1 Chronicles 8:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:37 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, meticulously recording the lineage from Moza through Binea, Rapha, Eleasah, and Azel. This verse, like the surrounding chapters, serves as a vital link in the historical and theological tapestry of Israel, underscoring the Chronicler's commitment to preserving tribal identity, land rights, and the continuity of God's covenant promises for the post-exilic community. It highlights the divine attention to individual lives within the grand narrative of salvation history, affirming the faithfulness of God across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which form the foundational section of the book. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, begins his work not with a narrative, but with these detailed lists, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people from creation through the patriarchs, tribes, and kings. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 8 focuses on the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose tribe was significant for producing Israel's first king, Saul. The meticulous tracing of lineages, such as the one found here, serves to re-establish identity, land claims, and the purity of priestly and tribal lines for a community returning from exile and seeking to rebuild its national and spiritual life. This genealogical foundation sets the stage for the subsequent historical narratives, affirming that the returning exiles are indeed the rightful heirs of God's promises, a theme echoed from the very beginning of the book in [the foundational genealogies](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Abraham").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period, around the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For the Jewish community returning to Judah after the Babylonian exile, genealogies were not merely historical curiosities; they were foundational documents for societal and religious reconstruction. Knowing one's lineage determined tribal affiliation, which in turn dictated land inheritance, social status, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. The meticulous record-keeping, exemplified by verses like 1 Chronicles 8:37, was crucial for re-establishing the social order, affirming the legitimacy of land claims, and ensuring the purity of the priesthood (compare [Nehemiah's account of those excluded from the priesthood](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Exclusion from Priesthood due to Unverified Genealogy")). This cultural emphasis on ancestry provided a vital sense of identity and belonging for a people grappling with the trauma of exile and the challenge of rebuilding their nation in the land of their forefathers.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes present in 1 Chronicles 8:37 and the surrounding genealogies are multifaceted. Firstly, there is the **Preservation of Lineage**, which underscores God's faithfulness in maintaining a chosen people through generations, despite their failures and the disruptions of exile. This meticulous record-keeping demonstrates that God's covenant promises are not forgotten but are carried forward through specific family lines. Secondly, the theme of **Historical Continuity** is paramount; these lists bridge the gap between the past glories of Israel and the present reality of the returning exiles, reminding them of their heritage and their place in God's ongoing redemptive plan. The Chronicler emphasizes that the community of his day is directly connected to the patriarchs and the covenant made with Abraham (e.g., [God's promise to Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Finally, **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Care** are subtly highlighted. The very act of recording each individual name, even those briefly mentioned, suggests that every life within God's covenant community is known and valued by Him, playing a part in His grand design. This attention to detail reflects the divine orchestrator of history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (_yâlad_) is a primitive root meaning "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." In the context of a male subject, as here with Moza, it signifies the act of fathering a child, establishing a direct paternal link. Its consistent use throughout biblical genealogies emphasizes the unbroken line of descent, the biological continuity of generations, and the perpetuation of family and tribal identity. This term is the engine that drives the genealogical narrative, tracing the flow of life and legacy from one generation to the next, affirming the physical and covenantal connection between individuals.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** The Hebrew word בֵּן (_bên_) is a foundational term meaning "a son" in the widest sense. While primarily referring to a male offspring, its usage extends to include grandsons, descendants, or even members of a particular group or nation. In 1 Chronicles 8:37, its repeated use ("his son") after each name explicitly defines the paternal relationship, clearly indicating direct lineal descent. This repetition reinforces the primary purpose of the genealogy: to establish and preserve the precise family tree, ensuring that each individual's place within the larger tribal structure is accurately recorded and understood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moza begat Binea:"** This opening clause establishes the initial link in the specific lineage recorded in this verse. Moza is identified as the father, and Binea as his direct male offspring. This is the fundamental unit of a genealogical record, indicating the procreation and continuation of the family line, setting the stage for the subsequent generations.
* **"Rapha [was] his son,"** Following the pattern, Rapha is identified as the son of Binea. The King James Version's bracketed "[was]" is an interpretive addition for smoother English flow; the Hebrew simply presents "Rapha his son," a common elliptical construction in these lists that clearly implies direct paternal descent from the immediately preceding name (Binea).
* **"Eleasah his son,"** Continuing the linear progression, Eleasah is presented as the son of Rapha. This clause further extends the family tree, demonstrating the successive generations within this specific branch of Benjamin's descendants. The consistent phrasing reinforces the direct, paternal line being traced.
* **"Azel his son:"** This final clause in the verse lists Azel as the son of Eleasah, concluding this particular sub-lineage within the verse. The repetition of "his son" throughout the verse ensures clarity and emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, meticulously recording each generation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:37, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form that serves specific theological, historical, and social purposes. The Chronicler employs **Repetition** through the recurring phrase "his son" (or "begat"), which creates a rhythmic and predictable pattern, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and ensuring clarity in tracing lineage. This repetitive structure is characteristic of ancient Near Eastern genealogical records and serves to reinforce the continuity of the family line. Furthermore, the entire section functions as a **Historical Record**, meticulously preserving the memory and identity of the Israelite tribes, particularly for a community seeking to re-establish its roots and claims after the Babylonian exile. While seemingly dry, the careful enumeration of names and relationships implicitly conveys a sense of divine order and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, highlighting the importance of every individual within God's grand plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 8:37 might appear to be a mere list of names, its theological significance is profound. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The very act of preserving these detailed genealogies underscores the importance of identity within the covenant community. For the post-exilic audience, these lists were not just about who begat whom, but about who belonged to Israel, who had a right to the land, and who could serve in the temple. This verse, therefore, quietly affirms that God remembers His people, even those seemingly insignificant individuals within a long line, and that His plans unfold through the generations. It testifies to the continuity of God's redemptive purpose, ultimately pointing towards the ultimate heir of all promises.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Re-establishment of Lineages after Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement and disconnects from historical roots, 1 Chronicles 8:37 serves as a quiet but powerful reminder of the importance of lineage, heritage, and belonging within a larger story. For the ancient Israelites, their genealogy was their identity, their claim to land, and their connection to God's covenant. For us, this verse invites us to consider our own place within God's unfolding narrative. It reminds us that our lives, though seemingly small, are part of a grand tapestry woven by God across millennia. Just as God meticulously preserved these names, He knows and cares for each one of us, integrating our stories into His greater plan of redemption. It encourages us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faith and to consider how we are contributing to that legacy for those who will follow. Our lives are not isolated events but are deeply interconnected with those who came before us and those who will come after, all under the sovereign hand of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the importance of genealogies for ancient Israel help us appreciate our own spiritual heritage in Christ?**
* **What does God's meticulous record-keeping of seemingly obscure names reveal about His character and His care for individuals?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, contribute to the "spiritual lineage" of faith for future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 8:37, so extensive and seemingly tedious to read?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, though sometimes challenging to read, serve crucial theological and historical purposes. For the original audience of 1 Chronicles, particularly the post-exilic community, these lists were vital for re-establishing tribal identities, land rights, and the purity of priestly and Levitical lineages. They provided a verifiable record of who belonged to the covenant community of Israel and their rightful place within it. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people through generations, fulfilling His promises to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous (e.g., [God's promise to Abraham](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Promise of Numerous Descendants")). They also highlight the continuity of God's redemptive plan, showing how the past connects to the present and ultimately points towards the future Messiah. Far from being tedious, they are foundational documents of identity and divine faithfulness.

**What is the significance of the phrase "begat" in this verse and other genealogies?**

Answer: The word "begat" (from the Hebrew verb _yâlad'_) is central to biblical genealogies because it signifies direct, paternal descent. It emphasizes the biological and legal continuity from one generation to the next. In a culture where lineage determined identity, inheritance, and social standing, the precise recording of who "begat" whom was paramount. This unbroken chain of "begats" ensures the legitimacy of claims, whether to tribal membership, land, or, most significantly, to the messianic line. It underscores the physical reality through which God's covenant promises, particularly those related to a "seed" or "descendant," would be fulfilled, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ (e.g., [the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew](/matthew/1-2 "Matthew 1:2-16 - The Genealogy of Jesus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:37, a single verse within a lengthy genealogy of Benjamin, does not explicitly mention Christ, it contributes to the broader biblical narrative that ultimately culminates in Him. The meticulous preservation of Israel's tribal lineages, including seemingly obscure ones like that of Moza's descendants, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His long-term plan for redemption. These genealogies, though often focusing on the tribe of Judah for the Davidic line, establish the historical and ethnic context into which the Messiah would be born. Jesus, as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, is presented in the New Testament as the descendant of Abraham and David, whose lineage is carefully traced in the Gospels of [Matthew](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). Every "begat" in the Old Testament, including those in 1 Chronicles, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for the one who would be born "of the seed of David according to the flesh" ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Descendant of David")). Thus, even a seemingly minor genealogical entry points to the grand divine design that meticulously 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").

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 9:43

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