1 Chronicles 9:36

KJV

And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

KJV (with Strong's)

And his firstborn {H1060} son {H1121} Abdon {H5658}, then Zur {H6698}, and Kish {H7027}, and Baal {H1168}, and Ner {H5369}, and Nadab {H5070},

Complete Jewish Bible

and his firstborn son 'Avdon, Tzur, Kish, Ba'al, Ner, Nadav,

Berean Standard Bible

Abdon was his firstborn son, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,

American Standard Version

and his first-born son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:36 is a precise genealogical entry within the meticulous records of Israel, specifically enumerating six sons of Jeiel, an ancestor from the tribe of Benjamin: Abdon (his firstborn), Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, and Nadab. This seemingly straightforward list is a crucial thread in the Chronicler's narrative, serving to establish the enduring continuity of the Israelite community, particularly the pre-Davidic royal lineage through Saul, and profoundly underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people even through periods of profound disruption and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:36 is embedded within a detailed genealogical record spanning [1 Chronicles 9:35-44](/1_chronicles/9-35-44 "1 Chronicles 9:35-44 - Genealogy of Jeiel's Descendants and Saul's Lineage"). This section meticulously traces the lineage of Jeiel, identified as the "father of Gibeon," and his descendants, with a specific emphasis on the family line that culminates in King Saul. The verses immediately preceding 9:36 introduce Jeiel and his wife Maacah, along with their initial offspring, setting the stage for the precise enumeration of their sons in this verse. Significantly, this entire genealogical segment in [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem after Exile") is nearly a verbatim repetition of an earlier genealogy found in [1 Chronicles 8:29-38](/1_chronicles/8-29-38 "1 Chronicles 8:29-38 - Parallel Genealogy of Jeiel's Descendants"). This deliberate repetition underscores the Chronicler's profound emphasis on the accuracy, reliability, and paramount importance of these family records, especially for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish their identity, tribal affiliations, and land claims. The inclusion of Saul's lineage here, even though the Chronicler's primary focus is on the Davidic dynasty, serves to complete the historical record and provide a comprehensive overview of Israel's early monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, roughly between 400-300 BC, for the community that had returned from Babylonian captivity. For these returning exiles, understanding and affirming their heritage, tribal affiliations, and legitimate land claims were absolutely paramount for the arduous task of rebuilding their society, religious life, and national identity. Genealogies in this context were far more than mere lists of names; they functioned as vital legal documents, indisputable markers of identity, and profound theological statements. They authoritatively affirmed who belonged to the covenant community, who possessed rights to ancestral land, and who was eligible for crucial priestly or royal duties. The mention of Benjamin, the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul, powerfully connects the returning community to a foundational and formative period in their national history. The names themselves, such as "Baal" (which literally means "lord" or "master"), were common personal names in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including among early Israelites, before the term became exclusively and pejoratively associated with pagan deities. This reflects a period when such names were not necessarily indicative of syncretism but rather a common linguistic practice, highlighting the cultural milieu of the time.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of lineages, as vividly exemplified in [1 Chronicles 9:36](/1_chronicles/9-36 "1 Chronicles 9:36 - Sons of Jeiel"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the Book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Continuity and Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering and active faithfulness in preserving the covenant people of Israel through countless generations, even amidst the profound disruptions of exile, dispersion, and national upheaval. The very existence of these detailed records after such cataclysmic events is a profound testament to divine providence and steadfastness. Secondly, it emphasizes **Identity and Heritage**. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were absolutely crucial for re-establishing their tribal identity, affirming their legitimate place within the covenant, and understanding their deep historical roots. Knowing their ancestors provided a vital sense of belonging, legitimacy, and renewed purpose in the land. Thirdly, this specific lineage, leading to King Saul, serves as a **Foundation for Kingship**. While the Chronicler's ultimate theological and narrative focus is undeniably on the Davidic line, the inclusion of Saul's family tree acknowledges the initial, divinely sanctioned establishment of monarchy in Israel, providing a complete and comprehensive historical backdrop for the subsequent divine election of David, as powerfully recounted in passages like [1 Chronicles 11:1-3](/1_chronicles/11-1-3 "1 Chronicles 11:1-3 - David Becomes King Over All Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abdon (Hebrew, _ʻAbdôwn_):** Derived from a root meaning "servitude" or "service." While the name itself does not offer deep theological insight in this specific context, its designation as "firstborn son" (Hebrew: בְּכֹרוֹ, _bəḵōrōw_) is profoundly significant. In ancient Israelite society, the firstborn held a position of preeminence, inheriting a double portion of the family's assets and often carrying the mantle of family leadership and legacy. This detail underscores the meticulous nature of the genealogical record, ensuring precise accuracy in the family hierarchy and succession.
* **Kish (Hebrew, _Qîysh_):** Meaning "bow" or "snare." This name is particularly notable because it is also the name of King Saul's father (cf. [1 Samuel 9:1](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1 - Saul's Father, Kish")). While this specific Kish in 1 Chronicles 9:36 is a son of Jeiel and not directly Saul's father (who belonged to a different branch of Benjamin), the recurrence of the name within the Benjaminite tribe, especially in a genealogy that eventually leads to Saul's broader family, powerfully reinforces the tribal connections and the Chronicler's careful tracing of the royal lineage.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Baʻal_):** Meaning "lord" or "master." While later and more commonly associated with the Canaanite storm god, in earlier Israelite history, "Baal" was frequently used as a component in personal names (e.g., Ishbaal, Meribbaal). Its presence here as a personal name reflects a linguistic usage that predates the strong polemic against the pagan deity Baal, or it simply indicates a common Israelite name that carried no idolatrous connotation for the individual who bore it. Its inclusion here is purely for precise genealogical identification within the family tree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his firstborn son Abdon,"**: This initial clause immediately identifies the eldest son of Jeiel, who was introduced in the preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 9:35](/1_chronicles/9-35 "1 Chronicles 9:35 - Jeiel's Family"). The explicit mention of "firstborn" (Hebrew: בְּכֹרוֹ, _bəḵōrōw_) highlights the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, where the eldest son held a position of honor, authority, and significant responsibility, often inheriting the family's leadership and a double portion of the inheritance. This detail is crucial for establishing the precise order and lineage within the family tree, reflecting the importance of primogeniture in ancient Israel.
* **"then Zur, and Kish,"**: This phrase continues the systematic enumeration of Jeiel's sons. Zur and Kish are listed as subsequent sons, following the firstborn Abdon. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, the name Kish holds particular significance due to its later association with King Saul's father, thereby reinforcing the deep Benjaminite connection within this extended genealogy. These names, like others in the list, serve primarily as precise identifiers, meticulously tracing the specific branches of Jeiel's extensive family.
* **"and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,"**: The final three names complete the list of six sons explicitly mentioned in this verse. The inclusion of "Baal" as a personal name, while potentially striking to a modern reader due to its later strong association with a pagan deity, was a common and accepted practice in early Israelite nomenclature, reflecting a different historical and linguistic context. Ner is also a significant name as it is the name of Saul's grandfather (and Abner's father) in other genealogies, further solidifying the intricate connection to the royal lineage of Benjamin (cf. [1 Samuel 14:50-51](/1_samuel/14-50-51 "1 Samuel 14:50-51 - Saul's Family and Military Leaders")). Nadab, meaning "generous" or "noble," is another common biblical name. Collectively, these names meticulously record the direct descendants of Jeiel, providing a comprehensive and detailed family record that was vital for the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently at play in 1 Chronicles 9:36, and indeed throughout the extensive genealogies in the Book of Chronicles, is **Enumeration**. The verse presents a straightforward and systematic list of names, meticulously detailing the sons of Jeiel. This precise listing serves a critical function: to establish a clear, undeniable, and verifiable lineage, thereby powerfully emphasizing the **Continuity** and endurance of the family line through generations. The Chronicler's deliberate use of **Repetition** is also profoundly evident when comparing this verse and its surrounding context with the parallel account found in [1 Chronicles 8:29-38](/1_chronicles/8-29-38 "1 Chronicles 8:29-38 - Parallel Account of Jeiel's Descendants"). This near-verbatim duplication is not redundant but rather underscores the paramount importance, reliability, and authoritative nature of the genealogical record for the post-exilic community. Furthermore, the entire genealogical section functions as a meticulous form of **Historical Record-Keeping**, providing foundational and indispensable information for the identity, heritage, and tribal claims of the returning exiles, thereby connecting them irrevocably to their sacred past and validating their legitimate place within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:36, as an integral part of a larger genealogical tapestry, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The preservation of these detailed family lines, even for individuals who might seem minor to the grand redemptive narrative, speaks volumes about divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and providential care. It underscores the profound truth that every life, every generation, plays an intentional and significant part in God's unfolding plan. For the post-exilic community, these lists were not merely historical curiosities but living, breathing affirmations of their identity as God's chosen people, providing profound assurance that despite exile, disruption, and national upheaval, their heritage and future were securely held in God's hands. This theological emphasis on continuity, divine preservation, and the meticulous nature of God's work resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, demonstrating how God faithfully works through countless generations to fulfill His sovereign purposes.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") - A prime example of early biblical genealogies emphasizing the continuity of humanity and the lineage leading to Noah, highlighting God's preservation through the flood.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - Demonstrates the crucial importance of lineage in the New Testament, specifically tracing the ancestry of Jesus Christ through Abraham and David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah.
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Register of Genealogy") - Shows the practical and spiritual significance of genealogies for the returning exiles in Nehemiah's time, used to identify those who belonged to Israel and could participate in the rebuilding efforts.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear distant or irrelevant to contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 9:36, like all Scripture, holds profound lessons for deep reflection and practical application. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is deeply invested in the intricate details of history, orchestrating events and meticulously preserving lines to accomplish His grand redemptive plan. Our lives, too, are not random occurrences but are purposefully woven into a larger divine narrative, connecting us to a rich spiritual heritage and a future eternally guided by God's sovereign hand. This verse encourages us to cultivate a profound appreciation for the unwavering faithfulness of God across generations, recognizing that the very foundations of our faith were faithfully laid by those who came before us. It also challenges us to consider our own unique place in God's ongoing story, prompting us to ask how we are actively contributing to the enduring legacy of faith for future generations. Just as the returning exiles found identity, belonging, and renewed hope in their ancestral records, we too can find immense strength and purpose in understanding our spiritual lineage and the unwavering faithfulness of God throughout all of history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 9:36, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness in history?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own spiritual heritage (e.g., the faith of your ancestors, the history of your church or denomination) strengthen your sense of identity and purpose in Christ today?**
* **What "details" in your own life, which might seem insignificant or mundane, could God be purposefully using as part of His larger, unfolding redemptive plan?**
* **How can we, in our current generation, intentionally contribute to the spiritual legacy that will profoundly benefit those who come after us, similar to how these genealogies preserved identity and hope for future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in Chronicles, and why is this one repeated from Chapter 8?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in Chronicles, including the one in [1 Chronicles 9:36](/1_chronicles/9-36 "1 Chronicles 9:36 - Sons of Jeiel") which notably parallels [1 Chronicles 8:29-38](/1_chronicles/8-29-38 "1 Chronicles 8:29-38 - Parallel Genealogy of Jeiel's Descendants"), serve multiple crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they established **identity and legitimacy**. After the devastating Babylonian exile, many Israelites returned to a land they barely recognized, with their tribal and family structures fragmented and uncertain. These meticulously recorded lists helped them re-establish who belonged to which tribe, who had legitimate rights to ancestral land inheritance, and who was eligible for crucial priestly or royal service. Secondly, they powerfully emphasized **continuity and God's faithfulness**. By meticulously tracing lineages from Adam, through the patriarchs, to the returning exiles, the Chronicler profoundly demonstrated that God had faithfully preserved His covenant people despite their sins, the national judgment of exile, and profound societal disruptions. The repetition of certain genealogies, like this one, further underscores their **paramount importance and undeniable reliability**. It was a deliberate literary technique used to affirm the accuracy of the record, highlight key lineages (such as the line leading to Saul, Israel's first king), and ensure that the returning community had a firm, verifiable, and authoritative connection to their historical and spiritual roots. Ultimately, it was a profound theological statement that God's covenant promises to Israel were still valid, enduring, and actively being fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:36 meticulously details a lineage leading to King Saul, a king who ultimately failed to uphold God's covenant, this seemingly distant genealogical entry finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment within the broader biblical narrative. The meticulous preservation of these family lines, particularly those of Benjamin and Judah, underscores God's unwavering and providential commitment to His promises, especially the promise of a coming King. Saul's kingship, though divinely appointed for a season, was temporary and deeply flawed, ultimately paving the way for the eternal, perfect kingship promised through the line of David (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). The very necessity for such detailed genealogies throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the precise lineage of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), highlights that the Messiah's identity was intrinsically linked to His human ancestry, demonstrating His rightful claim to the throne of David. Jesus, the ultimate "firstborn" over all creation (cf. [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Firstborn of All Creation")), perfectly fulfills the promise of a righteous King from a preserved lineage—one who would not fail like Saul but would establish an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness. Thus, even the seemingly dry lists of names in Chronicles powerfully point forward to the one who is the true Lord, the perfect King, and the faithful descendant who brings salvation and eternal life to all who believe (cf. [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus, Descendant of David and Son 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 8:33

¶ And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

1 Chronicles 9:39

And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.