1 Chronicles 8:9

KJV

And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he begat {H3205} of Hodesh {H2321} his wife {H802}, Jobab {H3103}, and Zibia {H6644}, and Mesha {H4331}, and Malcham {H4445},

Complete Jewish Bible

it was through his wife Hodesh that he fathered: Yovav, Tzivya, Mesha, Malkam,

Berean Standard Bible

His sons by his wife Hodesh:

American Standard Version

And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcam,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:9 is a concise yet significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. It specifically details four sons—Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, and Malcham—born to Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh. This verse, like countless others in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, serves a crucial role in meticulously tracing the lineage and family structures of ancient Israel, thereby reaffirming the identity, heritage, and continuity of God's covenant people in the post-exilic period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 8:9 is situated within the lengthy genealogical section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously traces the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes, culminating in a detailed focus on Judah and Benjamin. Chapter 8 specifically enumerates the descendants of Benjamin, a tribe of significant historical importance, being the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul, and later, many returning exiles. The immediate context of verses 8-10 details the complex family of Shaharaim, a Benjaminite, who had children by multiple wives, including Hodesh. These lists are not merely dry records but serve as foundational information for the Chronicler's audience, establishing tribal identity, land rights, and the continuity of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed after the Babylonian exile, during a period when the returning Jewish community in Judah was striving to rebuild their national and religious identity. For these exiles, understanding their tribal affiliations, ancestral land rights, and priestly lineages was paramount for re-establishing order and continuity. Genealogies served as legal and social documents, affirming who belonged to the covenant community and their place within it. The mention of Shaharaim's multiple wives (as seen in the broader passage of [1 Chronicles 8:8-10](/1_chronicles/8-8 "1 Chronicles 8:8-10 - Shaharaim's Descendants")) reflects the cultural practice of polygamy prevalent in ancient Israel, which, while permitted under Mosaic Law, often led to complex family dynamics.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the genealogies it belongs to, underscores several critical themes. Firstly, **Genealogy and Lineage** is paramount, demonstrating the careful preservation of family lines as a testament to identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of God's promises through specific families. This meticulous record-keeping is consistent throughout Scripture, from the early patriarchal narratives in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") to the lineage of Christ in the New Testament. Secondly, **Continuity and Preservation** highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people despite periods of upheaval, such as the Babylonian exile. The very act of recording these names assures the post-exilic community that God's plan endures through successive generations. Lastly, the genealogies serve as a vital **Historical Record**, providing invaluable data for understanding the social, familial, and demographic structures of ancient Israel, including naming conventions and familial succession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, יָלַד _yalad_):** This fundamental Hebrew verb, frequently translated as "begat" or "fathered," is central to biblical genealogies. It denotes not merely biological procreation but the act of establishing a lineage, continuing a family line, and passing on heritage. In the context of 1 Chronicles, its repeated use emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations, underscoring the continuity of God's covenant people despite historical disruptions like the exile. It signifies the divine orchestration of human history through specific family lines.
* **Hodesh (Hebrew, חֹדֶשׁ _ḥodesh_):** The name Hodesh literally means "new moon" or "month." While the text does not elaborate on the significance of her name in relation to her character or the birth of her sons, names in ancient Israel often carried symbolic meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, hopes of parents, or even a divine connection. Her inclusion, along with the names of her sons, reinforces the meticulous detail with which the Chronicler records the Benjaminite families.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he begat of Hodesh his wife":** This clause identifies Shaharaim as the father and Hodesh as the mother of the children listed. The phrase "of Hodesh his wife" clarifies the specific maternal lineage, distinguishing these sons from those born to Shaharaim by his other wives mentioned in the preceding verses (e.g., Hushim and Baara). This precision is characteristic of genealogical records, ensuring clarity regarding familial relationships and inheritance rights.
* **"Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham":** This is a simple enumeration of four sons born to Shaharaim and Hodesh. The listing of names without further elaboration is typical of genealogical passages. Each name represents an individual who contributed to the unfolding history of the tribe of Benjamin, and by extension, the nation of Israel. While the meaning of these specific names is not provided, their inclusion underscores the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the full record of the post-exilic community's ancestry.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:9, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a list but a structured literary form designed to establish lineage, affirm identity, validate claims (e.g., to land or priestly office), and demonstrate historical continuity. The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** by systematically listing names, which serves to provide a comprehensive record. The repetitive use of the verb "begat" (or similar procreative terms) throughout the genealogies is a form of **Repetition**, which reinforces the theme of generational succession and the unbroken chain of God's covenant people. While seemingly dry, these lists are a powerful theological statement, asserting God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen line through the ebb and flow of human history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of names and lineages, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:9, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. These genealogies are not just historical documents; they are theological statements affirming that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and families across generations. They demonstrate His meticulous attention to detail, valuing every person and every family line as part of His grand redemptive narrative. For the post-exilic community, these lists provided a tangible link to their past, assuring them of their continued identity as God's people and the enduring nature of His covenant, even after national catastrophe. They serve as a testament to the fact that God never loses track of His people, and His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled through the very human families He has chosen.

* [Genesis 10:1-32](/genesis/10-1 "Genesis 10:1-32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names like those in 1 Chronicles 8:9 might initially seem distant from contemporary life, it offers profound insights for reflection and application. This verse, nestled within God's divinely inspired Word, reminds us of God's intricate involvement in the lives of individuals and families throughout history. Every person, every generation, plays a part in His overarching plan, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. Just as the returning exiles found identity and purpose in understanding their heritage, we too can find a sense of belonging and continuity by recognizing our place within God's ongoing story—a story that encompasses both our physical and spiritual lineage. It calls us to appreciate the faithfulness of God, who preserves His people and His purposes across millennia, inviting us to trust in His long-term vision for our own lives and for the Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving genealogies, as seen in this verse, impact your understanding of His care for your own life and family?**
* **In what ways does your personal or spiritual heritage (e.g., family history, church tradition, theological lineage) shape your identity and faith today?**
* **What does this seemingly simple verse, within its broader context, teach us about God's enduring faithfulness across generations, even through periods of difficulty or exile?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. In 1 Chronicles, written for the post-exilic community, they were vital for re-establishing identity, confirming tribal affiliations for land claims, validating priestly and Levitical service, and demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. They assured the returning exiles that they were indeed the rightful heirs to God's promises and land. Ultimately, they also serve a theological purpose, tracing the lines through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, culminating in the Messiah. For example, the lists in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Exiles Who Returned") were critical for identifying who truly belonged to the returning community.

**What is the significance of Shaharaim having multiple wives in this context?**

Answer: The mention of Shaharaim having multiple wives (Hushim, Baara, and Hodesh) reflects the cultural reality of polygamy in ancient Israel. While not God's original design for marriage, it was a practice permitted and regulated under the Mosaic Law. The Chronicler's purpose here is not to endorse or condemn polygamy, but simply to accurately record the familial relationships and the full extent of Shaharaim's descendants, as these were crucial for establishing tribal identity and lineage within the Benjaminite clan. It is a descriptive account of the social structures of the time.

**Are these genealogies historically accurate?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are generally considered historically reliable for their intended purpose, which is primarily theological and to establish continuity. While they may not always adhere to modern standards of exhaustive historical record-keeping (e.g., they might be selective, summarized, or use different methods of counting generations), their accuracy in establishing lineage and tribal connections for the ancient audience is widely accepted by scholars. They served as vital legal and social documents for the Israelites, and their preservation underscores their importance in the biblical narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Even a seemingly minor genealogical entry like 1 Chronicles 8:9 finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these ancient lineages, including those of Benjamin, underscores God's sovereign hand in guiding human history towards a singular, redemptive climax. Every name, every family, and every tribe, no matter how obscure, contributed to the grand tapestry that ultimately produced the Messiah. The Old Testament genealogies, culminating in the detailed accounts in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), demonstrate that Jesus is the true heir to all the promises made to Abraham, David, and indeed, all of Israel. He is the ultimate "begat," the one through whom God's family is truly established, not merely by physical descent but by spiritual new birth. In Christ, the fragmented tribal identities are unified into one new people, the Church, whose identity and heritage are found not in earthly lineages but in their union with the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the fulfillment of all the hopes and promises that these ancient records implicitly pointed towards, bringing true and eternal belonging to all who believe.

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.