1 Chronicles 8:16

KJV

And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Michael {H4317}, and Ispah {H3472}, and Joha {H3109}, the sons {H1121} of Beriah {H1283};

Complete Jewish Bible

Mikha'el, Yishpah and Yocha were the sons of B'ri'ah.

Berean Standard Bible

Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.

American Standard Version

and Michael, and Ishpah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:16 is a concise verse that lists Michael, Ispah, and Joha as the sons of Beriah, explicitly detailing a specific family branch within the tribe of Benjamin. This entry is part of the extensive genealogical records that dominate the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, meticulously tracing the lineages crucial for establishing tribal identities, confirming land rights, and validating the social and religious order of ancient Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles begins with nine chapters dedicated almost entirely to genealogies, tracing the lineage from Adam through the various tribes of Israel. This meticulous record-keeping serves as the foundation for the historical narrative that follows, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Chapter 8 specifically focuses on the tribe of Benjamin, detailing its complex family branches and descendants. Verse 16, by naming "Michael, Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah," fits seamlessly into this larger genealogical framework, providing a specific, detailed entry within the Benjaminite lineage that began with [Benjamin's sons in 1 Chronicles 8:1](/1_chronicles/8-1 "1 Chronicles 8:1 - The Sons of Benjamin"). These lists are not mere dry facts but serve to connect the returning exiles to their heritage and God's ongoing work through His chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Chronicles was compiled for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile. For this post-exilic audience, genealogies were profoundly significant, serving practical, social, and spiritual purposes. They were vital for re-establishing tribal identities, validating claims to ancestral land, and confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. In a society where lineage determined status, inheritance, and religious roles, these meticulous records provided a crucial sense of continuity and legitimacy after decades of displacement. The inclusion of specific names like Michael, Ispah, and Joha underscores the ancient scribes' commitment to preserving the exact details of family lines, ensuring the integrity of the covenant community and its future.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous genealogies, including 1 Chronicles 8:16, underscore several key themes. Primarily, they highlight the **preservation of lineage**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining the family lines through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. Secondly, they provide a profound sense of **identity and heritage** for the Israelite community, connecting each individual and family unit to the broader narrative of God's chosen people and their place within the land. Finally, the sheer detail of these lists, even for individuals whose stories are not elaborated upon, speaks to **God's comprehensive attention to detail**. It suggests that every person, regardless of their historical prominence, is known and significant in God's sight, reflecting the truth that God knows our frame and all our days are written in His book, as powerfully expressed in [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Michael (Hebrew, _Mikha'el'_):** This common Hebrew name literally means "Who is like God?" It is a rhetorical question that functions as a declaration, emphasizing God's incomparable nature and supreme power. Its inclusion in a genealogical list, alongside other names, subtly weaves theological affirmations into the very fabric of Israelite identity, reminding individuals and families of God's unique sovereignty.
* **Ispah (Hebrew, _Yišpāh'_):** The meaning of this name is less certain in scholarly consensus, often suggested as "he will rub smooth" or "baldness." While its precise etymology may be obscure, its presence, along with Joha, underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the genealogical record. Every individual, even those whose names carry no obvious theological or narrative significance, was deemed important enough to be included in the tribal register.
* **Joha (Hebrew, _Yoḥa'_):** Similar to Ispah, the exact meaning of Joha is debated, with proposals ranging from "he will revive" to a shortened form of a name meaning "Yahweh is living." Regardless of its specific meaning, its inclusion, alongside Michael and Ispah, reinforces the thoroughness of the chronicler's work in documenting every branch of the Benjaminite lineage, ensuring that no family unit was overlooked in the tribal accounting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha":** This opening phrase introduces three distinct individuals by name. The repeated use of "and" (the Hebrew _waw_ conjunction) creates a simple enumeration, emphasizing the individual identity of each person within the family unit. The very act of naming highlights the chronicler's commitment to precision and the importance of individual recognition within the larger tribal structure.
* **"the sons of Beriah":** This concluding phrase immediately identifies the paternal lineage of the three named individuals. By stating their father, Beriah, the verse firmly anchors them within a specific sub-clan of the tribe of Benjamin. This hierarchical structure is typical of biblical genealogies, demonstrating how individuals fit into families, families into clans, and clans into tribes, all contributing to the overall order and identity of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 8:16, as in much of the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a list of ancestors and descendants, meticulously tracing family lines. Its purpose here is not merely historical but also theological and socio-political, establishing identity, legitimacy, and continuity for the post-exilic community. Closely related is **Enumeration**, the simple listing of names, which emphasizes the thoroughness and precision of the record-keeping. While seemingly dry, this enumeration underscores the chronicler's commitment to detail and the divine oversight of Israel's history, where every individual has a place in God's unfolding plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 8:16 may appear to be a simple list of names, it carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people, demonstrating that His covenant promises are not abstract but are interwoven with the specific lives and lineages of individuals. The preservation of these family records underscores the faithfulness of God in maintaining a chosen people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. It reminds us that even seemingly insignificant individuals, whose stories are not elaborated upon, play a part in God's grand design, contributing to the tapestry of salvation history. This attention to detail reflects a God who knows and cares for every person within His covenant community, ensuring the continuity of His promises across generations.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "The Table of Nations")
* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Seeking Ancestry Post-Exile")
* [Nehemiah 7:61](/nehemiah/7-61 "Validating Lineage for Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane listing of names in 1 Chronicles 8:16 offers surprisingly rich insights for contemporary reflection. It encourages us to value our own heritage and family history, recognizing that our roots often shape our identity and provide a sense of belonging. More profoundly, it reminds us that every individual, regardless of their prominence in human history or society, is known and valued by God. Michael, Ispah, and Joha are not just names; they represent lives known to God, part of His intricate plan. This should inspire us to recognize that our own lives, even in their "unsung" moments, contribute to God's larger work. Faithfulness in our specific spheres, whether public or private, is significant in His eyes, and our seemingly small contributions are woven into the grand narrative of His kingdom, just as these individuals contributed to the lineage that ultimately led to the Messiah.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies impact your view of God's attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways does your personal heritage or family history shape your identity, and how can you honor it within a biblical framework?**
* **What "unsung" contributions are you making in your sphere of influence that, though unseen by many, are significant in God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so extensive and seemingly repetitive in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in Chronicles, particularly in the first nine chapters, served crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. After decades of Babylonian captivity, the returning exiles needed to re-establish their identity, confirm their tribal affiliations, and validate their claims to ancestral lands. These records were vital for maintaining social order, ensuring proper inheritance, and verifying eligibility for sacred offices, such as the priesthood and Levitical service. For example, [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Those Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The List of Those Who Returned") provide similar lists of returnees, emphasizing the importance of lineage for re-establishing the community. The Chronicler's detailed genealogies, beginning with [Adam in 1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam"), connected the present generation directly to God's covenant history, reminding them of their heritage and God's enduring faithfulness to His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:16 is a seemingly simple genealogical entry, its inclusion in the broader biblical narrative points to the meticulous and sovereign plan of God that culminates in Christ. The careful preservation of lineages, even those of seemingly minor figures like Michael, Ispah, and Joha, underscores God's commitment to maintaining a chosen people through whom the promised Messiah would ultimately come. These ancient family trees, with their detailed branches and roots, form the essential historical backdrop for the New Testament genealogies of Jesus found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus from Adam"). These New Testament accounts demonstrate that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, the "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham," whose lineage is meticulously traced back to the very beginning of humanity. Thus, every name in the Old Testament genealogies, including the "sons of Beriah," contributes to the grand tapestry of salvation history, showing God's precise and unwavering faithfulness in bringing forth the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.