1 Chronicles 9:35

KJV

¶ And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife's name [was] Maachah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And in Gibeon {H1391} dwelt {H3427} the father {H1} of Gibeon {H1391}{H25}, Jehiel {H3273}, whose wife's {H802} name {H8034} was Maachah {H4601}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In Giv'on lived the father of Giv'on, Ye'i'el, whose his wife's name was Ma'akhah;

Berean Standard Bible

Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah.

American Standard Version

And in Gibeon there dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose wife’s name was Maacah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:35 serves as a concise genealogical entry within the extensive records of the post-exilic community, specifically identifying Jehiel as "the father of Gibeon" and his wife, Maachah. This verse underscores the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in tracing family lines, reinforcing tribal identity and land claims for the returning exiles, and highlighting the enduring presence and significance of key cities like Gibeon within the re-established nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which meticulously trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes, culminating in the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Benjamin after the exile. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 9:35-44 provides a detailed genealogy of the family of Jehiel, a lineage connected to the tribe of Benjamin and specifically to the city of Gibeon. This section serves as a bridge, connecting the broad tribal lists to the more narrative account of Saul's lineage that follows, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people and their re-establishment in the land after the Babylonian captivity. The Chronicler's purpose here is not merely historical record-keeping but theological affirmation of God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, for the community that had returned from Babylonian exile. For this community, genealogies were profoundly important. They served as legal and social documents to confirm tribal identity, establish legitimate claims to ancestral land, and verify eligibility for priestly and Levitical service in the re-established temple. The inclusion of specific family heads like Jehiel and Maachah in Gibeon speaks to the practical necessity of re-organizing and populating the land, ensuring that the covenant promises related to land and people were being fulfilled. Gibeon itself was a historically significant city, located in the territory of Benjamin, known for its strategic importance and its role in earlier biblical narratives, such as the Gibeonites' deception of Joshua [Joshua 9:3](/joshua/9-3 "Joshua 9:3 - The Gibeonites Deceive Joshua") and King Solomon's vision at the high place there [1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon's Sacrifice at Gibeon").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous genealogical records, including 1 Chronicles 9:35, contribute significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, they highlight the **continuity of God's covenant people**, demonstrating that despite exile and dispersion, God remained faithful to His promises to Abraham to make him a great nation [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Secondly, the emphasis on **identity and heritage** was crucial for the post-exilic community, providing a sense of belonging and a clear understanding of their place within God's redemptive plan. The detailed lineage, even down to individual family units like Jehiel and Maachah, underscores God's **meticulous care and knowledge** of each person within His grand narrative. Finally, the inclusion of specific cities like Gibeon reinforces the theme of **land possession and re-establishment**, vital for a people returning to their ancestral home.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gibeon (Hebrew, _Giv'on'_):** A significant city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its strategic location and historical importance throughout Israel's history. Its name likely means "hill city" or "belonging to a hill." In this context, its mention grounds the genealogy in a specific, recognizable geographical and historical reality, indicating the re-population and re-organization of key Israelite settlements after the exile.
* **father (Hebrew, אב, _'av'_):** While literally meaning "biological father," in ancient Near Eastern contexts, "father" could also denote a founder, a chief, a leading family head, a respected elder, or the progenitor of a significant clan associated with a particular locality. In the phrase "father of Gibeon," it signifies Jehiel's prominent status, leadership, or perhaps his role in the re-establishment or significant development of the community in Gibeon, rather than merely being the first inhabitant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel":** This clause establishes the primary location and the central figure of this genealogical entry. The phrase "father of Gibeon" identifies Jehiel not just as an inhabitant but as a person of significant standing, likely a patriarch, founder, or principal leader of the community residing in Gibeon. This highlights the importance of leadership and established families in the re-settlement efforts after the exile.
* **"whose wife's name [was] Maachah":** The inclusion of Maachah's name is significant. While genealogies often focused on male lines, the Chronicler occasionally includes the names of wives or mothers, indicating their importance within the family structure and the completeness of the record. This detail underscores the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's work, ensuring that the full family unit is acknowledged, even if her specific role or deeds are not elaborated upon.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:35, and indeed throughout chapters 1-9, is **Genealogy**. This involves the systematic listing of ancestors and descendants, serving not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. The Chronicler's use of **Genealogy** here emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant people, the preservation of tribal identity, and the legitimacy of land claims for the post-exilic community. The specific naming of "Jehiel" and "Maachah" within this lineage also employs **Nomenclatural Significance**, where the very act of naming and recording individuals, even seemingly minor ones, affirms their place within God's grand redemptive narrative and His meticulous care for each member of His covenant family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:35, though brief, powerfully reiterates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the preservation of His people and their lineage. In a post-exilic context where identity and continuity were paramount, this meticulous record-keeping served as a tangible assurance that God had not forgotten His people, even through generations of dispersion. It highlights the divine orchestration behind human history, where every individual, no matter how seemingly obscure, plays a part in the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. The inclusion of Maachah's name further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's care, extending to women within the family unit, underscoring the holistic preservation of the covenant community.

* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Importance of Genealogies for Returnees")
* [Nehemiah 7:61](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61 - Genealogical Records for Priestly Service")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of Jehiel and Maachah in the biblical record, seemingly a small detail, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every life, every family, and every individual story is known to God and holds significance within His overarching redemptive narrative. In a world that often values only the prominent and the powerful, this verse quietly affirms the value of the "ordinary" and the "unseen." It encourages us to appreciate our own heritage, recognizing that we are part of a larger story of faith, connected to generations past and future. Moreover, it speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His faithfulness in preserving His people through all circumstances. Our lives, too, are meticulously woven into His divine tapestry, and even our seemingly small contributions matter to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in genealogies like this verse affirm God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own family heritage or spiritual lineage contribute to your identity in Christ?**
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly "minor" figures like Maachah encourage you about your own place in God's plan?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's care for communities and the importance of re-establishing order and identity after disruption?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in books like 1 Chronicles, and what is the significance of "the father of Gibeon"?**

Answer: Genealogies in books like 1 Chronicles were critically important for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. They served multiple vital purposes: establishing tribal identity, confirming legitimate claims to ancestral land, and verifying eligibility for priestly and Levitical service in the re-established temple. These records provided a tangible link to God's covenant promises and demonstrated His faithfulness in preserving His people despite the exile. The phrase "father of Gibeon" for Jehiel signifies more than just a biological father. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, "father" could denote a founder, a chief, a leading family head, or a respected elder who played a significant role in establishing or leading a community. Thus, Jehiel was likely a prominent figure or patriarch associated with the re-settlement or leadership of Gibeon, a historically significant city in Benjamin's territory, known from earlier accounts like [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonites Deception") and [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Dream at Gibeon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:35 appears to be a simple genealogical detail, it contributes to the grand narrative of God's meticulous preservation of a lineage that ultimately leads to the Messiah. The Chronicler's painstaking effort to record every family and individual, even those seemingly obscure, underscores God's sovereign hand in history, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people through whom the promised Redeemer would come. Every name recorded, every family line preserved, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in upholding His promises, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham is Christ") and the "son of David" [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). The very existence of these detailed Old Testament genealogies, including the seemingly minor entry of Jehiel and Maachah, points forward to the New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), demonstrating that God's plan of salvation was unfolding with divine precision through human history, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/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

1 Chronicles 8:29

And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name [was] Maachah:

1 Chronicles 8:40

And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these [are] of the sons of Benjamin.

1 Chronicles 2:23

And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, [even] threescore cities. All these [belonged to] the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 2:24

And after that Hezron was dead in Calebephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.

1 Chronicles 2:50

These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim,

1 Chronicles 2:52

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

1 Chronicles 2:45

And the son of Shammai [was] Maon: and Maon [was] the father of Bethzur.