1 Chronicles 8:32

KJV

And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mikloth {H4732} begat {H3205} Shimeah {H8039}. And these also {H637} dwelt {H3427} with their brethren {H251} in Jerusalem {H3389}, over against them {H5048}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Miklot fathered Shim'ah. In contrast with some of their kinsmen, they and their families lived in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeah. These also lived alongside their relatives in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And they also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against their brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:32 is a concise yet significant verse within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically detailing the lineage of Mikloth and Shimeah. It highlights not only a specific familial connection but also underscores the re-establishment and communal dwelling of these descendants with their brethren in Jerusalem. This verse, situated within a broader historical context of post-exilic restoration, subtly emphasizes the continuity of God's people and the critical importance of the capital city as a center of renewed national identity and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 8:32 appears deep within a lengthy and detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, which spans from [1 Chronicles 8:1](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - Genealogy of Benjamin") through [1 Chronicles 8:40](/1_chronicles/8-40 "1 Chronicles 8:40 - Benjamin's Descendants"). This chapter meticulously traces various branches of Benjamin's family, often highlighting those who settled in Jerusalem or were prominent figures. The preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 8:29-31](/1_chronicles/8-29 "1 Chronicles 8:29-31 - Lineage of Jeiel and Ner")) focus on the lineage of Jeiel, the "father of Gibeon," and his descendants, many of whom were also dwelling in Jerusalem. Verse 32 continues this pattern, introducing another specific line (Mikloth and Shimeah) and reiterating their presence in the capital, reinforcing the theme of the re-population and re-establishment of the city. The overall literary flow of the chapter is a systematic enumeration, designed to connect the post-exilic community with their historical roots and tribal inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For a community grappling with questions of identity, land rights, and the legitimacy of their leadership, detailed genealogies were indispensable. They served to affirm tribal affiliations, validate claims to ancestral lands, and confirm the rightful lineage for priestly and royal roles. The mention of "Jerusalem" is particularly potent in this era; the city had been destroyed by Babylon and was undergoing reconstruction. The return and resettlement of various tribal groups, including Benjamin, in Jerusalem was crucial for the spiritual and political restoration of the nation. Culturally, lineage was paramount, determining social status, inheritance, and one's place within the covenant community. The phrase "dwelt with their brethren" highlights the communal imperative and the re-formation of a cohesive society in the rebuilt capital.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the larger genealogical record, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **Continuity of God's Covenant People**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and maintaining their historical identity despite exile and dispersion, a theme echoed in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God's Preserved Remnant"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Lineage and Heritage**, not merely for historical record, but as a foundation for national and spiritual identity, connecting the present community to the promises made to their ancestors. Thirdly, the repeated mention of dwelling in Jerusalem highlights the **Restoration and Centrality of Jerusalem** as the spiritual and political heart of the nation, a place where God's people were to gather and live in community, reflecting the broader prophetic hope for the city's renewal found in books like [Isaiah 62:7](/isaiah/62-7 "Isaiah 62:7 - Jerusalem as a Praise in the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_ יָלַד):** This verb is a standard term in biblical genealogies, literally meaning "to bear" or "to bring forth." In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it signifies "to beget" or "to father." Its consistent use throughout the genealogies of Chronicles emphasizes the direct lineal descent and the meticulous tracking of family lines, affirming the continuity of generations and the preservation of specific family branches within the larger tribal structure. It is a foundational term for establishing identity and inheritance.
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yashav'_ יָשַׁב):** This verb means "to sit," "to remain," or "to inhabit." In this context, it denotes permanent settlement and residence. The act of "dwelling" in Jerusalem signifies not just a temporary stay but a re-establishment of a stable community. For the post-exilic community, this word carries significant weight, indicating the successful return and re-population of the land and, specifically, the capital city, fulfilling the promises of restoration.
* **Over against them (Hebrew, _le'ummatam'_ לְעֻמָּתָם):** This prepositional phrase is crucial for understanding the communal arrangement. It means "opposite to them," "corresponding to them," or "in front of them." It suggests proximity and a structured living arrangement, implying that these descendants of Mikloth and Shimeah were settled in a specific area of Jerusalem, perhaps in a designated quarter or in close proximity to other family groups or clans of their brethren. It paints a picture of an organized, re-established community rather than a scattered population.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mikloth begat Shimeah."**: This clause presents a direct lineal connection, establishing a specific father-son relationship within the broader Benjaminite genealogy. It is a typical formulaic expression found throughout biblical genealogies, serving to trace and validate the family tree. The names themselves, while not carrying explicit theological meaning in this context, are part of the meticulous record-keeping that was vital for the post-exilic community to re-establish their identity and tribal claims.
* **"And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem,"**: This part of the verse expands beyond mere lineage to describe the geographical and communal reality of these descendants. "These also" refers to the descendants of Mikloth and Shimeah, indicating that they, like other Benjaminite families mentioned previously in the chapter, were part of the re-population effort in Jerusalem. "With their brethren" emphasizes the communal aspect, highlighting that they were not isolated but integrated into the larger Israelite community, specifically their fellow tribesmen, in the capital city.
* **"over against them."**: This final phrase provides a spatial detail, suggesting a specific arrangement within Jerusalem. As discussed in the key word analysis, "over against them" implies proximity, perhaps in a designated area or in direct relation to other family groups. It reinforces the idea of an organized, cohesive community settling back into the city, with families and clans maintaining a structured presence. This detail contributes to the picture of a nation actively rebuilding and re-establishing its societal fabric.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:32, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a purposeful literary structure designed to establish historical continuity, affirm identity, and validate claims to land and status for the post-exilic community. The repetitive formula of "begat" is a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, which serves to reinforce the lineal progression and the meticulous nature of the record. The inclusion of specific details like "dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them" adds a layer of **Descriptive Detail** that grounds the abstract genealogical data in a concrete historical and geographical reality, emphasizing the re-establishment of a communal life in the capital. The verse also functions as a form of **Historical Record**, preserving the memory and identity of specific families within the larger narrative of Israel's restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 8:32, though seemingly a simple genealogical entry, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly in preserving a remnant of His people and ensuring their return to the land and the capital city. The meticulous record-keeping reflects a divine care for the continuity of His chosen nation, even through periods of judgment and exile. It underscores the theological truth that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure or historical upheaval; rather, He works through generations to fulfill His purposes. The re-establishment in Jerusalem signifies the renewal of hope and the re-centering of worship and national life around the city of David, a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive history. This commitment to lineage also foreshadows the importance of a pure line for the coming Messiah.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Psalm 122:3-4](/psalm/122-3 "Psalm 122:3-4 - Jerusalem, a City United")
* [Nehemiah 11:1-2](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1-2 - Repopulation of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While genealogies can often feel distant, 1 Chronicles 8:32 invites us to reflect on the profound significance of our own heritage, both physical and spiritual. Just as the ancient Israelites valued their connection to their ancestors and their tribal identity, we are called to appreciate our place within the larger story of God's people, the church. This verse reminds us that God is faithful across generations, preserving His people and working out His purposes through time. It encourages us to consider how we, like Mikloth and Shimeah's descendants, are called to dwell "with our brethren" – to live in intentional community, supporting and building up one another in the spiritual "Jerusalem" that is the body of Christ. Our individual lives are woven into a grand tapestry of divine faithfulness, calling us to contribute to the health and vitality of our spiritual homes and to remember that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the continuity of God's people through genealogies like this one deepen your appreciation for God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways do you see the importance of "dwelling with your brethren" (living in community) in your own life and faith journey today?**
* **What aspects of your personal or spiritual heritage do you value most, and how do they connect you to God's larger story?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in books like 1 Chronicles, and what is their relevance for us today?**

Answer: Genealogies were critically important for the ancient Israelites, especially after the Babylonian exile, for several reasons. They served to re-establish national and tribal identity, confirm land rights, validate claims to priestly and royal lineages, and demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. For the post-exilic community, these records provided a tangible link to their past, assuring them they were indeed the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and heirs to God's promises. For us today, while we don't rely on physical genealogies for land rights or priestly duties, they serve as powerful theological statements. They underscore God's meticulous care for history, His unwavering commitment to His promises across generations, and His sovereign hand in preserving a remnant. They also highlight the human lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, connecting the Old Testament narrative directly to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:32 is a specific genealogical entry, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The meticulous preservation of lineages, culminating in the re-establishment of families in Jerusalem, points forward to the perfect lineage of Jesus Christ, who is the true Son of David and the rightful heir to the throne, as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Just as these Benjaminite families returned to dwell in Jerusalem, Christ is the one who establishes the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city where all God's people, gathered from every tribe and nation, will dwell with Him eternally ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). Furthermore, the emphasis on "dwelling with their brethren" foreshadows the ultimate unity and community found in Christ's body, the Church, where believers from diverse backgrounds are brought together as one family under the headship of Christ ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Jesus is the ultimate "brother" who gathers His people, not just in a physical city, but into a spiritual kingdom where true belonging and eternal life are found.

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 9:38

And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem, over against their brethren.