military prowess, leadership, and active role in securing Israelite territory against a formidable Philistine enemy, serving as an important historical and theological marker within the Chronicler's narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy and detailed genealogies of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the tribe of Benjamin in chapter 8. Following the genealogies of Judah and Simeon, the Chronicler dedicates significant space to Benjamin, a tribe of particular importance due to its association with Israel's first king, Saul, and the location of Jerusalem within its tribal territory. Unlike mere lists of names, the Chronicler frequently interjects specific actions or notable achievements, such as the one attributed to Beriah and Shema here. This serves to break the monotony of the lists and to highlight individuals whose contributions were significant to Israel's history, land possession, or leadership, providing a more dynamic and purposeful narrative for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was written for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, a time when re-establishing identity, land rights, and national purpose was paramount. Genealogies were crucial for these purposes, connecting the present community to their ancestral heritage and the covenant promises. Aijalon was a strategically vital town located in the Shephelah, a border region between the Israelite highlands and the Philistine plain. It was a contested area, famously mentioned in connection with [Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua 10:12 - Sun Stands Still Over Aijalon"). Gath was one of the five major Philistine city-states, a powerful and persistent adversary of Israel throughout much of its early history, known for figures like Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath")). The act of "driving away" the inhabitants of Gath signifies a successful military engagement or territorial assertion, likely occurring during the period of the Judges or early monarchy, contributing to Israel's control over its promised land. The phrase "heads of the fathers" (ראשׁי אבות, *rashei avot*) denotes prominent clan or family leaders, indicating their authority and responsibility within the tribal structure.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Genealogical Continuity and Identity**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their lineage through generations, even through periods of upheaval. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Land Possession**, illustrating how God empowers His people to secure and maintain the promised land against formidable enemies, fulfilling His covenant promises. The expulsion of the Philistines from Gath is a concrete example of God's active involvement in Israel's history, echoing the commands to dispossess the Canaanites found in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Drive Out Nations"). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Leadership and Action**, showcasing individuals who took decisive steps in their roles as "heads of the fathers," underscoring that God's plan unfolds not just through divine decree but through the obedient and courageous actions of His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beriah (Hebrew, _Beri'ah_):** This name, meaning "with evil" or "in calamity," appears several times in the Old Testament, often associated with birth circumstances or a significant event. While the name itself might suggest hardship, in this context, Beriah is associated with a decisive and successful action, highlighting a leader who overcame challenges to bring about a positive outcome for his community.
* **Shema (Hebrew, _Shema'_):** Meaning "hearing" or "report," this is a common Hebrew name. Its pairing with Beriah suggests a joint leadership effort, underscoring the communal nature of the military success and the shared responsibility of the "heads of the fathers."
* **Heads of the fathers (Hebrew, רָאשֵׁי אָבוֹת, _rashei avot_):** Literally "heads of fathers," this term refers to the leading men or chiefs of the patriarchal families or clans within a tribe. These individuals held significant authority and responsibility for their extended families, serving as community leaders, judges, and often military commanders. Their designation here emphasizes their prominence and the communal nature of their achievement in securing their territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beriah also, and Shema, who [were] heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon":** This initial clause introduces the two main subjects, Beriah and Shema, identifying them as prominent leaders ("heads of the fathers") within the Benjaminite community residing in Aijalon. Aijalon, a strategically important town in the Shephelah, indicates their influence in a key border region, setting the stage for their significant action.
* **"who drove away the inhabitants of Gath":** This second clause details the specific and impactful accomplishment of Beriah and Shema. The verb "drove away" (Hebrew: הִבְרִיחוּ, *hivrikhu*) implies a forceful and decisive expulsion or military victory over the Philistine inhabitants of Gath, one of Israel's most powerful and persistent enemies. This action signifies a successful assertion of Israelite control or defense in the face of a formidable foe, directly contributing to the security and expansion of Israelite territory in a contested region.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs **Conciseness** and **Selective Detail** within the broader genealogical framework of chapter 8. Rather than merely listing names, the author strategically inserts a specific, impactful action ("drove away the inhabitants of Gath"), which serves to break the monotony of the list and draw the reader's attention to the significance of these individuals. This inclusion functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting Beriah and Shema's leadership and military success. It also serves as a **Historical Marker**, providing a concise yet potent glimpse into the ongoing struggle for land and sovereignty against the Philistines, a recurring theme in Israel's history. Furthermore, the phrase "heads of the fathers" is a **Metonymy** for clan leaders or prominent figures, representing their authority and influence through their familial role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though a brief historical note within a genealogy, profoundly illustrates that God's covenant promises are not abstract concepts but are realized through the concrete, often courageous, actions of His people. The expulsion of the inhabitants of Gath by Beriah and Shema echoes God's foundational command to Israel to dispossess the inhabitants of the promised land, demonstrating that God empowers His chosen people to fulfill His purposes, even in the face of formidable opposition. For the post-exilic community, this detail would have served as an inspiring reminder of God's faithfulness in granting victory and securing their inheritance, encouraging them in their own efforts to rebuild and re-establish their nation. It underscores that active participation in God's redemptive plan is a vital aspect of covenant faithfulness.

* [Joshua 10:12](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua 10:12 - Sun Stands Still Over Aijalon")
* [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah Fails to Drive Out Inhabitants of the Plain")
* [1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly minor detail in a long list of names offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God often works through ordinary people who take extraordinary action within their specific sphere of influence. Beriah and Shema were not kings or prophets, but "heads of fathers"—local leaders who used their position, courage, and strength to secure their community and advance God's purposes in the promised land. Their story encourages us to identify our own "Aijalons" and "Gaths"—the areas of influence where we can act decisively for righteousness, justice, and the advancement of God's kingdom. It teaches us that faithfulness in small, specific acts contributes to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive work. We are called not just to exist but to actively participate, trusting that God will empower us to "drive away" the spiritual and moral strongholds that oppose His will in our lives and communities. Our sphere of influence, no matter how humble, is a place where God can use our obedience and courage to bring about His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's decision to include this specific action within a genealogy challenge our perception of what is "important" in God's narrative?**
* **In what ways are we called to be "heads of fathers" or leaders in our own spheres, taking decisive action for God's purposes?**
* **What "inhabitants of Gath"—spiritual strongholds, societal injustices, or personal sins—are we called to "drive away" in our lives or communities today?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include such a specific detail about Beriah and Shema in a genealogy?**

Answer: The Chronicler's purpose was more than just listing names; it was to provide a theological history and an encouraging narrative for the post-exilic community. Including specific acts like driving away the inhabitants of Gath served several crucial functions: it highlighted the valor and leadership of certain individuals, demonstrated God's continued faithfulness in granting victory and securing the land, and provided inspiring examples for a people rebuilding their identity and nation. It shows that even within extensive lists, God's hand is at work through the actions of His people, reinforcing the importance of active participation in His plan for the promised land, as seen in the broader narrative of conquest in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Sun Stands Still").

**What was the significance of Gath in ancient Israelite history?**

Answer: Gath was one of the five principal Philistine city-states (along with Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron), located in the Shephelah region. It was a powerful and frequently hostile neighbor to Israel, often serving as a stronghold for their enemies. Gath is famously known as the home of Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath")) and was a recurring point of conflict. The act of "driving away" its inhabitants, even if temporary or partial, signified a significant victory or assertion of Israelite dominance in the region, contributing to the ongoing struggle for control of the promised land and the security of God's people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:13 details a historical act of military conquest by human leaders, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate, decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Beriah and Shema's act of "driving away the inhabitants of Gath" foreshadows Christ's absolute triumph over the spiritual enemies of humanity—sin, death, and the devil. Just as these ancient leaders secured physical territory for Israel, Jesus, the true Son of David and ultimate "Head of the fathers," conquered the spiritual strongholds that held humanity captive. He did not merely drive away but utterly disarmed and triumphed over these powers through His death and resurrection, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). This victory is further celebrated in passages like [Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Leading Captivity Captive"), where Christ is depicted as leading captivity captive. The physical battles fought by Israel's leaders pointed to the ultimate spiritual warfare won by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who secures not just a plot of land but an eternal inheritance for all who believe ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). Thus, the historical victory in Aijalon finds its grand consummation in Christ's cosmic triumph, enabling believers to live in the freedom of His kingdom, heirs to a spiritual territory secured by His ultimate conquest.

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.