1 Chronicles 8:25

KJV

And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Iphedeiah {H3301}, and Penuel {H6439}, the sons {H1121} of Shashak {H8349};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yifdeyah and P'nu'el were the sons of Shashak.

Berean Standard Bible

Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.

American Standard Version

and Iphdeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:25, a concise entry within the extensive genealogies of the book, meticulously lists Iphedeiah and Penuel as sons of Shashak, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. This verse, like hundreds of others in the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, serves a crucial role in establishing the post-exilic community's identity, land claims, and connection to God's covenant promises, demonstrating the divine precision and importance of lineage in God's unfolding plan for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 8:25 is situated within one of the most comprehensive genealogical sections of the Old Testament, specifically within chapters 1-9, which trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes. Chapter 8 is dedicated entirely to the tribe of Benjamin, detailing its various families, leaders, and their residences. This particular verse, found amidst a list of Benjaminite descendants, functions as a precise record, contributing to the overall meticulous accounting of tribal identity and family structure. The Chronicler's emphasis on these detailed lists underscores a desire to re-establish a sense of continuity and heritage for the returned exiles, connecting them firmly to their pre-exilic past and God's enduring covenant with Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. After the devastating Babylonian exile, the returning Jewish community faced the immense task of rebuilding their society, their temple, and their identity. Genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents for several practical and theological reasons in ancient Israel. They established legitimate claims to ancestral land allotments, particularly important for the re-settlement of the land. They provided a clear sense of tribal and family identity, crucial for social cohesion and religious practice. Furthermore, these records preserved the lines for priestly service (Levites) and royal succession (the line of David), ensuring the continuity of God's chosen instruments for His covenant people. The Chronicler's work, including verses like [1 Chronicles 8:25](/1_chronicles/8-25 "1 Chronicles 8:25 - Sons of Benjamin"), served to remind the community of their heritage and God's faithfulness despite the exile.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 8:25 within the broader genealogical record highlights several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Meticulousness** of God, revealing His intricate attention to detail and sovereign oversight of human history and individual lives. Even seemingly obscure names are known to Him and recorded in His grand narrative. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Lineage and Identity** for the Israelite people. Knowing one's ancestry was fundamental to their social, religious, and political standing, connecting them directly to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as seen in passages like [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram"). Finally, the meticulous **Preservation of History** through these lists highlights the value placed on historical records in Israelite society, ensuring that the continuity of their people and their covenant relationship with God was never lost, paving the way for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of David, as prophesied in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iphedeiah (Hebrew, _Yifdeyah'_):** This name is derived from the Hebrew root פדה (padah), meaning "to redeem" or "to deliver," combined with a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (Yah). Thus, "Iphedeiah" can be interpreted as "Jehovah redeems" or "Yahweh delivers." The presence of such a name within a family lineage speaks to the parents' faith and hope in God's redemptive power, perhaps in response to a specific deliverance or as a general declaration of their theological conviction concerning the nature of God. It reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of naming children to express theological truths or commemorate divine acts.
* **Penuel (Hebrew, _Penu'el'_):** Meaning "face of God," this name famously echoes the profound encounter of Jacob at Peniel (or Penuel) in [Genesis 32:30](/genesis/32-30 "Genesis 32:30 - Jacob Wrestles at Peniel"), where he wrestled with God and declared, "I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been preserved." The recurrence of this name suggests a desire to commemorate or invoke a similar spiritual legacy, a longing for intimate encounter with the divine, or perhaps a recognition of God's presence in their family's history. It imbues the individual with a connection to a foundational moment in Israel's patriarchal history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Iphedeiah,"**: This initial phrase introduces the first individual in this specific enumeration of Shashak's sons. The conjunction "And" (וְ, _ve_) links this entry to the preceding list of names, maintaining the continuous flow of the genealogy. The name "Iphedeiah" itself carries theological weight, signifying "Jehovah redeems," which, even in a simple list, subtly points to the pervasive understanding of God's redemptive character within Israelite society.
* **"and Penuel,"**: Following "Iphedeiah," "Penuel" is presented as the second son of Shashak mentioned in this verse. The repetition of the conjunction "and" reinforces the parallel structure of the list, indicating another direct descendant. As discussed, the name "Penuel" evokes a significant biblical encounter with God, suggesting a spiritual heritage or aspiration within this family line, adding a layer of meaning beyond mere identification.
* **"the sons of Shashak;"**: This concluding phrase clearly identifies the paternal lineage of Iphedeiah and Penuel. Shashak is listed earlier in 1 Chronicles 8:14 as a chief man of Benjamin. This specification of fatherhood is fundamental to the purpose of genealogies, establishing familial relationships, tribal affiliations, and ensuring the accurate tracing of descent. It anchors these individuals firmly within the broader Benjaminite family tree, crucial for establishing identity and land rights in post-exilic Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:25, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured and purposeful record of lineage, serving to establish identity, legitimate claims, and preserve historical continuity. The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition** of names and familial structures ("the sons of...") to create a comprehensive and authoritative record. The **Conciseness** of each entry, presenting only the name and immediate paternal link, highlights the functional nature of these lists—they are records, not narratives, yet each name carries the weight of a life lived within God's covenant. The very act of recording these names, even seemingly minor ones, demonstrates a profound belief in the importance of every individual within God's grand historical tapestry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 Chronicles 8:25 appears to be a dry list of names, it is imbued with profound theological significance. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous care for His people, demonstrating that every individual, even those briefly mentioned, is known and accounted for in His divine plan. The very act of preserving these genealogies underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations, ensuring the continuity of the chosen people through whom His redemptive purposes would be fulfilled. This verse, therefore, quietly affirms the sovereignty of God over human history and the importance of individual lives within His grand narrative, reminding us that our identity is deeply rooted in His unfolding story.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values fame and prominence, 1 Chronicles 8:25 reminds us that God's perspective is profoundly different. This seemingly insignificant verse, listing two individuals among hundreds, speaks volumes about God's meticulous attention to every life. It encourages us to find our identity not in worldly achievements or recognition, but in our place within God's larger story, a story that spans generations and culminates in Christ. Just as these names were crucial for the Israelites' sense of belonging and inheritance, so too our spiritual heritage in Christ provides us with an unshakeable identity and an eternal inheritance. This verse quietly challenges us to consider our own legacy—not just what we leave behind, but how we live in light of God's faithful preservation of His people through time. It fosters a sense of gratitude for the spiritual lineage that connects us to believers across history and to the very heart of God's redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 8:25, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does knowing your own spiritual or family heritage influence your sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **What might it mean to live a life that, even if not prominently recorded, contributes faithfully to God's ongoing story, much like Iphedeiah and Penuel?**
* **How does the concept of God knowing every individual, even those briefly mentioned, offer comfort or challenge in your own life?**

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

Answer: Biblical genealogies, though they may seem repetitive or tedious to a modern reader, served critical functions in ancient Israelite society and for the theological narrative of Scripture. They established clear lines of descent, which were essential for land inheritance, tribal identity, and ensuring the purity of priestly and royal lines. For the Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, these lists were vital for re-establishing the identity and structure of the returned community, reminding them of their heritage and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. They demonstrate God's meticulous oversight of history, ensuring the preservation of the chosen people through whom the Messiah would ultimately come, as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

**Do the names in genealogies carry any special meaning?**

Answer: Yes, often they do. As seen with "Iphedeiah" ("Jehovah redeems") and "Penuel" ("face of God") in 1 Chronicles 8:25, many Hebrew names in the Bible are not arbitrary but carry significant meanings, often reflecting theological truths, parental hopes, or commemorating specific events. These names can offer subtle insights into the faith, experiences, or aspirations of the families who bore them. While the text doesn't always elaborate on the significance of each name, their inherent meanings contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical narrative and theology, hinting at the pervasive presence of God in the lives of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 8:25, like all biblical genealogies, ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These meticulous records, tracing the lineage of God's chosen people, serve as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a specific line through which His ultimate redemptive plan would unfold. Every name, including Iphedeiah and Penuel, represents a link in the chain that leads inexorably to the birth of the Messiah. The very existence of these genealogies underscores God's sovereign control over history, ensuring that the promised "seed" would come through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and specifically the tribe of Judah and the house of David. The careful record-keeping in 1 Chronicles, though focused on the post-exilic community's identity, implicitly points forward to the one who would perfectly embody Israel's identity and fulfill all God's promises. Jesus, as the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the culmination of this divine precision, demonstrating that God's detailed attention to individual lives and historical lineages was always purposed to bring about the salvation of the world through His incarnate Son, the ultimate [fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law").

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.