1 Chronicles 8:18

KJV

Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal;

KJV (with Strong's)

Ishmerai {H3461} also, and Jezliah {H3152}, and Jobab {H3103}, the sons {H1121} of Elpaal {H508};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishm'rai, Yizli'ah and Yovav were the sons of Elpa'al.

Berean Standard Bible

Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.

American Standard Version

and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:18 is a precise entry within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically identifying Ishmerai, Jezliah, and Jobab as the sons of Elpaal. Far from being a mere enumeration, this verse, like others in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, serves as a crucial component in establishing the identity, historical continuity, and theological grounding for the post-exilic community of Israel, underscoring God's meticulous faithfulness and the profound significance of every individual within His overarching divine plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9, a monumental section almost entirely dedicated to comprehensive genealogies. The Chronicler, writing for the returned exiles in the post-Babylonian period, meticulously compiles these lists, tracing lineage from Adam and progressing through various tribal lines. Chapter 8 specifically focuses on the tribe of Benjamin, detailing its various families and their settlements, particularly those associated with King Saul. Verse 18, therefore, is a specific entry within a larger, highly structured record designed to re-establish the tribal and family identities of a people who had experienced significant displacement and disruption. It follows a consistent pattern of listing a father and then his sons, contributing to a comprehensive family tree for the Benjamite clan of Elpaal, linking individuals to their ancestral heritage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical context for the compilation of Chronicles is the post-exilic period, roughly the late 5th to early 4th century BCE. After decades in Babylonian captivity, the returning exiles faced the daunting task of reconstructing their national and religious identity in the land of Israel. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society for several reasons: they validated claims to tribal land inheritances, confirmed eligibility for priestly or Levitical service (as seen in the challenges faced by those without clear lineage in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Proving Lineage") and [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Disqualified Priests")), and established social and political standing. The detailed record of the Benjamite lineage, including seemingly minor figures like Ishmerai, Jezliah, and Jobab, was essential for the re-establishment of a cohesive and properly ordered society, ensuring that the covenant promises related to land and people could be properly administered.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 8:18, along with the broader genealogical sections, highlights several key theological and narrative themes central to the Chronicler's message. Foremost is **God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises**. Despite exile and dispersion, God preserved a remnant and meticulously recorded their lineage, demonstrating His commitment to the promise made to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Another significant theme is the **importance and value of every individual within God's plan**. Even names that appear only once, like those in this verse, are known and remembered by God, signifying that no one is insignificant in His grand narrative. This meticulous record-keeping also underscores God's **orderly nature** and the importance of **structure and identity** within His people, a message vital for a community seeking to rebuild after chaos and re-establish their connection to the past and their hope for the future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ishmerai (Hebrew, _Yishmᵉray'_):** From the root meaning "to keep" or "to guard," this name signifies "preservative." Its inclusion subtly points to the divine act of preservation, a theme central to the Chronicler's message about God's faithfulness in maintaining His people's lineage despite adversity.
* **Jezliah (Hebrew, _Yizlîyʼâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to draw up," this name means "he will draw out." While its specific historical context for this individual is unknown, the name itself evokes a sense of divine action, perhaps of deliverance or extraction, aligning with God's active role in the history of His people.
* **Jobab (Hebrew, _Yôwbâb'_):** From a root meaning "to howl," this name literally means "howler." While its precise connotation for this individual is not elaborated upon in the text, it functions as a distinct personal identifier within the family unit, demonstrating the diversity of names within Israelite society.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This term, meaning "a son," is used in its widest sense to denote a descendant who builds or continues the family name. In the context of genealogies, it emphasizes the generational continuity and the foundational role of offspring in preserving the lineage and identity of the family and tribe.
* **Elpaal (Hebrew, _ʼElpaʻal'_):** This significant name, meaning "God (is) act" or "God has acted," serves as a profound theological statement. As the father of Ishmerai, Jezliah, and Jobab, his name encapsulates a confession of faith, acknowledging God's active and sovereign involvement in the lives and history of His people, a message the Chronicler consistently reinforces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab,":** This opening phrase introduces three distinct individuals, presented as a collective unit within the family structure. The use of "also" (Hebrew _gam_) seamlessly connects them to the preceding lineage of Elpaal, indicating their place as additional sons. Their inclusion, though brief, underscores the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive and accurate record, ensuring that every branch of the Benjamite family is accounted for. These are not merely abstract names but represent real people who contributed to the continuity of the covenant community.
* **"the sons of Elpaal;":** This concise clause explicitly identifies the patriarchal lineage, stating that Ishmerai, Jezliah, and Jobab belong to the household of Elpaal. In ancient Israelite society, identity was intrinsically tied to one's father and family line. This statement establishes their tribal affiliation (Benjamin, through Elpaal's lineage detailed earlier in the chapter) and their place within the broader social and religious fabric of Israel. The father's name, "Elpaal" ("God has acted"), subtly reinforces the overarching theological message of God's active hand in preserving and orchestrating the history of His people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:18, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list but a purposeful literary construct designed to establish identity, prove lineage, and affirm historical continuity for the post-exilic community. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures, demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to completeness and accuracy in recounting the divine preservation of Israel. There is also an element of **Inclusion**, where every individual, regardless of their historical prominence, is deemed worthy of mention, reflecting a profound theological conviction about the inherent value of each person in God's eyes and their role in His unfolding plan. The **Repetition** of the "son of" or "sons of" formula throughout the genealogies creates a rhythmic and reinforcing structure, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the divine order governing the generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 8:18, within its broader genealogical context, profoundly speaks to God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It demonstrates that even in the most seemingly mundane details, God's hand is at work, preserving lineages and ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. The very existence of these names, long after the individuals lived, testifies to God's comprehensive knowledge and remembrance of every person within His covenant community. This attention to detail assures us that God's promises are not vague abstractions but are rooted in historical realities and specific individuals. The preservation of these family lines was critical for the re-establishment of Israel and, ultimately, for the unfolding of God's greater purposes, culminating in the promised Messiah.

* [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Proving Lineage")
* [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Disqualified Priests")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often obsessed with fame, visible accomplishment, and fleeting recognition, 1 Chronicles 8:18 offers a profound counter-cultural truth: every individual, regardless of their historical prominence or perceived significance, is known and valued by God. The inclusion of Ishmerai, Jezliah, and Jobab in the sacred record reminds us that God's attention to detail extends to every life, every family, and every generation. This should bring immense comfort and encouragement, knowing that our lives, though seemingly ordinary, are intricately woven into the grand tapestry of God's redemptive history. It calls us to find our identity not in fleeting achievements or social status, but in our secure place within God's eternal family, recognizing that He remembers us, cherishes us, and has a specific purpose for us. Just as the ancient Israelites found their identity and hope in their meticulously preserved lineage, we too can find strength, direction, and profound peace by understanding our spiritual heritage and God's consistent faithfulness throughout history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping of God in passages like 1 Chronicles 8:18 affirm His character and faithfulness to you personally?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God remembers even seemingly "insignificant" individuals encourage you in your own life and service?**
* **How can understanding your spiritual heritage (as part of God's people) impact your sense of identity and purpose today?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent in the Old Testament, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies were crucial in ancient Israel for establishing identity, confirming land inheritance, and validating claims to priestly or royal office. For the post-exilic community, as seen in [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"), these lists were vital for re-establishing social order, ensuring proper temple service, and rebuilding the nation based on its covenant heritage. The Chronicler emphasizes them to show God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and fulfilling His promises, even through generations of seemingly ordinary people, ultimately pointing towards the lineage from which the Messiah would come.

**Do these names have any special meaning or significance?**

Answer: While the text of 1 Chronicles 8:18 does not explicitly detail the meanings of "Ishmerai," "Jezliah," or "Jobab," Hebrew names often carried significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or theological statements. For instance, "Ishmerai" means "preservative," "Jezliah" means "he will draw out," and the father's name, "Elpaal," means "God (is) act." The Chronicler's primary purpose in listing them is historical and genealogical, but the very act of preserving these individual names underscores the theological theme that every person is known and remembered by God, and that His divine action is evident throughout the generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly obscure names of Ishmerai, Jezliah, and Jobab, ultimately find their profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. These ancient lists, painstakingly preserved, underscore God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham")). The preservation of specific tribal lineages, especially Judah and Benjamin, was essential for the eventual arrival of the Messiah, who would come from the tribe of Judah (as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah") and confirmed in [Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Jesus from Judah")). The detailed genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") are the New Testament culmination of this Old Testament emphasis on lineage. They demonstrate that God's faithfulness, evident in remembering every individual like Ishmerai, Jezliah, and Jobab, ultimately led to the birth of the one through whom all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, these seemingly mundane lists point to the divine precision and providential care that ensured the perfect lineage for the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), establishing a new, spiritual lineage for all who believe.

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.