1 Chronicles 8:8

KJV

And Shaharaim begat [children] in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara [were] his wives.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shaharaim {H7842} begat {H3205} children in the country {H7704} of Moab {H4124}, after {H4480} he had sent them away {H7971}; Hushim {H2366} and Baara {H1199} were his wives {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shacharayim fathered children on the plains of Mo'av; after sending away his wives Hushim and Ba'ara,

Berean Standard Bible

Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara.

American Standard Version

And Shaharaim begat children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:8 provides a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically detailing a segment of the lineage of Shaharaim. This verse records that Shaharaim fathered children in the land of Moab, notably after having "sent away" previous family members or wives, and identifies Hushim and Baara as his wives at this time. It offers a factual glimpse into the complex family dynamics, marital customs, and geographical movements characteristic of ancient Israelite society, underscoring the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping concerning tribal identity and lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles, particularly chapters 1-9, is dominated by comprehensive genealogical lists that trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes, culminating in the post-exilic community. These genealogies served a vital purpose for the returned exiles, helping them re-establish their identity, confirm land inheritances, and ensure the proper lineage for priestly and royal functions. Chapter 8 focuses exclusively on the tribe of Benjamin, one of the smaller but politically significant tribes from which Israel's first king, Saul, emerged. Within this detailed record, 1 Chronicles 8:8 is a specific entry for Shaharaim, one of Benjamin's descendants, whose family history, including his marital complexities and geographical connections, is deemed important enough to be included in this meticulous tribal record. The inclusion of such detail, even without explicit moral commentary, reflects the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the full historical tapestry of God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed immense importance on genealogy, as it was the primary means of establishing tribal affiliation, land rights, social status, and eligibility for various roles, including the priesthood and kingship. The mention of Shaharaim having "sent them away" before fathering children with Hushim and Baara in Moab points to the realities of marital practices in the ancient Near East, which often included polygamy and forms of divorce or separation. While God's ideal for marriage was monogamous (as established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")), the biblical narrative frequently records the societal norms of the time, including polygamous unions (e.g., [Genesis 29:30](/genesis/29-30 "Genesis 29:30 - Jacob's Wives")) and instances of divorce (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law on Divorce")), without necessarily endorsing them. The detail that these events occurred "in the country of Moab" highlights the interactions and sometimes intermarriage between Israelites and neighboring peoples, a common occurrence in the ancient world, as seen in the story of [Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth - Ruth the Moabitess").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Genealogy and Identity**, emphasizing the profound importance of ancestry in defining one's place within the covenant community and one's inheritance in the land. These detailed family records, similar to those found in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Generations from Adam to Noah") or the opening of the New Testament in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), demonstrate God's meticulous preservation of His people's history and the continuity of His covenant promises through generations. Secondly, the verse touches on **Complex Family Structures**, illustrating the realities of polygamy and marital dissolution prevalent in the era. The Bible often records these societal norms, reflecting the human condition within God's unfolding plan. Finally, the mention of "the country of Moab" introduces the theme of **Geographic and Intercultural Connections**, showing that Israelite life was not always confined to strict tribal territories but involved movement and interaction with surrounding nations, sometimes leading to mixed lineages, as exemplified by figures like [Ruth](/ruth/1-4 "Ruth 1:4 - Ruth, the Moabitess").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (yalad) is a foundational term in biblical genealogies, meaning "to give birth," "to beget," or "to father." Its consistent use throughout the genealogical records (e.g., [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Generations from Adam to Noah")) underscores the emphasis on generational continuity and the precise tracing of family lines. In 1 Chronicles 8:8, its application to Shaharaim highlights his role as a progenitor within the Benjaminite lineage, ensuring the perpetuation of the tribal identity and the historical record. The repetition of this verb across genealogies emphasizes the divine plan unfolding through human generations.
* **Sent them away (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁלַח (shalach) is multifaceted, meaning "to send," "to send away," "to dismiss," or "to divorce." In this context, particularly when referring to family members or wives, it strongly implies a prior marital dissolution, separation, or the sending away of children from a previous union. The Chronicler presents this fact without moral judgment, simply recording the reality of Shaharaim's life circumstances. This detail provides a rare, albeit brief, insight into the personal complexities that existed even within the meticulously recorded genealogies, suggesting a life history that involved significant transitions before his establishment in Moab with Hushim and Baara.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shaharaim begat [children] in the country of Moab,"**: This clause establishes Shaharaim as a key figure in the Benjaminite lineage and specifies the geographical location where a significant portion of his family was founded. The phrase "begat [children]" (the word "children" is implied in the KJV translation but explicit in the Hebrew context of "begetting") signifies his role as a progenitor. The mention of "the country of Moab" is a crucial geographical detail, indicating that this branch of Benjamin's descendants had a connection or residence outside the traditional Israelite territories. This suggests either a period of expatriation, a strategic move, or perhaps a temporary stay in a neighboring land, which was not uncommon in ancient times due to famine, trade, or conflict.
* **"after he had sent them away;"**: This parenthetical clause provides critical, albeit enigmatic, information about Shaharaim's past. The verb "sent them away" (from the Hebrew _shalach_) implies a prior separation or divorce from earlier wives or the dismissal of children from previous unions. It indicates a complex marital history for Shaharaim, suggesting that his family formation in Moab with Hushim and Baara occurred subsequent to a significant disruption or conclusion of prior domestic arrangements. This detail, though brief, adds a layer of human reality and complexity to an otherwise straightforward genealogical entry, highlighting that even biblical figures had intricate personal lives.
* **"Hushim and Baara [were] his wives."**: This final clause identifies the two women who were Shaharaim's wives at the time he begat children in Moab. The mention of two wives explicitly indicates a polygamous relationship, which, while not God's original design, was a recognized and recorded practice in ancient Israelite society. The Chronicler simply states this fact as part of the genealogical record, without offering commentary, focusing instead on the accurate tracing of lineage through these individuals. The names Hushim and Baara are preserved here as integral to the continuation of this specific Benjaminite line.

#### Literary Devices
While genealogical lists are not typically rich in overt literary devices, 1 Chronicles 8:8 demonstrates several subtle yet significant techniques. The primary device is **Conciseness**, where a vast amount of historical and personal information is distilled into a single, compact verse. This brevity is a hallmark of genealogical writing, prioritizing the transmission of essential facts (who begat whom, where, and with whom) over narrative elaboration. Another device at play is **Factual Reporting**, where the Chronicler presents potentially sensitive details—such as polygamy and marital dissolution ("sent them away")—without explicit moral judgment or embellishment. This objective presentation, characteristic of historical records, allows the facts to stand on their own, reflecting the reality of human experience within the divine narrative. Furthermore, the inclusion of geographical details like "the country of Moab" serves as a form of **Geographical Anchoring**, grounding the lineage in specific locations and hinting at broader historical interactions beyond the immediate tribal boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 8:8, despite its brevity and seemingly mundane nature, profoundly connects to the broader theological themes of God's sovereignty over human history, His meticulous preservation of lineage, and His ability to work through imperfect human circumstances. The detailed recording of genealogies underscores God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people and preparing the way for the Messiah, even when the human lines are complex or messy. It reminds us that God's plan is not derailed by human choices, including marital complexities or geographical dislocations. The inclusion of such a detail points to the Bible's unflinching honesty about the realities of life, portraying individuals as they were, not as idealized figures, yet still part of God's overarching redemptive narrative.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") – God's covenant promises are tied to a specific lineage, highlighting the importance of genealogical records.
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David") – Illustrates how complex family histories, including foreign connections (Ruth the Moabitess), are woven into the messianic lineage.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") – Demonstrates God's meticulous preservation of the lineage leading to Jesus, including individuals with complex pasts or unusual circumstances.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical entry might initially appear distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 8:8 offers profound insights for reflection. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human lives, meticulously recording and overseeing the unfolding of history, even through generations and complex family dynamics. The inclusion of Shaharaim's marital history, with its implied challenges, serves as a powerful reminder that the Bible does not shy away from the messy realities of human existence. It portrays real people with real struggles and imperfect choices, yet God continues to work through them and preserve His purposes. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty over our own lives and family histories, recognizing that He can weave even our imperfections and complexities into His grand design. It also fosters a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are part of a larger story, a vast tapestry of humanity through which God is accomplishing His will. Our lives, no matter how ordinary or complicated, are known and valued by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous attention to genealogies, even with complex details like those in 1 Chronicles 8:8, challenge our modern tendency to focus only on the "perfect" or "ideal" narratives?**
* **What does Shaharaim's story, with its implied marital history and geographical movement, teach us about God's ability to work through imperfect human situations and diverse life paths?**
* **In what ways can understanding our own family histories, with their strengths and weaknesses, help us better appreciate God's redemptive work across generations?**

### FAQ

**Why are biblical genealogies, like this one, so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are crucial for several reasons, especially in the Old Testament. They served as legal documents, establishing tribal identity, confirming land rights, and validating claims to specific roles, such as the priesthood or kingship. For the post-exilic community, as was the case for the audience of 1 Chronicles, these lists were vital for re-establishing their place within the covenant community and ensuring the continuity of God's promises. They meticulously trace the lineage from key figures, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people and preparing the way for the Messiah, as seen in the detailed genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

**Does the Bible's recording of polygamy or divorce, as hinted at in this verse, mean it approves of these practices?**

Answer: No, the Bible's recording of such practices does not equate to its endorsement or approval. The Bible is a factual historical record that often describes societal norms and human behaviors as they existed, even when they deviate from God's ideal. From the beginning, God's design for marriage was a monogamous, lifelong union between one man and one woman, as established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union"). While polygamy and divorce were practiced in ancient Israel, and laws were given to regulate them (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - Law on Divorce")), these regulations were given due to the "hardness of heart" (as Jesus explains in [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Jesus on Divorce")) rather than as an affirmation of these practices as God's perfect will. The Chronicler simply reports Shaharaim's family situation as part of the historical record, without moral commentary.

**What is the significance of Shaharaim having children "in the country of Moab"?**

Answer: The mention of "the country of Moab" is a significant geographical detail. Moab was a neighboring nation to Israel, often with a complex and sometimes adversarial relationship (e.g., [Numbers 22:1-6](/numbers/22-1 "Numbers 22:1-6 - Balak and Balaam")). However, there were also periods of interaction and even intermarriage, as famously seen in the story of [Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth"), a Moabitess who became an ancestress of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ. Shaharaim's residence or family formation in Moab suggests a period of living outside the traditional Israelite territories, highlighting the mobility and occasional intermingling of ancient peoples. It underscores that God's plan often unfolds through diverse geographical and social contexts, even involving connections with non-Israelite lands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 8:8, with its details of complex family structures and geographical movement, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The meticulous preservation of lineage, even through individuals with complicated marital histories like Shaharaim, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which culminates in Christ. The fact that God works through imperfect lines, including those involving polygamy or divorce, and even through connections with foreign lands like Moab (recalling [Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth - Ruth the Moabitess") in the lineage of David), foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. Jesus' own genealogy in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "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") intentionally includes individuals with scandalous pasts, non-Israelite women, and complex family dynamics, demonstrating that God's grace transcends human brokenness and societal norms. Ultimately, the very purpose of these genealogies was to trace the line leading to the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises and redeems all human imperfection, offering new life and belonging to all who believe, regardless of their past or heritage ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile 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.

Cross-References

Genesis 25:6

But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

Ruth 1:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.