1 Chronicles 8:37

And Moza begat Binea: Rapha [was] his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:

And Moza {H4162} begat {H3205} Binea {H1150}: Rapha {H7498} was his son {H1121}, Eleasah {H501} his son {H1121}, Azel {H682} his son {H1121}:

and Motza fathered Bin'a. His son was Rafah, his son was El'asah and his son was Atzel.

Moza was the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.

And Moza begat Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:37 is a single verse embedded within a lengthy and detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing a line of descendants from Moza through Binea, Rapha, Eleasah, and Azel.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive genealogies found in 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9, which serve as a foundational record for the nation of Israel. After the Babylonian exile, these lists were crucial for re-establishing tribal identities, land rights, and priestly lineages. Chapter 8 focuses specifically on the descendants of Benjamin, one of Jacob's twelve sons, and the tribe from which Israel's first king, Saul, originated. The meticulous recording of generations, as seen in the beginning of these detailed lists in 1 Chronicles, underscores the importance of historical continuity and divine faithfulness in the eyes of the chronicler.

Key Themes

  • Preservation of Lineage: The primary theme is the careful and systematic recording of family lines. This was vital for identity, inheritance, and understanding one's place within the covenant community of Israel.
  • Historical Continuity: These genealogies bridge generations, emphasizing that God's plan and covenant promises extend through time, connecting the past to the present.
  • Meticulous Record-Keeping: The sheer detail of these lists highlights a divine attention to every individual and family within the nation of Israel, suggesting that every life and lineage matters to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "begat" is a common KJV translation for the Hebrew verb meaning 'to father' or 'to give birth to'. The bracketed "[was]" in "Rapha [was] his son" is an editorial addition by the KJV translators for clarity, ensuring the reader understands the direct filial relationship without ambiguity. There are no complex Hebrew words or phrases in this verse that require deep linguistic exploration beyond the straightforward meaning of descent.

Significance and Application

While a list of names might seem obscure to a modern reader, 1 Chronicles 8:37, like all genealogies, holds significant meaning. It reminds us of the importance of roots and identity, not just for ancient Israel but for us today. It testifies to God's faithfulness across generations, meticulously preserving the lineage of His people. For the original audience, understanding their ancestry was key to their communal and spiritual identity. For us, these detailed records underscore the importance of lineage in God's broader redemptive plan, particularly as they ultimately point to the fulfillment of promises through the Messiah's ancestry. It encourages us to appreciate the historical foundations of our faith and recognize that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in God's unfolding story.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 9:43

    And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.
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