1 Chronicles 8:36

KJV

And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahaz {H271} begat {H3205} Jehoadah {H3085}; and Jehoadah {H3085} begat {H3205} Alemeth {H5964}, and Azmaveth {H5820}, and Zimri {H2174}; and Zimri {H2174} begat {H3205} Moza {H4162},

Complete Jewish Bible

Achaz fathered Y'ho'adah; Y'ho'adah fathered 'Alemet, 'Azmavet and Zimri; Zimri fathered Motza;

Berean Standard Bible

Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza.

American Standard Version

And Ahaz begat Jehoaddah; and Jehoaddah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:36 meticulously continues a segment of the extensive genealogical record for the tribe of Benjamin, specifically detailing the lineage through Ahaz, Jehoadah, Alemeth, Azmaveth, Zimri, and Moza. This verse, embedded within the comprehensive family registers of 1 Chronicles, serves to underscore the ancient Israelite commitment to preserving tribal identity, land claims, and the continuity of covenant promises across successive generations, ultimately testifying to God's sovereign hand in the unfolding of human history and His faithfulness to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and comprehensive section of genealogies that spans from [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher") through [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Genealogies of Benjamin and Judah; Inhabitants of Jerusalem"). Specifically, [1 Chronicles 8](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - Genealogy of Benjamin") is dedicated entirely to the tribe of Benjamin. The preceding verses, [1 Chronicles 8:29-35](/1_chronicles/8-29-35 "1 Chronicles 8:29-35 - Genealogy of Saul's Line"), detail the lineage of King Saul, Israel's first monarch, through his son Jonathan. Verse 36 directly continues this specific branch of Saul's family tree, extending the line further through subsequent generations, demonstrating the meticulousness with which these records were maintained to ensure historical and tribal continuity, particularly for a tribe that had faced significant challenges and near extinction (cf. [Judges 20-21](/judges/20 "Judges 20-21 - War Against Benjamin")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were foundational documents for societal structure, legal claims, and religious identity. They established tribal affiliation, which determined land inheritance (as outlined in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Distribution")), validated rights to participate in cultic service (for priests and Levites, e.g., [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood")), and confirmed claims to leadership or royal succession. The post-exilic community, for whom Chronicles was primarily written, relied heavily on these records to re-establish their identity and reconstruct their society upon returning to the land. The preservation of the lineage of Benjamin, especially Saul's line, served as a historical anchor, connecting the present community to their foundational past and the earliest days of the monarchy, reinforcing their legitimate place within the restored nation.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of genealogies, exemplified by [1 Chronicles 8:36](/1_chronicles/8-36 "1 Chronicles 8:36 - Genealogy of Benjamin"), profoundly emphasizes God's **faithfulness** in preserving His people and His promises across generations. These lists highlight the **continuity and endurance** of the covenant community, demonstrating that even through periods of exile and dispersion, God's plan for Israel, including the eventual lineage of the Messiah, remained intact. They also underscore the importance of **identity and heritage** for the Israelites, providing a tangible link to their past, their tribal affiliations, and their place within God's redemptive narrative. The seemingly mundane nature of these lists paradoxically reveals God's **sovereign providence**, meticulously guiding the paths of individuals and families to fulfill His ultimate purposes, including the preservation of the royal line that would eventually lead to Christ, as foreshadowed in the Davidic Covenant of [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ahaz (Hebrew, _ʼÂchâz'_):** From the root meaning "to possess," this name signifies "possessor" or "he has grasped." While a common name, its inclusion here, in the context of a lineage, subtly points to the concept of inheritance and possession, themes vital to the Israelite understanding of land and covenant promises. Each generation "possesses" the heritage passed down, both physically and spiritually.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root verb, meaning "to bear young" or "to beget," is the foundational term in all biblical genealogies. Its repeated use in this verse and throughout the Chronicles emphasizes direct paternal descent and the unbroken chain of generations. It signifies not merely biological reproduction but the legitimate and verifiable transfer of lineage, identity, and, implicitly, covenant blessings and responsibilities. The verb underscores the meticulous and verifiable nature of the historical record, establishing legitimate continuity essential for tribal identity and inheritance.
* **Jehoadah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwʻaddâh'_):** This name combines "Jehovah" (YHWH) with a root meaning "to adorn" or "to pass over," thus meaning "Jehovah-adorned" or "Jehovah has adorned." The presence of the divine name within a personal name is common in Israelite nomenclature and serves as a quiet theological statement. It suggests that even within these seemingly dry lists, God's presence and favor are acknowledged, indicating that these individuals and their lineage are part of His divine plan and under His benevolent oversight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahaz begat Jehoadah;":** This initial clause establishes the direct paternal link between Ahaz and Jehoadah, marking the continuation of this specific branch within the extensive Benjamite genealogy. It is a declarative statement of biological and legal succession, forming the foundational step in this particular segment of the lineage.
* **"and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri;":** This clause expands the lineage, indicating that Jehoadah fathered three sons: Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. The inclusion of multiple sons demonstrates the branching nature of family trees and the proliferation of descendants, while also highlighting the chronicler's intent to provide a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, record of this family unit.
* **"and Zimri begat Moza,":** This final clause in the verse continues the specific line through one of Jehoadah's sons, Zimri, who then fathered Moza. This illustrates the selective nature of some genealogical entries, which often focus on the primary line relevant to the larger narrative or a particular tribal branch, even while acknowledging other siblings. It brings this specific segment of the genealogical record to a close within this verse, setting the stage for subsequent verses to continue other branches or further extend this one.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:36, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Repetition**. The consistent use of the verb "begat" (or its equivalent in English translation) creates a rhythmic, formulaic structure that emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent. This repetition serves to reinforce the meticulous nature of the record and the undeniable continuity of the family lines, underscoring the legal and historical validity of the lineage. Furthermore, the overall **Structure** of the genealogy itself functions as a literary device. By presenting these names in a linear, successive fashion, the text visually and narratively builds a bridge from the past to the present, conveying a profound sense of order, divine oversight, and historical progression, thereby underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people and His faithfulness in preserving their identity and heritage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 8:36 is deeply theological, serving as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates that divine promises are not abstract but are worked out through the real, tangible history of human families and generations. The preservation of these lineages, even obscure ones, underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign control over history, ensuring that the necessary connections are maintained for His ultimate redemptive plan. This verse, like all genealogies, highlights the importance of historical continuity for understanding God's unfolding narrative and the identity of His chosen people, affirming that every life, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in God's overarching design.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might not immediately stir the heart, 1 Chronicles 8:36 invites us to ponder the profound significance of continuity, heritage, and God's faithfulness across generations. It reminds us that our lives, too, are part of a larger story—a story of God's interaction with humanity that stretches back to creation and forward to eternity. Just as God meticulously preserved these ancient lines for His purposes, He remains faithful to us, ensuring His divine plans unfold over time. This verse encourages us to value our own heritage, both biological and spiritual, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and are part of a continuous narrative of faith. It also teaches us that even the seemingly "mundane" or "dry" parts of Scripture hold profound purpose, contributing to the grand tapestry of redemption and revealing God's meticulous attention to every detail of human history. Our individual lives, though not recorded in Scripture, are known to God and contribute to His eternal purposes, reminding us that every person has a place in His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the purpose of biblical genealogies change your perspective on seemingly "boring" parts of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does the meticulous preservation of lineages in the Bible speak to God's faithfulness and attention to detail in your own life and in the history of the church?**
* **How can knowing your own family history or spiritual heritage deepen your understanding of your identity and place in God's ongoing story of redemption?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such long and detailed genealogies, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed genealogies, such as the one in [1 Chronicles 8](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - Genealogy of Benjamin"), served several crucial purposes for ancient Israel. Firstly, they established and validated **tribal identity and land claims**, which were fundamental to Israelite society and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land (e.g., [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")). Secondly, they confirmed **rights to specific roles**, particularly for priests and Levites, whose service in the temple was strictly hereditary (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61-63 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests with Disputed Genealogies")). Thirdly, and most significantly from a theological perspective, these genealogies meticulously preserved the **lineage of the Messiah**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining the promised seed through whom salvation would come (e.g., the Davidic line in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). For the post-exilic community, these records were vital for re-establishing their identity, reconstructing their society, and affirming their continuity with the covenant people of God, providing a tangible link to their past and their future hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:36 lists names from the tribe of Benjamin, not the direct lineage of Judah from which Christ descended, it powerfully contributes to the broader Christ-centered narrative by illustrating God's unwavering commitment to preserving specific lines for His redemptive purposes. The very existence of such meticulous genealogies across various tribes underscores the divine hand at work, ensuring that the promised seed would indeed come. Just as God faithfully preserved the lineage of Benjamin, He meticulously guarded the line of Judah, culminating in Jesus Christ. The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "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 Christ") are the ultimate fulfillment of this Old Testament emphasis on lineage, demonstrating how God, through seemingly ordinary human history and countless individuals, brought forth the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). These ancient lists, therefore, are not merely historical records but profound testaments to God's sovereign plan of salvation, meticulously unfolding through the generations until the arrival of the [Son of David, the Son of Abraham](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David, Son of Abraham"), who would redeem all 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 9:42

And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;