1 Chronicles 8:35

KJV

And the sons of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Micah {H4318} were, Pithon {H6377}, and Melech {H4429}, and Tarea {H8390}, and Ahaz {H271}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Mikhah: Piton, Melekh, Ta'rea and Achaz.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Micah: Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:35 meticulously lists Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz as the four sons of Micah, who is himself a direct descendant of Merib-baal (Mephibosheth), the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. This verse is an integral part of the extensive genealogical record for the tribe of Benjamin, specifically detailing the lineage of Israel's first king, Saul, and serves the Chronicler's post-exilic purpose of preserving tribal identity, land claims, and historical continuity for the returning community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 8:35 is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, which spans the entire eighth chapter of Chronicles. More specifically, it belongs to the segment (verses 29-40) that meticulously traces the descendants of King Saul. The preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 8:34](/1_chronicles/8-34 "1 Chronicles 8:34 - Merib-baal and Micah"), introduces Micah as the son of Merib-baal, who is explicitly identified as Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. Thus, verse 35 continues the precise enumeration of Saul's extended family, providing critical historical continuity and highlighting the Chronicler's deep interest in the royal lineage, even that of the first, flawed king. The near-verbatim repetition of this lineage in [1 Chronicles 9:41](/1_chronicles/9-41 "1 Chronicles 9:41 - Parallel Genealogy of Saul's Descendants") further underscores its significance and the Chronicler's emphasis on preserving these vital records, connecting the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was composed after the Babylonian exile, likely during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BC). For the returning exiles, who faced the daunting task of re-establishing their identity, land claims, and religious practices in a devastated homeland, genealogies were far more than mere lists; they were vital legal and theological documents. They served to confirm tribal affiliations, establish rights to inherited land (cf. [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Allotment by Tribe")), validate claims to priestly or Levitical service (cf. [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Importance of Priestly Genealogies")), and reinforce their connection to God's covenant promises. The Chronicler's meticulous recording of these lineages, even those of a king like Saul whose dynasty failed, provided a crucial link to their pre-exilic heritage and reminded them of God's enduring faithfulness to His people and His overarching redemptive plan.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of [1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah"), along with the broader genealogical chapters (e.g., [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies")), contributes to several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, **Genealogical Preservation and Identity** is paramount, emphasizing the ancient Israelite commitment to maintaining family and tribal records as the bedrock of their communal and individual identity, especially in the post-exilic era when identity was fragile. Secondly, the theme of **Historical Continuity and Covenant Faithfulness** is profoundly evident, as the Chronicler meticulously connects the present community to their rich past, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite national apostasy and exile. These lists assure the exiles that they are still God's chosen people, part of a continuous story. Finally, an underlying theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence** emerges, suggesting that even in the seemingly mundane details of names and lineages, God's hand is at work, preserving a remnant and guiding the unfolding of His redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the promised Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** H1121, from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.). This term emphasizes the continuation of the family line and the importance of progeny in ancient Israelite society. The "son" was not merely an offspring but a perpetuator of the family name and heritage, a builder of the household. In a genealogical context, "sons" are the vital links ensuring the unbroken chain of descent.
* **Micah (Hebrew, _Mîykâh_):** H4318, an abbreviated form of מִיכָיָה; Micah, the name of seven Israelites. This name means "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like God?". While the primary purpose of its mention here is identification within the lineage, the inherent theological question in the name subtly reminds the reader of the incomparable nature of God, the sovereign Lord who oversees all human history and genealogies.
* **Ahaz (Hebrew, _ʼÂchâz_):** H271, from אָחַז; possessor; Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite. This name means "he has grasped" or "possessor." Its inclusion here is significant not for its meaning, but as a demonstration of the common practice of name repetition across different generations and families in ancient Israel. It also highlights the Chronicler's precise record-keeping, distinguishing this Ahaz from the much later, infamous King Ahaz of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Micah [were]":** This opening clause establishes the familial relationship, linking the individuals about to be named directly to their father, Micah. As established in the preceding verse, Micah is the son of Merib-baal (Mephibosheth), who is the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. This precise phrasing firmly places the subsequent names within the broader, significant lineage of Israel's first king, a key focus for the Chronicler's narrative of kingship. The meticulous nature of this genealogical record underscores the importance of family continuity and identity.
* **"Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz":** This segment provides the specific names of Micah's four sons. The simple enumeration serves the primary purpose of the genealogy: to list and preserve the names of individuals within a particular family line. Each name represents a unique person who contributed to the continuity of the lineage, emphasizing the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the preservation of every link in the chain of Israel's heritage. These names, though seemingly ordinary, are integral to the larger tapestry of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah"), and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This involves the systematic listing of ancestors and descendants, serving not merely as a historical record but as a profound theological statement. In this context, the genealogy establishes identity, validates claims to land and religious office, and powerfully demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The **Enumeration** of names (Pithon, Melech, Tarea, Ahaz) is a specific form of listing that emphasizes meticulous detail and comprehensive coverage, ensuring no link in the chain is lost. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of this specific lineage (nearly verbatim in [1 Chronicles 9:41](/1_chronicles/9-41 "1 Chronicles 9:41 - Parallel Genealogy of Saul's Descendants")) highlights its importance to the Chronicler, underscoring the significance of Saul's family line within the broader history of Israel, even if his dynasty did not endure as God intended for David's.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While a seemingly dry list of names, [1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah") is deeply significant within the Chronicler's theological framework. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in preserving the lineage of His people, even those not directly in the Davidic line. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were a tangible link to their past, affirming their identity as the inheritors of God's covenant promises. They demonstrate that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and families, and that even seemingly insignificant names are part of a grander divine narrative. This preservation of lineage is crucial for understanding the continuity of God's redemptive work, which ultimately culminates in the Messiah. It speaks to God's faithfulness across generations, ensuring the continuation of His people despite human failures and national calamities.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Genealogical Records for Priestly Claims")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah"), though a simple list of names, invites us to reflect on the profound truth that every individual, even those seemingly lost in the annals of history, has a place in God's grand narrative. It speaks to God's meticulous nature, His care for the details of human lives, and His faithfulness in preserving a people through whom His purposes will be accomplished. For us today, this verse can be a powerful reminder that our own lives, with all their unique details and connections, are not random but are intricately woven into the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan. We are part of a spiritual lineage, connected to a rich history of faith, and called to participate in God's unfolding purposes. It encourages us to find our identity not in fleeting achievements, but in our belonging to God's eternal family, recognizing that even the "mundane" aspects of our lives can be significant in His eyes, contributing to a story far greater than our own. This passage calls us to trust that God sees and values every life, and that even the quiet, unnoticed acts of faithfulness contribute to His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies deepen your appreciation for God's attention to detail in His redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways does your personal story connect to the larger narrative of God's people, and how does this provide a sense of belonging and purpose?**
* **What "ordinary" or "mundane" aspects of your life might God be using to advance His greater purposes, much like the seemingly simple listing of names in genealogies?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent in 1 Chronicles, especially in chapters like [1 Chronicles 8](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - Genealogy of Benjamin")?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in 1 Chronicles because the book was written for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. For these exiles, genealogies served several vital functions. They established tribal identity and confirmed who belonged to the covenant community, which was essential after generations in a foreign land. They also validated claims to inherited land, ensuring proper land distribution as outlined in the Law (e.g., [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Allotment by Tribe")). Furthermore, they were indispensable for verifying eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, as only those with documented lineage could serve in the rebuilt Temple (cf. [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Importance of Priestly Genealogies")). Beyond practicalities, these lists provided a profound sense of historical continuity, connecting the returning community to their rich heritage and God's enduring covenant with their ancestors, particularly the line of David, thereby offering hope and reassurance.

**Is Ahaz, one of Micah's sons in [1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah"), the same person as King Ahaz of Judah?**

Answer: No, the Ahaz mentioned in [1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah") is not the same individual as King Ahaz of Judah, who reigned much later (c. 735-715 BC) and is primarily described in [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Reign of King Ahaz") and [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - Reign of King Ahaz"). The Ahaz in 1 Chronicles 8:35 is a descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin, living centuries before the Judean king. The repetition of names across different generations and families was a common practice in ancient Israelite society, and biblical texts often clarify distinctions when necessary, as the contexts of these two individuals are vastly different.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though [1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah") is a simple listing of names within the genealogy of King Saul's descendants, it contributes to the broader biblical narrative that ultimately points to Christ. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of lineages, even those outside the direct Davidic line, underscores God's sovereign control over human history and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. Every name, every generation, served as a link in the chain leading to the promised "seed" (cf. [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")), the Messiah. While this specific lineage traces through Benjamin, the very act of maintaining such records highlights the divine intentionality behind the chosen people's history, ensuring the eventual arrival of the one who would fulfill all promises. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") are the ultimate culmination of this genealogical emphasis, demonstrating that Jesus Christ is the divinely appointed heir, the Son of David (cf. [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus' Davidic Descent")), and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, even a seemingly obscure verse like [1 Chronicles 8:35](/1_chronicles/8-35 "1 Chronicles 8:35 - Sons of Micah") participates in the grand, Christ-centered story of God's unwavering faithfulness and His unfolding plan of salvation for humanity.

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 9:41

And the sons of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, [and Ahaz].