1 Chronicles 8:39

KJV

And the sons of Eshek his brother [were], Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Eshek {H6232} his brother {H251} were, Ulam {H198} his firstborn {H1060}, Jehush {H3266} the second {H8145}, and Eliphelet {H467} the third {H7992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of his brother 'Eshek: Ulam his firstborn, Ye'ush the second and Elifelet the third.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of his brother Eshek:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his first-born, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:39 meticulously records the immediate family of Eshek, a notable descendant within the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically detailing the three sons born to him: Ulam, Jehush, and Eliphelet, listed in their birth order. This seemingly simple enumeration serves a profound purpose within the Chronicler's post-exilic context, affirming tribal identity, preserving the integrity of historical lineage, and underscoring God's faithful and sovereign oversight of His covenant people through successive generations, even during periods of national restoration and re-establishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 8 is almost entirely devoted to an exhaustive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, strategically placed after the detailed accounts of Judah and Simeon in preceding chapters. This chapter meticulously traces various Benjamite families, highlighting their dwelling places, particularly in significant cities like Jerusalem and Gibeon, and underscoring their historical and political prominence. Verses 33-40 specifically narrow the focus to the lineage stemming from Jonathan, the valiant son of King Saul, through his descendants, including Azel and his brother Eshek. Verse 39, therefore, provides a precise familial detail within this broader ancestral record, naming Eshek's sons as a continuation of this historically significant, even royal, tribal line. The Chronicler's inclusion of such granular familial data underscores a deep commitment to preserving the historical and tribal integrity of Israel, a vital task for a post-exilic audience seeking to re-establish their identity, claim their rightful heritage, and understand their place in God's ongoing redemptive narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was most likely compiled during the Persian period, specifically after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity (c. 450-400 BC). For a community striving to rebuild its national, social, and religious life in the aftermath of exile, genealogies were far more than mere lists; they constituted foundational documents essential for communal reconstruction. They served crucial functions: establishing and confirming tribal identity, validating claims to ancestral land, ensuring proper participation in temple worship (especially for priests and Levites), and demonstrating the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises despite national upheaval. The tribe of Benjamin held particular significance due to its geographical proximity to Jerusalem and its historical connection to the monarchy through King Saul. The meticulous recording of names like Ulam, Jehush, and Eliphelet in 1 Chronicles 8:39 reflects a pervasive cultural imperative to maintain clear and verifiable records of lineage, thereby affirming one's legitimate place within the restored community and the unfolding story of God's people.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous genealogies, including the specific details found in [1 Chronicles 8:39](/1_chronicles/8-39 "1 Chronicles 8:39 - Eshek's Sons"), contribute to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, they powerfully highlight the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in meticulously maintaining the family lines of His chosen people across generations. This theme was crucial for the post-exilic community, assuring them of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially the promise of a chosen seed through whom salvation would ultimately come, a promise initially given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Secondly, these detailed lists emphasize the **Importance of Identity and Heritage**. For the returning exiles, knowing their tribal affiliation and ancestral roots was paramount for re-establishing social order, justly distributing land, and fostering a profound sense of belonging, connecting them directly to the rich history of God's dealings with their forefathers, as exemplified in the covenant established at Sinai in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai"). Thirdly, the sheer depth of detail, even for seemingly minor figures, underscores the **Historical Veracity of Scripture**, presenting a faithful and verifiable account of Israel's past. This serves to instruct and encourage future generations in their faith and trust in God's enduring faithfulness, a characteristic of God consistently affirmed throughout the prophetic literature, such as in [Isaiah 43:1-7](/isaiah/43-1-7 "Isaiah 43:1-7 - God's Redeeming Love for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_ H1121):** From the root meaning "to build," this word signifies a son as a "builder of the family name." In the context of genealogies, `bên` emphasizes the crucial role of offspring in continuing the lineage, preserving the family's identity, and ensuring its perpetuation. This concept highlights the importance of descendants in ancient Israelite society, not merely as individuals but as links in a continuous chain of heritage and covenant.
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr_ H1060):** Derived from a verb meaning "to break forth," this term specifically denotes the eldest son. The firstborn held a position of significant privilege and responsibility in ancient Israelite culture, including a double portion of the inheritance, leadership within the family, and the continuation of the family name and legacy. The explicit mention of Ulam as "his firstborn" immediately establishes his preeminent status among Eshek's children.
* **Eliphelet (Hebrew, _ʾĔlîypheleṭ_ H467):** This is a compound theophoric name, combining "Eli" (God) and "pelet" (deliverance or escape), thus meaning "God is deliverance" or "God is escape." The presence of such a name, even in a simple genealogical list, serves as a quiet yet profound theological statement. It reflects the parents' faith or a significant event in their lives, implicitly acknowledging God as the ultimate source of salvation, rescue, and provision. This name subtly injects a theological truth into the otherwise factual record, reminding the reader of God's active role in the lives of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Eshek his brother [were],"**: This opening clause establishes the direct familial relationship, identifying Eshek as the brother of Azel (mentioned in [1 Chronicles 8:38](/1_chronicles/8-38 "1 Chronicles 8:38 - Azel's Sons")) and setting the stage for the enumeration of his direct offspring. The verb "[were]" is supplied by the KJV translators for grammatical fluidity in English, but the Hebrew simply presents the names in apposition to "sons." This precise identification within the broader lineage of Benjamin underscores the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record-keeping, ensuring clear and verifiable familial connections.
* **"Ulam his firstborn,"**: This phrase introduces Ulam, explicitly designating him as Eshek's eldest son. The title "firstborn" carried immense cultural, legal, and spiritual weight in ancient Israel, often signifying a position of leadership, a double portion of inheritance, and the primary responsibility for continuing the family line. His inclusion at the forefront of the list emphasizes his preeminent role in the family's succession and identity.
* **"Jehush the second,"**: Following Ulam, Jehush is presented as the second son. This straightforward enumeration continues the precise record of Eshek's progeny, ensuring that each child is accounted for and their birth order is maintained. This detail, though seemingly minor, contributes significantly to the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the genealogical record, which was vital for the post-exilic community.
* **"and Eliphelet the third."**: The final son listed is Eliphelet, identified as the third. The conjunction "and" links him directly to his brothers, completing the enumeration of Eshek's known sons. The inclusion of all three sons, along with their precise birth order, reinforces the thoroughness of the Chronicler's work in documenting the family tree of Benjamin, providing a complete and verifiable picture of this particular branch of the lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 8:39](/1_chronicles/8-39 "1 Chronicles 8:39 - Eshek's Sons"), and indeed throughout much of the book of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **Enumeration**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a highly structured and purposeful record designed to establish lineage, confirm tribal and individual identity, and demonstrate continuity with the covenant promises of God. The careful naming of individuals and their precise familial relationships serves to weave a rich historical tapestry, connecting the contemporary generation to their ancestral past and affirming their place within God's ongoing redemptive plan. Furthermore, the subtle but significant use of **Onomastics** (the study and interpretation of names) is evident. While the text does not explicitly interpret the names, the inherent meanings of "Ulam" (strength/leading one), "Jehush" (assistance/gathering), and particularly "Eliphelet" (God is deliverance) carry implicit theological weight. These names, often chosen by parents to reflect hopes, circumstances, or profound theological convictions, subtly embed layers of meaning within the seemingly straightforward list, reminding the reader of divine attributes or human aspirations even in the most factual historical accounts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 8:39](/1_chronicles/8-39 "1 Chronicles 8:39 - Eshek's Sons"), as a minute detail within a vast genealogy, contributes significantly to the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness and His meticulous care for His covenant people. The very act of preserving such detailed lineages, spanning centuries and encompassing countless individuals, underscores a profound theological truth: God is intimately involved in human history, orchestrating events and preserving lines for His redemptive purposes. These genealogies were not just historical records; they were a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, particularly the promise of a chosen people through whom salvation would come. They affirm that every individual, even those seemingly obscure, has a place within God's grand design, and their lives contribute to the unfolding of His sovereign plan. This attention to detail reflects a divine perspective where no life is insignificant and every generation plays a crucial role in the larger story of redemption.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Nehemiah 7:5-64](/nehemiah/7-5-64 "Nehemiah 7:5-64 - The List of Those Who Returned from Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names from ancient history might seem remote, [1 Chronicles 8:39](/1_chronicles/8-39 "1 Chronicles 8:39 - Eshek's Sons"), when viewed through a spiritual lens, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of intricate detail, who knows each of us by name and has a specific place for us in His unfolding story. Just as He meticulously preserved these ancient lineages for His sovereign purposes, He continues to meticulously care for our individual lives, our families, and the spiritual heritage we receive and pass on. This verse calls us to appreciate the spiritual legacy passed down through generations, recognizing the faithfulness of those who came before us and understanding our own unique place in the ongoing narrative of God's people. It encourages us to live with intentionality and purpose, knowing that our lives, however ordinary they may seem, contribute to a larger divine tapestry. We are part of a continuous story of God's faithfulness, and our present actions lay foundations for future generations, impacting the kingdom of God in ways we may not fully comprehend.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 8:39, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His intimate involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways can understanding your own family heritage or spiritual lineage deepen your sense of identity and purpose within God's grand plan?**
* **How does the concept of God's unwavering faithfulness across generations, as evidenced in these genealogies, encourage and strengthen you in your current circumstances or challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent and detailed in books like Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in biblical texts, especially in Chronicles, for several interconnected and profound reasons. Firstly, they establish and confirm **tribal identity** and **lineage**, which was absolutely vital for the social, legal, and religious structure of ancient Israel. Knowing one's ancestry determined land inheritance, roles in the community, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service within the temple. Secondly, for the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, these lists served to **re-establish continuity** with their pre-exilic heritage, affirming that they were indeed the rightful heirs to God's covenant promises despite the devastating disruption of exile. This provided hope and a foundation for rebuilding. Thirdly, genealogies underscore the **historical veracity** of the biblical narrative, demonstrating a meticulous record-keeping tradition that grounds faith in historical reality rather than mere myth. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they meticulously trace the lineage leading to the Messiah, demonstrating God's faithful preservation of the covenant line, as powerfully seen in the genealogies of [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah") and [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), which ultimately point to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 8:39](/1_chronicles/8-39 "1 Chronicles 8:39 - Eshek's Sons"), a seemingly simple list of names within Benjamin's genealogy, might not immediately evoke Christ, its profound significance lies in its contribution to the grand narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, which ultimately culminate in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these lineages, even those connected to the flawed royal line of Saul, underscores God's sovereign hand in history, ensuring that the promised "seed" would eventually come. Every name recorded, every generation accounted for, speaks to God's patient and purposeful work of preparing the way for the ultimate King. The very human need for identity and heritage, so profoundly evident in these genealogies, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who offers a new, spiritual lineage through adoption into God's family, as profoundly articulated by Paul in [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Heirs According to the Promise"). Furthermore, the names themselves, like "Eliphelet" meaning "God is deliverance," subtly foreshadow the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the true firstborn of all creation, the ultimate strength, and the one who perfectly assists and gathers His people, fulfilling the implicit hopes and meanings embedded in these ancient names and the entire genealogical record, which ultimately leads to Him, as affirmed in the comprehensive genealogy presented in [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

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.