1 Chronicles 9:37

KJV

And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gedor {H1446}, and Ahio {H283}, and Zechariah {H2148}, and Mikloth {H4732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

G'dor, Achyo, Z'kharyah and Miklot.

Berean Standard Bible

Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth.

American Standard Version

and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:37 is a concise verse within the extensive genealogical records of the Book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing four individuals—Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth—who are part of the lineage of King Saul through the family of Jeiel, the "father of Gibeon." This seemingly simple enumeration serves a profound purpose, contributing to the Chronicler's meticulous effort to establish the historical continuity and identity of the post-exilic community by tracing the ancestral lines that underscore God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the detailed genealogies that dominate the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, particularly in the section spanning [1 Chronicles 8:29-38](/1_chronicles/8-29 "1 Chronicles 8:29-38 - Genealogy of Saul") and its parallel in [1 Chronicles 9:35-44](/1_chronicles/9-35 "1 Chronicles 9:35-44 - Genealogy of Saul's Ancestors"). The Chronicler’s repetition of these specific lineages, including the family of Jeiel and the descendants of Saul, underscores their significance. Following extensive lists of tribes and families, these verses provide a direct link to the royal line that preceded David, setting the historical stage for the Chronicler's primary theological focus: the Davidic covenant and the establishment of the enduring kingdom. The inclusion of these names, though brief, reinforces the meticulous nature of the record-keeping vital for the Israelite community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was written for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, a people grappling with questions of identity, heritage, and continuity with their pre-exilic past. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital legal, social, and religious documents. They established land rights, tribal affiliations, priestly qualifications, and claims to leadership. For the post-exilic community, these records were crucial for re-establishing their national and religious life in Jerusalem. By meticulously tracing these lines, the Chronicler affirmed that despite the exile, God had preserved His people and their heritage. The mention of Gibeon, an ancient city with significant historical and religious ties (e.g., the tabernacle was there in [1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon's Sacrifice at Gibeon")), further grounds this genealogy in Israel's sacred history.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 9:37, along with the broader genealogical sections, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. First, **Continuity and Preservation** is paramount, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His people through various historical upheavals, including the exile. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine providence at work in Israel's history, ensuring the survival of the covenant people. Second, the emphasis on **Identity and Heritage** is crucial for a community striving to rebuild; these lists defined who belonged to Israel and their place within God's ongoing plan. Finally, while detailing Saul's line, these genealogies indirectly serve as **Preparation for the Davidic Kingdom**, providing the historical backdrop from which God raised up David, the king after His own heart, whose reign and covenant would become the Chronicler's central theological message (as seen in [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zechariah (Hebrew, _Zekharyah'_):** This name, meaning "Yahweh remembers" or "the Lord has remembered," is particularly significant among the listed individuals. While the text does not elaborate on the personal significance of this Zechariah, the name itself carries profound theological weight. It subtly reinforces a core message of the Chronicler: God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises and His people, even through periods of judgment and exile. The very act of remembering His people and His promises is central to God's character throughout biblical history, particularly in the prophetic books (e.g., [Zechariah 1:3](/zechariah/1-3 "Zechariah 1:3 - Return to the Lord")).
* **Ahio (Hebrew, _’Aḥîw'_):** Meaning "his brother" or "brotherly," this name is a common component in Hebrew names, often indicating a familial relationship or a sense of kinship. Its inclusion here, alongside other names, emphasizes the familial structure and interconnectedness that genealogies were designed to preserve and communicate. It highlights the importance of communal and familial ties within ancient Israelite society, reflecting the collective identity of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gedor":** This introduces the first of four individuals listed in this specific enumeration. Gedor is identified as a descendant within the lineage of Jeiel, the "father of Gibeon," and through him, connected to the broader family of King Saul. The simple conjunction "and" links this name to the preceding genealogical flow.
* **"and Ahio":** The second name in the list, Ahio, continues the enumeration of individuals within this specific family branch. The repetitive use of "and" reinforces the sequential and comprehensive nature of the genealogical record, emphasizing each person's place within the family tree.
* **"and Zechariah":** The third name, Zechariah, carries the theological weight of "Yahweh remembers," as discussed in the Key Word Analysis. Its inclusion here, like the others, is primarily for the purpose of historical record and lineage tracing, but the underlying meaning of the name serves as a subtle reminder of God's character.
* **"and Mikloth":** The final name in this brief list, Mikloth, concludes the enumeration for this particular segment of the genealogy. Together, these four names contribute to the meticulous detailing of Saul's ancestry, providing a complete and verifiable record for the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:37, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **List**. This is not a narrative device in the traditional sense, but rather an informational and foundational one. Its purpose is to establish historical continuity, confirm identity, and validate claims of heritage for the post-exilic community. The Chronicler employs **Repetition** by largely reiterating the genealogy found in [1 Chronicles 8](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - Genealogy of Benjamin and Saul") in this chapter, underscoring the importance and reliability of this specific lineage. While not a direct literary device, the inherent **Nominal Symbolism** (or anthroponymy) found in names like "Zechariah" ("Yahweh remembers") subtly reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theological message of God's faithfulness, even within a seemingly dry list of names. The verse's structure is simple **Enumeration**, presenting each name with a preceding conjunction, typical of ancient record-keeping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly obscure names like Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth within the biblical narrative speaks volumes about God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in history. These genealogies are not merely historical records; they are theological statements affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly in preserving a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. They remind us that every individual, every family, and every generation plays a role in God's grand narrative, even if their specific contributions are not elaborated upon. The very act of preserving these names for millennia underscores the value God places on human life and the continuity of His chosen people, ensuring that the lineage leading to the promised Messiah would be unbroken.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Register of Genealogies")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God Knows Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a verse like 1 Chronicles 9:37 might initially appear disconnected from daily life, it offers profound spiritual lessons. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of detail, who knows and cares for every individual within His vast creation, from the patriarchs to the seemingly minor figures in a genealogy. This meticulous record-keeping should inspire confidence in His providence; if He meticulously tracks family lines over centuries, how much more does He know and care for the intricate details of our individual lives? Understanding our spiritual heritage, our place within God's ongoing story of redemption, can deepen our identity and purpose. Just as these names were vital for the Israelites to understand their past and future, we too are called to recognize our connection to the faithful who have gone before us and to live in light of God's enduring faithfulness across generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in genealogies, even for seemingly minor figures, encourage you about His care for your own life?**
* **What does the preservation of these lineages teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises across generations?**
* **In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage and our place in God's family strengthen our identity and purpose today?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so detailed and sometimes repetitive in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed and sometimes repetitive nature of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including verses like 9:37, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they were essential for establishing **identity and belonging** after the disruption of the Babylonian exile, helping individuals and families understand their tribal affiliations and place within the restored nation. Secondly, they had **legal and social significance**, validating claims to land, property, and specific roles, such as priestly or Levitical service. Thirdly, the repetition, particularly between [1 Chronicles 8](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - Genealogy of Benjamin and Saul") and [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem"), underscored the **accuracy and reliability** of the records, asserting the continuity of God's people despite historical upheaval. The Chronicler used these lists to affirm God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and preparing them for a renewed future.

**What is the significance of listing Saul's lineage before David's in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The Chronicler's decision to include Saul's lineage, even in a brief verse like 1 Chronicles 9:37, before transitioning to the extensive focus on David's reign, serves to establish **historical continuity and context**. While the Chronicler's primary theological interest lies with the Davidic covenant and temple worship, acknowledging Saul's line demonstrates that David's kingship was not an isolated event but emerged from the existing historical framework of Israelite leadership. It provides a complete, albeit concise, record of the transition of the monarchy. This historical foundation highlights God's sovereign choice in establishing David's dynasty as the true and enduring royal line, fulfilling His promises and setting the stage for the ultimate King.

**Do these names have any deeper meaning for us today beyond historical record?**

Answer: While the primary purpose of names like Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth in 1 Chronicles 9:37 is to serve as a historical record, their inclusion carries a subtle yet profound theological message for contemporary readers. The very act of God preserving these names and their genealogies over millennia speaks to His **meticulous care and attention to every individual** within His plan. Furthermore, some names, like "Zechariah" ("Yahweh remembers"), offer a glimpse into the pervasive theme of God's **faithfulness and remembrance of His covenant** promises throughout biblical history. These names remind us that even in seemingly mundane details, God is at work, orchestrating history and preserving a people for His ultimate redemptive purposes. They underscore the value God places on every life and the interconnectedness of all believers within His grand narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly brief enumeration in 1 Chronicles 9:37, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous record-keeping of lineages throughout the Old Testament, from Adam to the post-exilic community, underscores God's sovereign and unwavering plan to bring forth the promised Messiah. Every name, every generation, and every preserved family line served as a thread in the tapestry of divine providence, leading inexorably to the incarnation of God's Son. The Gospel accounts of Jesus' own genealogies 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") are not mere historical footnotes; they are theological affirmations of His rightful claim as the Son of David, the heir to the eternal throne, and the fulfillment of all God's ancient promises. The preservation of Israel's identity through these lists ultimately points to the preservation of a people through whom the Savior would come, culminating in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, even a verse listing four names from Saul's lineage quietly testifies to the grand narrative of redemption, where God's remembrance of His people, subtly echoed in names like Zechariah, finds its perfect and eternal expression in Christ, who embodies God's covenant faithfulness and brings all His promises to their glorious "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes 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

1 Chronicles 8:31

And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.