1 Chronicles 8:38

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.

And Azel {H682} had six {H8337} sons {H1121}, whose names {H8034} are these, Azrikam {H5840}, Bocheru {H1074}, and Ishmael {H3458}, and Sheariah {H8187}, and Obadiah {H5662}, and Hanan {H2605}. All these were the sons {H1121} of Azel {H682}.

Atzel had six sons, whose names were: 'Azrikam, Bokhru, Yishma'el, Sh'aryah, 'Ovadyah and Hanan; all these were sons of Atzel.

Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

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.

Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 8:38

1 Chronicles 8:38 is a specific verse within an extensive genealogical record found in the book of 1 Chronicles. This chapter meticulously details the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, and particularly focuses on the family of King Saul. Azel is identified here as a direct descendant of Saul through his son Jonathan. Genealogies in ancient Israel served crucial purposes: establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land inheritance, and preserving the historical record of God's covenant people, ensuring the accuracy of lineages leading up to significant figures, including the Messiah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Preservation of Lineage: The detailed listing of names, even those seemingly minor, underscores God's meticulous care in preserving the lineage of His people. This attention to detail highlights the reliability of God's promises and His overarching plan, particularly in relation to the royal line of David and ultimately, the Messiah, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1.
  • Completeness and Accuracy of Scripture: The inclusion of such precise records testifies to the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and completeness, providing a foundational understanding of Israel's tribal structure and the historical context of its people. These detailed lists, much like early biblical genealogies in Genesis 5, underscore the Bible's reliability.
  • Significance of Every Individual: Each name represents a unique life, a family unit, and a thread in the rich tapestry of God's redemptive history. It reminds us that every person, regardless of their prominence, holds a place in God's grand design.

Linguistic Insights

While genealogical lists primarily consist of proper nouns, some names carry significant meaning. For instance, 'Obadiah' (β€˜ΕŒbaḏyāh in Hebrew) means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of the Lord," a common and meaningful name among the Israelites, reflecting a desire for or a recognition of devotion to God.

Practical Application

Though 1 Chronicles 8:38 may seem like a mere list of names, it offers valuable lessons for today:

  • God's Attention to Detail: It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, who cares about every individual and every part of His plan, no matter how small. His meticulous record-keeping assures us that nothing in His creation or redemptive plan is overlooked.
  • Our Place in God's Story: Just as Azel's sons were part of a larger family and national story, we too are part of God's ongoing narrative. Our lives, seemingly ordinary, contribute to His greater purpose, and He knows each one of us by name, as affirmed in Isaiah 43:1.
  • Value of Heritage: It encourages an appreciation for family history and the heritage passed down through generations, recognizing the legacy of faith and faithfulness that can inspire future generations.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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