1 Chronicles 9:39

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ner {H5369} begat {H3205} Kish {H7027}; and Kish {H7027} begat {H3205} Saul {H7586}; and Saul {H7586} begat {H3205} Jonathan {H3083}, and Malchishua {H4444}, and Abinadab {H41}, and Eshbaal {H792}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ner fathered Kish; Kish fathered Sha'ul; and Sha'ul fathered Y'honatan, Malkishua, Avinadav and Eshba'al.

Berean Standard Bible

Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:39 presents a pivotal genealogical entry within the Chronicler's extensive records, tracing the lineage from Ner through Kish to Saul, Israel's first king, and then enumerating four of Saul's sons: Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. This concise verse serves to anchor the historical reality of Saul's reign within the broader narrative of God's people, providing essential continuity and identity for the post-exilic community to whom the book was addressed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:39 is situated within the lengthy and meticulous genealogies that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters serve as a foundational preamble to the historical narrative that follows, establishing the identity and heritage of the returning exiles. Specifically, this verse is part of the detailed tribal registrations, particularly focusing on the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:29-40 and 1 Chronicles 9:35-44), which includes the lineage of Saul. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies underscores a desire to re-establish tribal boundaries, validate claims to land and priestly service, and affirm the continuity of God's covenant people from creation through the patriarchs and into the monarchical period, culminating in the Davidic dynasty. The inclusion of Saul's lineage, despite his eventual failure, demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a complete and accurate historical record, acknowledging the beginning of kingship in Israel before transitioning to the divinely chosen line of David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was written for the Jewish community returning to Judah after the Babylonian exile (c. 538 BCE onwards). This community faced significant challenges in re-establishing their identity, social structures, and religious practices in the land. Genealogies were not merely lists of names; they were crucial legal, social, and theological documents. They determined tribal affiliation, validated land ownership, confirmed eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, and provided a sense of continuity with their pre-exilic past and their covenant heritage. For a people whose national identity had been shattered, these records provided a vital link to their ancestors and to God's promises. The meticulous recording of lineages, including that of the first king, Saul, helped to ground their present reality in a sacred history, reinforcing their connection to the land and to the covenant God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the genealogies, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, **Historical Continuity and Identity** is paramount; the detailed records, including Saul's family, emphasize the unbroken line of Israel's history from its earliest origins, providing the returning exiles with a vital sense of who they were as God's chosen nation. This continuity is essential for understanding their place in God's ongoing redemptive plan, as seen in the broader sweep of biblical history from [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") to the post-exilic period. Secondly, the verse highlights **The First Kingship**, acknowledging Saul's pivotal role as the inaugural monarch of Israel. While the Chronicler's primary focus is on the Davidic covenant, acknowledging Saul's lineage (as also detailed in [1 Samuel 9-10](/1_samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9-10 - Saul's Anointing")) sets the stage for the subsequent divine establishment of David's dynasty. Lastly, the inclusion of Saul's family, despite his tragic end, subtly points to **Divine Providence in History**. Even through the complexities and eventual failures of human leadership, God's overarching plan for His people unfolds, demonstrating His sovereignty over all historical events, whether glorious or challenging, as He guides His people towards His ultimate purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eshbaal (Hebrew, _ʾEšbaʿal'_):** This name is particularly noteworthy. It literally means "man of Baal" or "fire of Baal." Baal was a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, whose worship was a constant source of apostasy for Israel. The Chronicler uses this name, reflecting an older tradition. However, in other Old Testament texts, particularly in the books of Samuel, this same son of Saul is consistently referred to as Ish-bosheth (Hebrew, _ʾΚ-bōšeṯ'_), meaning "man of shame" (e.g., [2 Samuel 2:8](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8 - Ish-bosheth Becomes King")). This change reflects a deliberate editorial practice by later scribes or the Chronicler himself to avoid any association with the pagan god Baal, replacing the "Baal" element with "bosheth" (shame) due to the religious aversion to Baal worship. The Chronicler's choice to retain "Eshbaal" here might indicate a reliance on earlier, unedited sources, or a theological point about the historical reality of syncretism, even within the royal family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul":** This opening clause establishes the direct paternal lineage leading to Israel's first king. Ner is identified as the father of Kish, and Kish as the father of Saul. This sequence is consistent with other biblical accounts (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:1](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1 - Saul's Family Background")). The repetitive "begat" (Hebrew, _yālad'_) emphasizes the unbroken generational continuity, a hallmark of biblical genealogies, which were crucial for establishing identity and legitimacy.
* **"and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal":** This clause lists four of Saul's sons. Jonathan is famously known for his loyalty to David and his heroic deeds ([1 Samuel 18-20](/1_samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18-20 - David and Jonathan's Friendship")). Malchishua and Abinadab are also mentioned among Saul's sons who died with him on Mount Gilboa ([1 Samuel 31:2](/1_samuel/31-2 "1 Samuel 31:2 - Saul's Sons Die in Battle")). The inclusion of Eshbaal, as discussed in "Key Word Analysis," highlights a textual and theological nuance, connecting this record to broader biblical discussions about names and religious purity. The listing of these sons is not merely for historical record; it sets the stage for the tragic end of Saul's dynasty and the subsequent rise of David, emphasizing the transition of kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:39, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a structured list of ancestors and descendants, serving not just as a historical record but as a theological statement. The repetitive use of the verb "begat" (Hebrew, _yālad'_) is a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic, cumulative effect that underscores the unbroken chain of generations and the continuity of God's covenant people. The Chronicler's choice to include "Eshbaal" rather than "Ish-bosheth" (as found in Samuel) can be seen as a form of **Intertextual Allusion** or **Variant Reading**, inviting the reader to compare and contrast the different textual traditions and consider the theological implications of each naming convention. This subtle variation highlights the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's work and the historical depth of the biblical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:39, though a simple genealogical entry, is rich with theological implications. It underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage as a vehicle for God's redemptive plan. The meticulous recording of generations, even those marked by human failure like Saul's, demonstrates God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The genealogies serve to affirm the identity of Israel as a chosen people, connected to Abraham and the patriarchs, and to establish the legitimacy of their claims to land and heritage. The transition from Saul's line to David's, implicitly foreshadowed by the listing of Saul's sons, highlights God's ultimate choice of a king after His own heart, preparing the way for the enduring Davidic covenant. This verse reminds us that God works through real historical individuals and families, weaving their stories into His grand narrative of salvation.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah") - Illustrates the foundational importance of genealogies in establishing human history and God's interaction with humanity from the earliest times.
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David") - Shows how seemingly minor figures are part of the larger lineage leading to key figures like David, demonstrating God's providential working through unexpected paths.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - The ultimate theological culmination of biblical genealogies, tracing the lineage of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His rightful claim to the Davidic throne and His fulfillment of all covenant promises.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might seem dry, 1 Chronicles 9:39 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that every individual, even those whose stories might be marked by failure or transition (like Saul's), plays a part in God's grand narrative. The Bible's meticulous attention to historical detail and lineage underscores the importance of our own heritage, both familial and spiritual. We are not isolated individuals but part of a larger story, connected to those who came before us and those who will come after. Recognizing this continuity can foster a deeper appreciation for the faithfulness of God across generations and our own place within His unfolding purposes. It encourages us to consider how our lives contribute to the spiritual legacy we pass on, whether in our families, communities, or the broader church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your own family or spiritual lineage influence your sense of identity and purpose?**
* **In what ways does God use imperfect individuals or challenging circumstances to advance His perfect plan, as seen in the transition from Saul's line?**
* **What "legacy" are you intentionally building or contributing to for future generations, both within your family and in your community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles 9:39 use the name "Eshbaal" for Saul's son, while other biblical texts use "Ish-bosheth"?**

Answer: The use of "Eshbaal" in 1 Chronicles 9:39 (and 1 Chronicles 8:33) for one of Saul's sons, while the books of Samuel consistently refer to him as "Ish-bosheth" (e.g., [2 Samuel 2:8](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8 - Ish-bosheth Becomes King")), reflects a deliberate scribal or editorial practice driven by theological concerns. The name "Eshbaal" means "man of Baal," connecting him to the Canaanite deity Baal, whose worship was a major source of apostasy in Israel. To avoid any association with this pagan god, later scribes or the Chronicler himself (in other contexts, or by relying on different source traditions) altered the name to "Ish-bosheth," which means "man of shame." The element "bosheth" (shame) was often used as a derogatory substitute for "Baal" in names (e.g., Jerubbaal becoming Jerubbesheth in [Judges 8:35](/judges/8-35 "Judges 8:35 - Gideon's Family")). The Chronicler's decision to retain "Eshbaal" in this specific genealogy might indicate reliance on an older, unedited source, or it could subtly highlight the historical reality of syncretistic influences, even within the royal family, before the full theological implications were later emphasized through name changes in other texts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:39 directly details the lineage of Saul, Israel's first king, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of kingship that ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. Saul's line, though divinely appointed for a time, ultimately failed due to disobedience, foreshadowing the need for a perfect, eternal King. The meticulous genealogies in Chronicles, including this verse, serve to establish the historical continuity of God's people, a lineage through which the promised Messiah would eventually come. The very concept of a divinely chosen king, first seen in Saul, then established eternally in David's line ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), points directly to Jesus. He is the ultimate "man" – not of Baal or of shame, but the [Son of God](/john/1-34 "John 1:34 - John the Baptist Testifies About Jesus"), the true King of Israel who perfectly fulfills the Davidic covenant. The genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") trace Jesus's lineage, demonstrating His rightful claim to the throne, not through Saul's flawed line, but through David's, ultimately revealing Him as the one who takes away the shame and sin of the world, establishing an everlasting kingdom that will never fail ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")).

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 Samuel 13:22

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that [were] with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

1 Samuel 14:49

Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters [were these]; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:

1 Samuel 14:51

And Kish [was] the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.

1 Samuel 31:2

And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.

1 Samuel 14:1

¶ Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that [is] on the other side. But he told not his father.

1 Chronicles 10:2

And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.

1 Chronicles 8:33

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