1 Chronicles 8:14

KJV

And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahio {H283}, Shashak {H8349}, and Jeremoth {H3406},

Complete Jewish Bible

Achyo, Shashak, Yeremot,

Berean Standard Bible

Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,

American Standard Version

and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 8:14, listing the names "Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth," is part of an extensive genealogical record for the tribe of Benjamin. This meticulous enumeration of lineages serves a crucial role in the post-exilic context of Chronicles, establishing tribal identities, land inheritances, and the historical continuity of God's covenant people. Far from being a mere list, this verse underscores the divine attention to detail, affirming that every individual, however seemingly obscure, holds a place within God's grand design and the unfolding narrative of His faithfulness to His promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles is primarily a post-exilic historical and theological work, recounting Israel's history from Adam through the reign of David and beyond, with a particular emphasis on the Davidic monarchy, the tribe of Judah, and the Levitical priesthood. Chapter 8 specifically delves into the intricate genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This chapter, along with others detailing tribal lineages (e.g., [1 Chronicles 2](/1-chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - Descendants of Judah") and [1 Chronicles 7](/1-chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher")), serves to establish the identity and rightful place of the returning exiles within the covenant community. Verse 14 is a small segment within a long list of Benjaminite descendants, illustrating the Chronicler's painstaking effort to preserve these records.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, when the Jewish people were returning to Judah and rebuilding their society and temple. In this period, establishing clear tribal identities and family lineages was paramount. Genealogies served as legal documents, verifying claims to land inheritance, ensuring proper participation in temple worship (especially for priests and Levites), and confirming one's place within the covenant nation. The meticulous recording of names like Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth reflects a deep cultural value placed on ancestry, not merely for historical curiosity but as a foundational element for social, religious, and political re-establishment. This practice was essential for maintaining order and continuity in a community striving to reconnect with its past and reassert its unique identity as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of names in [1 Chronicles 8](/1-chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - The Descendants of Benjamin"), including those in verse 14, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **preservation of lineage**, emphasizing the meticulous importance the Israelites placed on recording their ancestry as a cornerstone of their identity and legal claims. Secondly, it underscores **identity and belonging**, as these lists provided a definitive record of who belonged to which family, clan, and tribe, dictating social standing and religious duties. Thirdly, the genealogies demonstrate **historical continuity**, linking generations and showcasing God's ongoing work through specific families and His faithfulness in preserving a people for Himself, connecting the present generation to their rich past and the broader narrative of God's plan. Finally, the recording of seemingly minor names reflects **God's attention to detail** and comprehensive care for every individual within His people, suggesting that every life, however seemingly obscure, has a significant place in His grand design, a theme echoed in the divine knowledge of individuals found in passages like [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - All My Days Were Written").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ahio (אֲחִיו, _’ăḥîw_):** This Hebrew name means "my brother" or "brotherly." It is a relatively common name in the Old Testament, appearing in various contexts (e.g., [2 Samuel 6:3](/2-samuel/6-3 "2 Samuel 6:3 - Ahio with the Ark")). Its inclusion here, alongside other names, emphasizes the familial and communal structure of the Benjaminite tribe, highlighting the interconnectedness of the lineage.
* **Shashak (שָׁשַׁק, _šāšaq_):** The etymology of Shashak is less certain, possibly related to a root meaning "to run" or "to leap," or perhaps of foreign origin. Unlike more common names, its distinctiveness, though unexplained, further underscores the Chronicler's commitment to recording specific, individual names, reinforcing the meticulousness of the genealogical record.
* **Jeremoth (יְרֵמוֹת, _yərēmōṯ_):** This name means "heights" or "elevations." It is also found elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23:23](/1-chronicles/23-23 "1 Chronicles 23:23 - Jeremoth, a Levite")). The presence of such names, regardless of their individual prominence, serves the primary purpose of demonstrating the unbroken chain of descent within the tribe of Benjamin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,"**: This clause is a simple enumeration of three individuals. The significance of these names, as with many others in the genealogies of Chronicles, does not lie in any recorded deeds or historical prominence of the individuals themselves. Instead, their importance is found in their very inclusion in the sacred record. They represent the continuing, unbroken lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, affirming its existence and vitality within the broader Israelite community. Their presence underscores the Chronicler's dedication to providing a comprehensive and meticulous account, demonstrating that even those who might seem "minor" or "unimportant" from a human perspective are known and recorded within God's providentially preserved history of His covenant people. This detail reinforces the theme of divine faithfulness in preserving the tribal structures necessary for the post-exilic community's re-establishment.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:14, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself. This is not a narrative device in the traditional sense, but a structural one, serving to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** and **Listing** as a pervasive technique, meticulously cataloging names to create a comprehensive record. This repetitive listing, while seemingly dry, functions to demonstrate thoroughness and underscore the importance of each link in the chain of descent. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement** regarding individual significance; while names are listed, no personal achievements or stories are attributed to figures like Ahio, Shashak, or Jeremoth. Their importance is solely derived from their existence within the covenant line, highlighting that their presence in the lineage is what truly matters, rather than any personal fame.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of genealogies like 1 Chronicles 8:14 speaks profoundly to God's covenant faithfulness and His comprehensive knowledge of His people. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the details of human history, meticulously preserving lines of descent to fulfill His promises. This divine record-keeping is not arbitrary; it undergirds the identity and continuity of the covenant community, demonstrating that every individual, regardless of their earthly prominence, is known and valued by God within His grand redemptive plan. The very existence of these names in sacred scripture testifies to God's enduring commitment to His people across generations, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations") - Illustrates God's broader concern for the origins and dispersion of all humanity, providing a foundational "table of nations."
* [Exodus 32:32](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32 - Moses' Plea and the Book of Life") - Moses' plea to be blotted out of God's book, hinting at a divine record of those who belong to Him.
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books Opened for Judgment") - Describes the opening of books, including the "Book of Life," where names are recorded for eternal destiny, reflecting God's ultimate and final record-keeping.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient names might seem distant, 1 Chronicles 8:14 offers timeless insights for our lives today. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who knows every individual within His vast creation. Just as He preserved the lineage of Benjamin, He is intimately acquainted with the details of our lives, our heritage, and our place in His unfolding story. This verse encourages us to value our own roots—family, cultural, and spiritual—recognizing that our identity is often shaped by those who came before us. More profoundly, it assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness through generations. If God was attentive to the recording of Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth, how much more is He attentive to the lives of those who are His by covenant grace? This should inspire trust and confidence in His providential care, knowing that our lives, however ordinary they may seem, are significant in His eyes and woven into His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, challenge our perception of what God values and records?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own "lineage" (family, cultural, spiritual) contribute to your sense of identity and purpose?**
* **How does the faithfulness of God in preserving these ancient lines encourage your trust in His care for the details of your own life today?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific names chosen for inclusion in 1 Chronicles 8:14?**

Answer: The names Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth are included as part of the comprehensive genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. The Chronicler's purpose was not to highlight the individual achievements of these particular persons, but to provide a thorough and unbroken lineage for the post-exilic community. These names, among many others, serve to establish the continuity and legitimacy of the Benjaminite tribe, which was crucial for land claims, tribal identity, and the re-establishment of social and religious order after the return from Babylonian exile. Their inclusion underscores the meticulous detail with which the Chronicler sought to preserve the identity of God's people, demonstrating that every link in the chain of descent was considered important for the overall historical and theological narrative.

**What is the significance of such long lists of names in the Bible?**

Answer: Long lists of names, or genealogies, in the Bible serve multiple vital purposes. Firstly, they establish **legitimacy and identity**, particularly for claims to land, tribal membership, and priestly or kingly offices. For the post-exilic community, these lists were essential for re-establishing their place in the land and their connection to the covenant promises. Secondly, they demonstrate **historical continuity and God's faithfulness**, showing how God preserved His people through generations, even through periods of hardship like the exile. They connect the present generation to their past, reinforcing the narrative of God's enduring covenant with Israel. Thirdly, they highlight **God's meticulous knowledge and care for individuals**, even those not prominent in the grand narrative. The fact that names like Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth are recorded suggests that every life, however seemingly obscure, is known and valued by God, contributing to His overarching divine plan. Finally, these lists often serve to trace the lineage leading to key figures, most notably the Messiah, providing a crucial framework for understanding God's redemptive history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of names in 1 Chronicles 8:14, though seemingly mundane, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in Christ. Just as the ancient genealogies established the legitimacy and identity of the tribes of Israel, particularly the lineage of David, the New Testament opens with the genealogies of Jesus Christ in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). These genealogies confirm Jesus's rightful claim as the promised Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and connecting Him directly to the covenant people. Beyond physical lineage, the meticulousness of God in knowing and recording names in 1 Chronicles foreshadows the ultimate "book of life" in heaven, where the names of those who are truly God's people are written. Through faith in Christ, our names are eternally inscribed in this book, as seen in passages like [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life") and [Revelation 3:5](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - Names Not Blotted Out"). The God who cared enough to list Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth is the same God who, through the [sacrifice of His Son](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), ensures that every believer's name is known, cherished, and secured for eternity, demonstrating His perfect and personal care for each member of His redeemed family.

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.