TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
Complete Jewish Bible
Atzel had six sons, whose names were: 'Azrikam, Bokhru, Yishma'el, Sh'aryah, 'Ovadyah and Hanan; all these were sons of Atzel.
Berean Standard Bible
Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
American Standard Version
And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
World English Bible Messianic
Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Azel had sixe sonnes, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: all these were the sonnes of Azel.
Young's Literal Translation
And to Azel are six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these are sons of Azel.
In the KJVVerse 10,614 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 8 verses 33–40
33 ¶ And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
34 And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.
35 And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.
36 And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,
37 And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:
38 And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
39 And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40 And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.
It is observable that among all the genealogies of the tribes there is no mention of any of the kings of Israel after the defection from the house of David, much less of their families; not a word of Jeroboam's house or Baasha's, of Umri's or Jehu's; for they were all idolaters. But of the family of Saul, which was the royal family before the elevation of David, we have here a particular account. 1. Before Saul, Kish and Ner only are named, his father and grandfather, Ch1 8:33. His pedigree is carried higher Sa1 9:1, only there Kish is said to be the son of Abiel, here of Ner. He was in truth the son of Ner but the grandson of Abiel, as appears by Sa1 14:51, where it is said that Ner was the son of Abiel, and that Abner, who was the son of Ner, was Saul's uncle (that is, his father's brother); therefore his father was also the son of Ner. It is common in all languages to put sons for grandsons and other descendents, much more in the scanty language of the Hebrews. 2. After Saul, divers of his sons are named, but the posterity of none of them, save Jonathan only, who was blessed with numerous issue and those honoured with a place in the sacred genealogies for the sake of his sincere kindness to David. The line of Jonathan is drawn down here for about ten generations. Perhaps David was, in a particular manner, careful to preserve that, and assigned it a page by itself, because of the covenant made between his seed and Jonathan's seed forever, Sa1 20:15, Sa1 20:23, Sa1 20:42. This genealogy ends in Ulam, whose family became famous in the tribe of Benjamin for the number of its valiant men. Of that one man's posterity there were, as it should seem, at one time, 150 archers brought into the field of battle, that were mighty men of valour, Ch1 8:40. That is taken notice of concerning them which is more a man's praise than his pomp or wealth is, that they were qualified to serve their country.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 33–40. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:38 meticulously details the six sons of Azel—Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan—a direct descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan. This verse is an integral component of the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin within the book of 1 Chronicles, serving to underscore the Chronicler's diligent preservation of Israel's tribal identities, the continuity of God's covenant people, and the reliability of His overarching redemptive plan, even within seemingly minor family lines.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 8:38, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is Enumeration. This systematic listing of names and family units serves to establish a comprehensive and verifiable record of Israel's tribal structure. The meticulous cataloging underscores the Chronicler's historical intent and his desire to provide an authoritative account of God's covenant people. Beyond mere record-keeping, the act of enumeration itself conveys a profound sense of divine order and meticulous oversight, suggesting that every individual and every family unit holds a specific and known place within God's overarching plan. The precise naming of each son and the concluding summary statement, "All these [were] the sons of Azel," further emphasize the completeness and accuracy of the record, reinforcing the reliability of the biblical narrative and the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through generations.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous listing of names, even those of seemingly minor figures like Azel's sons, underscores a profound theological truth: God's sovereign attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. These genealogies are not mere historical curiosities but vital threads in the tapestry of salvation history, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage through whom His redemptive purposes would unfold. They affirm the continuity of God's people and the reliability of His word, laying the groundwork for the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in the Messiah. The Chronicler's emphasis on these lineages, particularly after the exile, served to reassure the community of God's enduring plan and their secure place within it, highlighting that every individual, regardless of their historical prominence, is known and valued by the divine record-keeper.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially seem distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 8:38 offers profound insights into God's character and our place in His grand story. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and personal knowledge. Every name, every individual, is known and valued by Him, not lost in the vast annals of history. This meticulous record-keeping assures us that our lives, though seemingly small or insignificant in the grand scheme, are not overlooked but are intricately woven into His redemptive narrative. It encourages us to appreciate our own heritage, whether spiritual or familial, to understand that we are part of a larger story of faith, and to live with the profound awareness that our lives contribute to God's ongoing purposes, just as Azel's sons contributed to the lineage of Israel. Our existence, like theirs, is not random but purposeful within God's sovereign and loving design.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies so prevalent and detailed in the Bible, especially in books like Chronicles?
Answer: Genealogies served multiple critical functions in ancient Israel. They established tribal identity, validated claims to land inheritance, confirmed eligibility for priestly or royal service, and preserved the historical record of God's covenant people. For the Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile, these lists were crucial for the returning community to re-establish their connection to their heritage, their land, and God's promises. They demonstrated the continuity of God's faithfulness despite national upheaval, ensuring the accuracy of lineages, particularly those leading to significant figures like King David and ultimately, the Messiah. They underscore the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and the reliability of God's overarching plan, as seen in the detailed census records in Numbers 1 or the foundational genealogies in Genesis 5.
What is the significance of Azel's lineage being traced back to King Saul?
Answer: Azel is identified as a direct descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan (1 Chronicles 8:33-37). While Saul's kingship ended in failure and was superseded by David's dynasty, the Chronicler's inclusion of his lineage demonstrates a comprehensive historical record of all twelve tribes, including Benjamin, Saul's tribe. It highlights that even within a lineage that did not become the messianic line, God's attention to detail and preservation of families continued. It also serves as a reminder of the historical progression of Israel's monarchy and the divine choice that ultimately rested upon the house of David, ensuring that no part of Israel's historical tapestry was forgotten.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:38 presents a seemingly dry list of names, its inclusion within the broader biblical narrative finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous preservation of genealogies throughout the Old Testament, culminating in lists like Azel's, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a coming Redeemer from a specific lineage. These detailed records, whether of Abraham's descendants, the tribe of Judah, or even the seemingly less prominent lines like Benjamin's, serve as a divine assurance that God was faithfully preparing the way for the Messiah. The ultimate purpose of such historical precision is revealed in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ, found in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, which meticulously trace His lineage back through David, Abraham, and even to Adam, demonstrating that Jesus is indeed the promised Son of David, the Seed of Abraham, and the true Son of Man. Thus, every name, every generation, including Azel and his sons, contributes to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the incarnation of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling all the hopes and promises embedded in these ancient records.