1 Chronicles 8:7

KJV

And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Naaman {H5283}, and Ahiah {H281}, and Gera {H1617}, he removed {H1540} them, and begat {H3205} Uzza {H5798}, and Ahihud {H284}.

Complete Jewish Bible

those who carried them off were Na'aman, Achiyah and Gera): he fathered 'Uzah and Achichud.

Berean Standard Bible

Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them into exile and who was the father of Uzza and Ahihud.

American Standard Version

and Naaman, and Ahijah, and Gera, he carried them captive; and he begat Uzza and Ahihud.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:7, nestled within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, meticulously records a segment of this lineage: "And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud." This verse, though brief, encapsulates the Chronicler's dedication to preserving the historical continuity of Israel's tribes, even through periods of disruption and displacement, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people as their family lines persisted despite adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the sprawling genealogical records that dominate the opening nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. Specifically, chapter 8 is dedicated to the detailed lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, a significant tribe given its connection to Israel's first king, Saul, and later to the post-exilic community. The Chronicler's meticulous listing of names, including those like Naaman, Ahiah, and Gera, and their descendants, serves to establish the identity and heritage of the returned exiles, connecting them directly to their ancestral roots. The phrase "he removed them" introduces a subtle but significant disruption within an otherwise straightforward "begat" sequence, highlighting a period of displacement or exile, yet immediately followed by the continuation of the line, underscoring the resilience of the lineage. This pattern reinforces the Chronicler's overarching message of continuity and divine preservation despite human upheaval, a theme seen throughout [the genealogies of 1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as foundational documents for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, priestly eligibility, and social standing. For the post-exilic community, to whom the Chronicler primarily wrote, these records were crucial for re-establishing a sense of identity and continuity with their pre-exilic heritage after the devastating Babylonian exile. The mention of individuals being "removed" (Hebrew: *hoglam*) likely refers to a form of forced migration or deportation, a common occurrence in the ancient Near East, especially during periods of conquest and empire-building. While the specific historical event for Naaman, Ahiah, and Gera is not detailed, such removals were a stark reality for many Israelite families, as exemplified by the [exile of the northern tribes](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - Israel's Exile") and the subsequent [Babylonian captivity of Judah](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). The Chronicler's inclusion of such a detail, followed by the continuation of the lineage, subtly affirms God's providential hand in preserving His people even through severe historical dislocations.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by 1 Chronicles 8:7 is the **Preservation of Lineage and Continuity**. Despite the disruptive act of "removal," the genealogical record immediately pivots to "begat Uzza, and Ahihud," demonstrating the unwavering continuation of the family line. This highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining the tribal identity of Israel, a crucial theological point for a community seeking to rebuild after exile. Secondly, the verse subtly points to **Divine Providence Amidst Adversity**. The "removal" implies hardship and displacement, yet it does not terminate the lineage. This illustrates that even through periods of national or personal upheaval, God's overarching plan for His people endures, and life and purpose continue. This resilience is a recurring motif throughout Israel's history, from their [sojourn in Egypt](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - Israel in Egypt") to their return from exile. Finally, the meticulous recording of individual names, even those who experienced "removal," emphasizes the **Significance of Every Individual** within God's grand narrative. No one is truly lost or forgotten in the divine record, reflecting God's intimate knowledge and care for each person, as seen in passages like [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, הוֹגְלָם, _hoglam'_):** This verb is derived from the root *galah* (גָּלָה), which means "to uncover," "to reveal," but in the Hiphil stem (as here), it frequently carries the meaning "to carry away," "to go into exile," or "to deport." Its usage strongly implies a forced relocation or banishment. While the specific historical context for the removal of Naaman, Ahiah, and Gera is not provided, the term is consistently used in the Old Testament to describe the devastating experience of exile, particularly the Assyrian and Babylonian deportations. Its presence here signifies a significant disruption in the lives of these individuals or their immediate families, yet the Chronicler's immediate follow-up with "and begat" emphasizes the enduring nature of the lineage despite such upheaval.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera":** These are three distinct individuals listed as part of the Benjaminite genealogy. Their specific roles or significance beyond this mention are not elaborated upon in the biblical text, which is common in genealogical lists. Their inclusion, however, emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to a detailed and comprehensive record of the tribe's descendants.
* **"he removed them":** This is the most striking phrase in the verse. The subject "he" is unspecified, leaving room for interpretation. It could refer to an external power (e.g., a conquering king or nation that deported them), an internal tribal decision, or even a more general statement about their displacement due to various circumstances. The verb "removed" (as analyzed above) denotes a forced or significant relocation, introducing a note of hardship or disruption into the otherwise straightforward "begat" sequence.
* **"and begat Uzza, and Ahihud":** This clause immediately follows the mention of "removal," providing a crucial counterpoint. Despite the displacement or hardship experienced by Naaman, Ahiah, and Gera, their lineage continued through their descendants, Uzza and Ahihud. This highlights the resilience of the family line and implicitly, God's providential hand in preserving the tribal identity and continuity of His people, even through periods of severe disruption.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's use of **Genealogy** is the overarching literary device in this passage, serving as the primary structural and thematic framework. Within this, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** by placing the disruptive act of "he removed them" immediately before the continuation of the lineage, "and begat Uzza, and Ahihud." This stark contrast emphasizes the resilience of the Benjaminite line and, by extension, the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel despite periods of adversity. The **Conciseness** of the genealogical style itself is also a literary feature, packing significant historical and theological information into a few carefully chosen words, leaving much unsaid but implying profound realities of displacement and survival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 8:7, though seemingly a dry list of names, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the biblical emphasis on continuity, identity, and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even through periods of profound disruption. The "removal" of individuals highlights the tumultuous nature of Israel's history, marked by exile and displacement, yet the immediate continuation of the lineage ("begat Uzza, and Ahihud") powerfully testifies to God's preserving hand. This meticulous record-keeping reminds us that God's plan unfolds through generations, valuing each individual's place within the larger story of redemption. It teaches that even when circumstances seem to uproot or dislocate us, God's purposes for His people remain steadfast, ensuring that the thread of His redemptive narrative is never broken.

* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Importance of Genealogies for Returnees")
* [Nehemiah 7:61](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61 - Genealogies and Identity")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of "removal" in 1 Chronicles 8:7, followed by the continuation of the lineage, offers a powerful lens through which to view life's disruptions. It reminds us that even when we experience displacement, loss, or significant change—whether physical, relational, or spiritual—our story does not end there. God's meticulous attention to detail in recording these seemingly minor figures, even those who faced hardship, speaks to His profound care for every individual. It encourages us to recognize that our lives, with all their challenges, are woven into a larger, divine tapestry. Just as the Benjaminite line persisted, so too can our faith endure and even flourish through adversity, trusting that God's purposes for us and His church continue beyond any immediate "removal." We are part of a grand spiritual heritage, connected to those who came before us and those who will follow, all under God's sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, even of seemingly minor figures like those "removed" in this verse, challenge our perception of what God considers important in the grand narrative of salvation history?**
* **In what ways might the "removal" of individuals in this verse speak to periods of disruption, displacement, or significant change in our own lives or communities, and how can we find hope in the continuation of God's purposes despite such challenges?**
* **What significance does understanding our spiritual lineage or heritage—the long line of faithful believers who have gone before us—hold for our faith journey and sense of identity today?**

### FAQ

**What does "he removed them" specifically mean for Naaman, Ahiah, and Gera?**
Answer: The text does not explicitly state who "he" is or the precise nature of the removal. The Hebrew verb *hoglam* (from *galah*) strongly implies a forced relocation or deportation, similar to the exiles experienced by Israel and Judah. It could refer to an act by a foreign power, an internal tribal decision, or a general statement of their migration or displacement from their original settlement. The Chronicler's primary interest is not in the agent or the specific event, but in the fact of their removal and, more importantly, the subsequent continuation of their lineage, emphasizing the resilience and enduring nature of the tribe despite such upheaval.

**Why are these specific names mentioned if they were "removed" or displaced?**
Answer: The inclusion of these names, even with the note of their "removal," serves several crucial purposes within the genealogical record. Firstly, it ensures the completeness of the tribal lineage, demonstrating that even branches of the family that experienced hardship or relocation were still part of the larger Benjaminite identity. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were vital for re-establishing land claims, tribal affiliations, and a sense of continuity with their heritage. Secondly, it subtly highlights God's faithfulness. Despite the disruption implied by "removal," the lineage continued ("begat Uzza, and Ahihud"), underscoring that God's plan for His people persists even through adversity. It shows that no part of the family tree, no matter how seemingly obscure or disrupted, is forgotten in God's meticulous record of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:7 appears as a simple genealogical entry, its underlying themes of lineage, disruption, and continuity find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous preservation of Israel's tribal lines, even through periods of "removal" and exile, points forward to the ultimate lineage that culminates in Jesus Christ. His own genealogy, as recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), includes individuals who faced immense hardship, displacement, and even moral failings, yet God's redemptive plan faithfully progressed through them. The "removal" of Naaman, Ahiah, and Gera can be seen as a shadow of the ultimate "removal" of the Son of God, who was "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - He Was Cut Off From the Land of the Living")) through His crucifixion. Yet, this ultimate disruption was not the end; rather, it led to the glorious continuation of God's redemptive purpose through His resurrection, bringing forth new spiritual life and a new lineage of believers. In Christ, all who believe, regardless of earthly lineage or past "removals" and displacements, are grafted into God's family, forming a new spiritual heritage where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one in Him ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in 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.