1 Chronicles 8:30

KJV

And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,

KJV (with Strong's)

And his firstborn {H1060} son {H1121} Abdon {H5658}, and Zur {H6698}, and Kish {H7027}, and Baal {H1168}, and Nadab {H5070},

Complete Jewish Bible

and his firstborn son 'Avdon, Tzur, Kish, Ba'al, Nadav,

Berean Standard Bible

and Abdon was his firstborn son, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab,

American Standard Version

and his first-born son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:30 meticulously lists five sons of Jeiel—Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, and Nadab—continuing the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This verse, embedded within a chapter dedicated to Benjamin's lineage, underscores the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the historical and tribal identities of Israel. It highlights the importance of family lines for establishing land rights, confirming tribal affiliation, and demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations, even in the seemingly mundane details of a name list.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 8:30 is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically from verse 29 to verse 40. The chapter begins with Benjamin's sons (v. 1), then quickly moves into various family lines and their settlements, particularly around Jerusalem and Gibeon. Verse 29 introduces Jeiel, described as the "father of Gibeon," and his wife Maacah, setting the stage for the enumeration of their descendants. Verse 30, therefore, directly follows this introduction, listing five of Jeiel's sons. The broader context of 1 Chronicles is the Chronicler's post-exilic effort to reconstruct and affirm Israel's identity, emphasizing continuity with their past, the importance of the temple and priesthood, and the Davidic line, all rooted in these foundational genealogies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in Chronicles were compiled during the post-exilic period (circa 5th-4th century BCE), a time when the returned exiles needed to re-establish their identity, land claims, and social order in Judah. Knowing one's tribal affiliation was crucial for inheritance, participation in community life, and confirming eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. The tribe of Benjamin was particularly significant as it included the territory of Jerusalem and was the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul. The inclusion of names like "Baal" (meaning "lord" or "master") as a personal name, while later associated with Canaanite deities, reflects an earlier period in Israelite history before its strong pagan connotations became prevalent. This detail provides a glimpse into the evolving religious landscape and the Chronicler's faithful recording of historical names, even those that might later seem problematic.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the entire chapter, powerfully conveys several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **preservation of lineage and tribal identity**, which was foundational to Israel's self-understanding and their covenant relationship with God. Each name represents a vital link in the unbroken chain of God's people, ensuring continuity from the patriarchs to the post-exilic community. Secondly, it highlights the **meticulous nature of divine providence and historical record-keeping**. The Chronicler's detailed lists demonstrate a profound commitment to accuracy, reflecting the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of individuals and families, even those seemingly minor figures in a long list. This attention to detail reinforces the reliability of God's promises. Finally, the genealogies underscore **God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises**, which were often tied to specific families and tribes, ensuring the continuation of the people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and its fulfillment through [the nation of Israel](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel as God's Chosen People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abdon (עַבְדּוֹן, _'avdon'_):** This name is derived from the Hebrew root עבד (_'avad_), meaning "to serve" or "to work." Thus, Abdon can be interpreted as "servile" or "service of God." It is a relatively common name in the Old Testament, also appearing as a Levitical city and the name of a judge of Israel (Judges 12:13). Its meaning aligns with a general posture of devotion or duty.
* **Kish (קִישׁ, _qish'_):** The meaning of Kish is less certain, possibly related to "snare" or "bow." Its significance here lies not in its etymology but in its prominence as the name of the father of King Saul, Israel's first monarch, who also hailed from the tribe of Benjamin ([1 Samuel 9:1](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1 - Saul's Father, Kish")). This shared name underscores the commonality of certain names within specific tribal lineages.
* **Baal (בַּעַל, _ba'al'_):** Meaning "lord," "master," or "owner," this name was widely used in ancient Semitic cultures. While later strongly associated with the Canaanite storm god Baal, in early Israelite personal names, it often referred to the head of a household or a respected figure, or even incorporated into names like "Jerubbaal" (Gideon, Judges 6:32). Its presence here as a personal name from an earlier period highlights the historical context before the full theological condemnation of Baal worship became prevalent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his firstborn son Abdon":** This phrase identifies Abdon as the eldest son of Jeiel (mentioned in verse 29). The designation "firstborn" (בְּכֹר, _bekhor_) carried significant legal, social, and spiritual implications in ancient Israel, including a double portion of inheritance and a position of leadership or prominence within the family. While not elaborated upon here, it signifies his primary status among the listed siblings.
* **"and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab":** This is a simple enumeration of four additional sons of Jeiel. The conjunction "and" (וְ, _ve_) links each name, creating a straightforward list. The Chronicler's purpose is not to provide biographical details but to meticulously record the lineage, ensuring the continuity and identity of the family line within the tribe of Benjamin. Each name, though briefly mentioned, represents a distinct individual contributing to the overall tribal structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:30, and indeed throughout much of Chronicles 1-9, is **Genealogy** or **Cataloging**. This involves the systematic listing of names and family lines, serving as a foundational literary form in ancient Near Eastern and biblical texts. The Chronicler employs this device not merely for historical record-keeping but for theological purposes, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people, validating tribal identities, and establishing the legitimacy of the post-exilic community. The meticulous **enumeration** of individuals, even those without further narrative development, underscores the divine attention to detail and the comprehensive nature of God's providential plan. While seemingly dry, these lists are a crucial backbone for the historical and theological claims of the Chronicler.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 8:30, as part of an extensive genealogy, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people through countless generations. It underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage not just as a matter of historical record, but as a framework for understanding God's unfolding redemptive plan. The meticulous detail reflects a divine commitment to every individual within the covenant community, demonstrating that no life is insignificant in God's grand narrative. This preservation of identity and connection to the past was crucial for the post-exilic community, reminding them of their heritage and God's enduring promises, providing hope and a foundation for rebuilding.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations") - Illustrates the biblical tradition of extensive genealogies, tracing the origins and spread of humanity after the flood.
* [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Numbers 1:18 - Census by Families and Clans") - Highlights the importance of tribal and family registration for military service and organization in ancient Israel, showing the practical implications of such records.
* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Lineage") - Demonstrates the critical importance of verifiable genealogies for the returned exiles, particularly for those claiming priestly lineage, underscoring their practical and spiritual significance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names from ancient history might initially seem distant, 1 Chronicles 8:30 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, intimately acquainted with every individual life, past and present. Just as He meticulously preserved the lineages of Israel, He knows our stories, our families, and our place in His grand redemptive narrative. This verse encourages us to value our own heritage—familial, cultural, and spiritual—recognizing that we are part of a larger story of God's faithfulness across generations. It challenges us to consider how our lives contribute to the ongoing legacy of faith and to live in a way that honors those who came before us and provides a strong foundation for those who will follow. Ultimately, it invites us to trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life, He is at work, weaving together the tapestry of history for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 8:30, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways can understanding your own family or spiritual heritage provide a sense of identity, purpose, or connection to God's larger story?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the value God places on individuals, even those not highlighted with extensive narratives?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so long and detailed in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in Chronicles, serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. For the post-exilic community, they were vital for re-establishing tribal identities, confirming land rights, and verifying eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. They provided a sense of continuity and legitimacy, connecting the returned exiles to their patriarchal roots and God's covenant promises. The Chronicler also uses them to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people through generations, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. They are not just lists of names but theological statements about God's providential care and the unfolding of His plan for salvation, as seen in the comprehensive genealogies found in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Line of Adam to Noah") and [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations").

**What is the significance of "firstborn son" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, the "firstborn son" (Hebrew: _bekhor_) held a position of special privilege and responsibility. This typically included a double portion of the inheritance, leadership of the family after the father's death, and often a priestly role within the household before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. While 1 Chronicles 8:30 simply names Abdon as the firstborn without further elaboration, this designation would have immediately conveyed his preeminent status among his brothers to the original audience. It signifies the established order and importance of lineage within the family structure, a concept deeply rooted in biblical law and tradition, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 21:17](/deuteronomy/21-17 "Deuteronomy 21:17 - Rights of the Firstborn").

**Why is the name "Baal" included, given its association with pagan deities?**

Answer: The name "Baal" (meaning "lord" or "master") was a common Semitic term that predated its strong association with the Canaanite storm god. In early Israelite history, it was used as a component in personal names (e.g., Jerubbaal, Ishbaal) or as a stand-alone name, often signifying ownership or authority. Its inclusion here reflects the historical reality of names used during the period being chronicled, which was likely prior to the intense prophetic condemnations of Baal worship that became prominent later (e.g., during the time of Elijah, [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal")). The Chronicler's purpose is to provide an accurate historical record of the lineage, not to endorse the pagan deity, but to simply identify an individual by the name he bore.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found in 1 Chronicles 8, including the specific listing of Jeiel's sons in verse 30, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. These extensive records underscore God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The very existence of these detailed lineages, painstakingly preserved, testifies to God's precise and sovereign plan to bring forth the Messiah through a specific, identifiable human family line. Jesus's own genealogies in the New Testament ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")) are not mere historical curiosities but vital proofs of His claim to be the promised Son of David and the fulfillment of all Old Testament hopes. He is the ultimate "firstborn" over all creation ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Jesus, the Image of the Invisible God")), the one who inherits all things, and through whom God's faithfulness to His people is perfectly realized. Thus, even a seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 8:30 points forward to the precise, divinely orchestrated arrival of the Savior, who brings true identity and belonging to all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3-6](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-6 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), regardless of their earthly lineage.

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.