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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 8 verses 1–32
There is little or nothing of history in all these verses; we have not therefore much to observe. 1. As to the difficulties that occur in this and the foregoing genealogies we need not perplex ourselves. I presume Ezra took them as he found them in the books of the kings of Israel and Judah (Ezr 9:1), according as they were given in by the several tribes, each observing what method they thought fit. Hence some ascend, others desecnd; some have numbers affixed, others places; some have historical remarks intermixed, others have not; some are shorter, others longer; some agree with other records, others differ; some, it is likely, were torn, erased, and blotted, others more legible. Those of Dan and Reuben were entirely lost. This holy man wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost; but there was no necessity for the making up of the defects, no, nor for the rectifying of the mistakes, of these genealogies by inspiration. It was sufficient that he copied them out as they came into his hand, or so much of them as was requisite to the present purpose, which was the directing of the returned captives to settle as nearly as they could with those of their own family, and in the places of their former residence. We may suppose that many things in these genealogies which to us seem intricate, abrupt, and perplexed, were plain and easy to them then (who knew how to fill up the deficiencies) and abundantly answered the intention of the publishing of them. 2. Many great and mighty nations there were now in being upon earth, and many illustrious men in them, whose names are buried in perpetual oblivion, while the names of multitudes of the Israel of God are here carefully preserved in everlasting remembrance. They are Jasher, Jeshurun - just ones, and the memory of the just is blessed. Many of these we have reason to fear, came short of everlasting honour (for even the wicked kings of Judah come into the genealogy), yet the perpetuating of their names here was a figure of the writing of the names of all God's spiritual Israel in the Lamb's book of life. 3. This tribe of Benjamin was once brought to a very low ebb, in the time of the judges, upon the occasion of the iniquity of Gibeah, when only 600 men escaped the sword of justice; and yet, in these genealogies, it makes as good a figure as almost any of the tribes: for it is the honour of God to help the weakest and raise up those that are most diminished and abased. 4. Here is mention of one Ehud (Ch1 8:6), in the preceding verse of one Gera (Ch1 8:5) and (Ch1 8:8) of one that descended from him, that begat children in the country of Moab, which inclines me to think it was that Ehud who was the second of the judges of Israel; for he is said to be the son of Gera and a Benjamite (Jdg 3:15), and he delivered Israel from the oppression of the Moabites by killing the king of Moab, which might give him a greater sway in the country of Moab than we find evidence of in his history and might occasion some of his posterity to settle there. 5. Here is mention of some of the Benjamites that drove away the inhabitants of Gath (Ch1 8:13), perhaps those that had slain the Ephraimites (Ch1 7:21) or their posterity, by way of reprisal: and one of those that did this piece of justice was named Beriah too, that name in which the memorial of that injury was preserved. 6. Particular notice is taken of those that dwelt in Jerusalem (Ch1 8:28 and again Ch1 8:32), that those whose ancestors had had their residence there might thereby be induced, at their return from captivity, to settle there too, which, for aught that appears, few were willing to do, because it was the post of danger: and therefore we find (Neh 11:2) the people blessed those that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem, the greater part being inclined to prefer the cities of Judah. Those whose godly parents had their conversation in the new Jerusalem should thereby be engaged to set their faces thitherward and pursue the way thither, whatever it cost them.
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
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SUMMARY
This verse, "And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel," is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8. It meticulously continues the 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 through successive generations, and the meticulous attention to detail within God's overarching plan, even for individuals not explicitly highlighted elsewhere in the broader biblical narrative.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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" (Polysyndeton), creates a sense of comprehensive inclusion and unbroken lineage, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's covenant people. This stylistic choice underscores the Chronicler's intent to show the unbroken thread connecting the post-exilic community directly to their patriarchal roots. Furthermore, the very act of naming, even seemingly obscure individuals, serves as Symbolism of God's meticulous care, remembrance, and valuing of every person within His grand narrative, affirming their place in the unfolding story of salvation.
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 unwavering 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.
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 we encounter, reflecting God's own meticulous care for His creation. 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 in our own walks of faith, and deepens our sense of belonging to a divine narrative that transcends our immediate circumstances and personal achievements.
Questions for Reflection
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), ensured the purity of the priestly and Levitical lines (as seen in Ezra 2:61-63), and demonstrated the continuity of God's promises through specific lineages, particularly the Davidic line (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). The repetition and detail underscore the meticulousness of God's plan and His faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage through generations, ensuring the integrity of the covenant community.
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, the seed of Abraham, and the one through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). 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). 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, who grants the right to become children of God (John 1:12-13).