1 Chronicles 8:20

KJV

And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elienai {H462}, and Zilthai {H6769}, and Eliel {H447},

Complete Jewish Bible

Eli'einai, Tziltai, Eli'el,

Berean Standard Bible

Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,

American Standard Version

and Elienai, and Zillethai, and Eliel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, "And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel," is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8. It continues the meticulous tracing of the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Far from being a mere list, this verse underscores the divine preservation of Israel's tribal identity, the continuity of God's covenant people, and the meticulous attention to detail within God's overarching plan, even for individuals not explicitly highlighted elsewhere in the biblical narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles, particularly chapters 1-9, is predominantly composed of genealogies, serving as the foundational bedrock for the rest of the book's historical narrative. Chapter 8 specifically focuses on the tribe of Benjamin, detailing its various family lines and prominent individuals. This verse is nestled within a long list of Benjamin's descendants, following the lineage of Shaharaim and his wives (1 Chronicles 8:8-10) and preceding further branches of the tribe. The primary purpose of these lists in Chronicles is to establish continuity from the patriarchs, through the Davidic line, to the post-exilic community, affirming their heritage and right to the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this returning community, genealogies were not just historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents. They were essential for re-establishing tribal identity, confirming land inheritance (as outlined in [Joshua](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Allotments")), ensuring the purity of the priestly lines, and demonstrating their legitimate claim to the covenant promises. The tribe of Benjamin held particular significance as the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul, and later contributed significantly to the remnant that returned from exile, forming a crucial part of the southern kingdom alongside Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of a larger genealogical record, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, **Genealogical Importance** highlights how these lists were crucial for establishing legal rights, land claims, and tribal affiliations in ancient Israel, providing a framework for understanding the fulfillment of God's promises through specific bloodlines, such as the [Davidic line](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"). Secondly, **Divine Faithfulness** is evident in the preservation of these detailed records over centuries, even through periods of upheaval like the exile. It points to God's meticulous care and faithfulness to His covenant promises, remembering His people down to individual names. Lastly, the **Continuity of God's People** is powerfully demonstrated. This verse, linking the present generation to their ancestors, reinforces their heritage and identity as part of God's chosen nation, showing that God's plan unfolds through successive generations, even through seemingly ordinary individuals.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eliel (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîʼēl_):** This name is a compound of two Hebrew elements: "El" (אֵל), meaning "God," and "i-el" (אֵל), which can mean "my God" or "God of God." Thus, Eliel commonly translates to "God is my God" or "God of God." The inclusion of "El" in personal names was common in ancient Israel, reflecting a deeply ingrained spiritual worldview where God's nature or relationship with the individual was often expressed. While Elienai and Zilthai have less clear or debated etymologies, the presence of "Eliel" underscores a theological dimension even within a simple list of names.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elienai":** This clause introduces the first name in this specific triplet, indicating a continuation of the genealogical listing. The conjunction "And" (וְ) links this individual directly to the preceding family lines, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent within the tribe of Benjamin. It signifies another branch or member of the extended family, meticulously recorded for posterity.
* **"and Zilthai":** Following Elienai, Zilthai is presented, further expanding the record of Benjamin's descendants. The repetitive "and" structure is characteristic of genealogical lists, creating a rhythmic and comprehensive enumeration. The inclusion of Zilthai, like Elienai, highlights the Chronicler's commitment to a thorough and exhaustive account of the tribal lineages, ensuring that no significant branch or individual within the family tree is overlooked.
* **"and Eliel":** The final name in this triplet, Eliel, completes the sequence for this verse. The consistent use of "and" underscores the collective identity and interconnectedness of these individuals within the larger tribal structure. Each name, though seemingly insignificant on its own, contributes to the grand tapestry of Israel's history and God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:20, and indeed throughout chapters 1-9, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a historical record but a purposeful literary form used to establish identity, legitimate claims, and demonstrate divine continuity. The meticulous listing of names, often with the repetitive conjunction "and" (**Anaphora**), creates a sense of comprehensive inclusion and unbroken lineage. This stylistic choice emphasizes the Chronicler's intent to show the enduring nature of God's covenant people, connecting the post-exilic community directly to their patriarchal roots. The very act of naming, even seemingly obscure individuals, serves to underscore the **Symbolism** of God's meticulous care and remembrance of every person within His grand narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse, part of a lengthy genealogical record, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations. The very act of recording these names, even of individuals not prominent in other biblical narratives, underscores the truth that every life has significance in God's eyes and plays a part, however small, in His unfolding plan. This divine remembrance contrasts sharply with human forgetfulness and highlights God's unwavering commitment to His promises, which are often fulfilled through the ordinary lives of ordinary people. The genealogies serve as a testament to the fact that God's purposes are not thwarted by time, exile, or human frailty, but meticulously woven through the fabric of history, ensuring the continuity of the chosen line through whom salvation would ultimately come.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah") - Provides another foundational biblical genealogy, demonstrating the continuity of humanity and the line of Seth.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") - Traces Jesus' lineage back through Joseph to Adam, emphasizing the historical grounding of His humanity and connection to all humanity.
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry") - Illustrates the critical importance of genealogies for the returning exiles, especially for priestly claims, highlighting the practical function of such records.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values only the prominent, powerful, or publicly recognized, 1 Chronicles 8:20 offers a quiet but profound reminder of God's perspective. It teaches us that every individual, no matter how seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of history, is known and valued by God. Elienai, Zilthai, and Eliel were not kings or prophets, yet their names are preserved in the sacred text, testifying to their place within God's covenant community. This encourages us to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every person, reflecting God's own meticulous care. Furthermore, it invites us to appreciate our own place within the larger story of God's people. We are not isolated individuals but part of a spiritual lineage, connected to generations of faith that have gone before us and will come after. Our lives, our faithfulness, and our contributions, however small, are woven into God's eternal tapestry, contributing to His ongoing work in the world. This perspective fosters humility, encourages perseverance, and deepens our sense of belonging to a divine narrative that transcends our immediate circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of seemingly "ordinary" names like Elienai, Zilthai, and Eliel challenge our modern tendency to value only prominence or achievement?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage (whether through biblical genealogies or the history of the church) shape our identity and purpose today?**
* **What does God's remembrance of every individual in these genealogies teach us about His character and His care for us personally?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like this one, so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, especially those found in books like Chronicles, are far more than just lists of names; they serve crucial theological, historical, and legal functions. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was addressed, these detailed records were vital for re-establishing their identity as God's covenant people after the trauma of exile. They confirmed land inheritance rights (see [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Allotment of Land by Lot")), ensured the purity of the priestly and Levitical lines (as seen in [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests Unable to Prove Their Lineage")), and demonstrated the continuity of God's promises through specific lineages, particularly the Davidic line (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). The repetition and detail underscore the meticulousness of God's plan and His faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage through generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:20 lists individuals from the tribe of Benjamin, its deeper significance, like all genealogies in Scripture, points ultimately to Christ. These meticulous records served to preserve the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come, ensuring the historical and legal validity of His claims. The tribe of Benjamin, though not the royal tribe, was part of the broader Israelite family, a family chosen by God to bring forth the Savior. The very purpose of these genealogies, to demonstrate God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises and preserving a people for Himself, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. He is the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), the [seed of Abraham](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed"), and the one through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). In Christ, the meticulous tracking of earthly lineages culminates in the spiritual family of God, where all who believe, regardless of their earthly heritage, are adopted as sons and daughters ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God Through Faith")). Thus, the preservation of names like Elienai, Zilthai, and Eliel foreshadows God's ultimate plan to gather a people for Himself, not just by physical descent, but by grace through faith in the Lamb of God ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Becoming Children 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.