1 Chronicles 8:6

KJV

And these [are] the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba, and they removed them to Manahath:

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the sons {H1121} of Ehud {H261}: these are the heads {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the inhabitants {H3427} of Geba {H1387}, and they removed {H1540} them to Manahath {H4506}:

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the sons of Ehud, the heads of fathers' clans among the inhabitants of Geva (they were carried away captive to Manachat;

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Ehud who were the heads of the families living in Geba and were exiled to Manahath:

American Standard Version

And these are the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they carried them captive to Manahath:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:6 is a precise genealogical entry detailing a specific branch of the tribe of Benjamin. It identifies "the sons of Ehud" as the leading families, or "heads of the fathers," among the inhabitants of Geba, and records their relocation to Manahath. This verse contributes to the Chronicler's comprehensive record of Israelite lineages, underscoring the importance of tribal identity, leadership, and geographical settlement patterns for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which serve as a foundational introduction to the Chronicler's historical narrative. Specifically, chapter 8 is dedicated to the tribe of Benjamin, a significant tribe due to its historical role, including providing Israel's first king, Saul, and its later loyalty to Judah. Verses [1 Chronicles 8:1-5](/1_chronicles/8-1 "1 Chronicles 8:1-5 - Sons of Benjamin") introduce the initial branches of Benjamin, and 1 Chronicles 8:6 then zeroes in on a particular lineage, the descendants of Ehud, before the chapter continues to list other Benjamite families and their connections to Jerusalem. The meticulous detailing of names, relationships, and geographical movements within these chapters underscores the Chronicler's overarching purpose: to establish the identity, heritage, and legitimate claims of the returning exiles to their land and covenant promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), a time when the Jewish community was re-establishing itself in Judah after the Babylonian exile. Genealogies were not merely dry lists but vital documents for ancient Israelite society. They served crucial functions: establishing tribal and family identity, validating claims to ancestral land inheritances, confirming eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, and maintaining social order. Geba was a prominent city in the territory of Benjamin, frequently mentioned in biblical narratives as a strategic location (e.g., [1 Samuel 13:3](/1_samuel/13-3 "1 Samuel 13:3 - Jonathan's Attack on Geba")). The mention of "Manahath," though its exact location is less certain, signifies a real geographical relocation. The phrase "they removed them" implies a deliberate, possibly enforced, transfer of population, reflecting the dynamic and often turbulent socio-political landscape of the ancient Near East, where populations were frequently resettled by conquering powers or administrative decrees.

* **Key Themes:** The verse, though brief, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Preservation of Lineage and Identity**, emphasizing the meticulous attention given to family lines. For the post-exilic community, these records were crucial for re-establishing their place within God's covenant people and their claim to the land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant. Secondly, the mention of "heads of the fathers" underscores the importance of **Leadership and Social Structure** in ancient Israel. These patriarchal figures were vital for maintaining tribal cohesion, order, and continuity, reflecting a divinely ordained system of governance. Lastly, the detail of relocation to Manahath points to **Divine Sovereignty in Human Movements**. Even in seemingly mundane or forced geographical shifts, the Chronicler implicitly affirms God's overarching hand in directing the destiny of His people, a theme seen throughout Israel's history, from [Abraham's migration](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham") to the Babylonian exile itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ehud (Hebrew, _ʼĒhûḏ'_):** This personal name signifies the progenitor of a specific clan within the tribe of Benjamin. While the most famous Ehud in biblical history was the left-handed judge from Benjamin (Judges 3), this individual in 1 Chronicles 8:6 is distinct, serving here as a foundational figure for a particular family line whose descendants were prominent in Geba. The inclusion of his name underscores the Chronicler's granular approach to tracing specific family branches.
* **Heads of the fathers (Hebrew, רָאשֵׁי אָבוֹת, _rāʼšê ʼāvôṯ'_):** This critical phrase denotes the leading men, chieftains, or patriarchal heads of the ancestral houses or clans. These individuals were authoritative figures responsible for their extended families, representing them in tribal assemblies, overseeing land distribution, and maintaining social order. Their designation as "heads" indicates their significant status and influence within the community of Geba, highlighting the patriarchal structure of Israelite society.
* **Removed them (Hebrew, הֶגְלָם, _heḡlām'_):** This is the Hiphil (causative) form of the verb גלה (gālāh), which literally means "to cause to go into exile," "to deport," or "to remove." The Hiphil conjugation indicates that the action was performed by an external agent or authority, implying a deliberate, likely enforced, relocation rather than a voluntary migration. The precise circumstances of this "removal" are not detailed, but it suggests a significant historical event that altered the settlement patterns of these Benjamite families, possibly due to military conquest, administrative decree, or inter-tribal dynamics.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the sons of Ehud:"** This clause introduces the specific lineage that is the focus of the verse, identifying them as the descendants of a man named Ehud. It establishes the patriarchal head of this particular branch of the tribe of Benjamin, setting the stage for detailing their status and movements.
* **"these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba,"** This part clarifies the significant role and status of Ehud's descendants. They were not merely residents but the leading families, the patriarchal chieftains, who held authority and represented the community of Geba. Geba, a key city within Benjamin's territory, thus had its leadership rooted in this specific clan.
* **"and they removed them to Manahath:"** This final clause describes a significant geographical shift for these families. It indicates that the "sons of Ehud," who were the leading families in Geba, were subsequently relocated to Manahath. The passive or impersonal nature of "they removed them" suggests an external force or authority initiated this relocation, marking a notable event in the history of this Benjamite clan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:6, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured record designed to establish identity, legitimacy, and continuity for the post-exilic community. The Chronicler uses genealogy to affirm the covenant faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant and to underscore the historical roots of the returning exiles. The verse also employs **Toponymy**, the use of place names (Geba, Manahath), which grounds the abstract lineage in concrete geographical reality, making the history tangible and verifiable for the original audience. The **Conciseness** of the genealogical record, typical of this genre, allows for the efficient transmission of vital information about lineage, leadership, and movement within a compact format.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although seemingly a dry list of names and places, 1 Chronicles 8:6 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to the details of human history and the lives of His covenant people. It underscores the divine faithfulness in preserving the tribal identities and structures of Israel, even through periods of upheaval and relocation. For the Chronicler's original audience, these records were a powerful affirmation of their place within God's ongoing redemptive plan and their rightful claim to their ancestral lands. The very existence of such precise records testifies to a God who is intimately involved in the unfolding story of His people, ensuring the continuity necessary for His ultimate purposes.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Numbers 26:1-65](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26:1-65 - Census of the Second Generation")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Genealogical Records for Returnees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 8:6, like all Scripture, is purposeful. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, deeply invested in the lives and histories of His people. Even the seemingly mundane records of lineage and geographical shifts reveal a divine hand at work, overseeing the preservation of His covenant community. For us today, this verse can serve as a powerful reminder that our own lives, with their unique family histories, geographical moves, and personal transitions, are not random but are interwoven into God's larger tapestry of redemptive history. It encourages us to embrace our spiritual heritage as children of God, recognizing that our identity is not merely defined by our earthly lineage or location, but by our belonging to Christ. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider how God orchestrates events, even "removals" or changes, in our lives for His sovereign purposes, calling us to trust His guidance through every transition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 8:6, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in history?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ inform your identity and purpose today?**
* **How can we discern God's hand in the "removals" or transitions in our own lives, whether geographical or circumstantial?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so extensive and detailed in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive and detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 8:6, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. Firstly, they helped to re-establish the identity and continuity of the nation after the return from Babylonian exile, connecting the present community to their historical roots and the covenant promises made to their ancestors. Secondly, these records were vital for proving legitimate claims to ancestral land inheritances, as land ownership was tied to tribal and family lineage. Thirdly, they were essential for validating eligibility for specific roles, particularly for priestly and Levitical service in the rebuilt Temple, ensuring that only those of the correct lineage served. Finally, the genealogies, especially the Davidic line, underscored the hope for the restoration of the monarchy and the coming Messiah, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line.

**What is the significance of "heads of the fathers"?**

Answer: The term "heads of the fathers" (רָאשֵׁי אָבוֹת, _rāʼšê ʼāvôṯ_) refers to the leading men, chieftains, or patriarchal heads of the ancestral houses or clans within Israelite society. These individuals held significant authority and responsibility within their extended families and tribes. They were responsible for maintaining order, administering justice, representing their families in broader tribal or national assemblies, and ensuring the proper inheritance and management of family lands. Their position was foundational to the social and administrative structure of ancient Israel, reflecting a patriarchal system where lineage and family leadership were paramount.

**What does "they removed them to Manahath" imply about the history of these families?**

Answer: The phrase "they removed them to Manahath" (הֶגְלָם, _heḡlām_) implies a deliberate and likely enforced relocation of the families of Ehud from Geba to Manahath. The Hebrew verb used suggests a "deportation" or "causing to go into exile," rather than a voluntary migration. This indicates that the settlement patterns of Israelite families were not always static and could be subject to significant shifts due to external pressures. Such removals could have been initiated by conquering powers (like the Assyrians or Babylonians, or even earlier regional conflicts), administrative decrees by a ruling authority, or perhaps even internal tribal reorganizations. It highlights the dynamic and often turbulent historical context in which these families lived, where their geographical presence could be altered by forces beyond their immediate control.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:6 is a specific genealogical detail, its ultimate significance, like all Scripture, points to Christ. The meticulous preservation of lineages, the identification of "heads of the fathers," and the tracing of tribal movements all serve the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the advent of His Son. The careful record-keeping ensures the legitimacy of the Messiah's earthly lineage, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and David. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Head of the fathers," the true and eternal head of a new spiritual family, the church, where believers from every tribe and nation are adopted as sons and daughters through faith in Him ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God Through Faith")). The "removal" of these Benjamite families to Manahath, a seemingly small detail, foreshadows the broader divine sovereignty over all human movements and history, ultimately guiding all things toward the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom. Just as God preserved a physical lineage, He now gathers a spiritual one, drawing people from every corner of the earth into His presence, fulfilling the promise that in Christ, all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The entire trajectory of Israel's history, meticulously recorded in passages like this, is designed to prepare the way for the one who would perfectly embody Israel's identity and fulfill its mission: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/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

Judges 3:20

And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of [his] seat.

Judges 3:30

So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.

1 Chronicles 2:54

The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites.

Judges 4:1

¶ And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.

Genesis 46:21

And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

1 Chronicles 2:52

And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, [and] half of the Manahethites.

1 Chronicles 2:25

And the sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were, Ram the firstborn, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, [and] Ahijah.