1 Chronicles 9:41

KJV

And the sons of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, [and Ahaz].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Micah {H4318} were, Pithon {H6377}, and Melech {H4429}, and Tahrea {H8475}, and Ahaz.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Mikhah were: Piton, Melekh and Ta'rea.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Micah: Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:41 meticulously records the immediate sons of Micah—Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz—a specific detail within the broader genealogical registers of the tribe of Benjamin. This verse, like many others in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, serves a crucial role in establishing the identity, tribal affiliations, and historical continuity of the families of Israel, particularly for those returning from the Babylonian exile, ensuring the proper re-establishment of community and temple worship. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His people, even through periods of significant upheaval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:41 is situated within the extensive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters serve as a foundational preamble to the historical narrative that follows, tracing the lineage of Israel from Adam through the patriarchs, tribes, and kings, culminating in the post-exilic community. Chapter 9 specifically focuses on the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity, detailing the families of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, Manasseh, and the various temple servants (priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other ministers). This particular verse, by listing the sons of Micah, continues the detailed lineage of Benjamin, a tribe of significant historical importance due to its connection to Israel's first king, Saul, whose descendants are meticulously traced in the preceding chapter, particularly in [1 Chronicles 8:34](/1_chronicles/8-34 "1 Chronicles 8:34 - Lineage of Saul"). The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies underscores the continuity of God's covenant people and their roles within the re-established community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed during the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BC. For the community returning from seventy years of Babylonian exile, there was an urgent need to re-establish their identity, land claims, and the proper order of worship. Genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents. They determined tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, and even marriage alliances. By meticulously recording family lines, the Chronicler provided a sense of continuity and legitimacy for the returning exiles, connecting them to their ancestral heritage and reinforcing their place within God's covenant people. The detailed listing of names, even seemingly obscure ones like those in [1 Chronicles 9:41](/1_chronicles/9-41 "1 Chronicles 9:41 - Sons of Micah"), served to validate the claims and roles of individuals and families in the re-forming nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader genealogical framework of 1 Chronicles, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in maintaining the family lines of His people, even through periods of national upheaval like the Babylonian exile. This faithfulness underscores His commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the perpetual dynasty promised to David in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Identity and Heritage**. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing their tribal identities, roles in society, and connection to the covenant. They defined who belonged to the restored community and who was eligible for specific responsibilities, especially within the temple service, as seen in the detailed lists of temple servants in [1 Chronicles 9:26-32](/1_chronicles/9-26-32 "1 Chronicles 9:26-32 - Duties of the Gatekeepers and Temple Servants"). Thirdly, the detailed record-keeping reinforces **Historical Continuity**, linking the present community to their foundational past, from Adam to the patriarchs, tribes, and kings, reassuring them of their place in God's ongoing redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this word denotes a son as a builder or perpetuator of the family name. In its widest sense, it encompasses literal and figurative relationships, including grandsons, subjects, or members of a nation. In this context, it specifically refers to the direct male offspring, emphasizing the continuation of a family line crucial for tribal identity and inheritance in ancient Israel.
* **Micah (Hebrew, _Mîykâh'_):** An abbreviated form of "Micaiah," meaning "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like the LORD?" While a proper noun identifying a specific individual in King Saul's lineage (as noted in [1 Chronicles 8:34](/1_chronicles/8-34 "1 Chronicles 8:34 - Lineage of Saul")), the theological weight of the name itself subtly points to God's incomparable greatness and sovereignty over the very history and lineages being recorded.
* **Melech (Hebrew, _Melek'_):** This name is identical to the Hebrew word for "king." While here it simply identifies one of Micah's sons, its meaning "king" or "ruler" carries a symbolic resonance within a genealogical record that ultimately traces lines leading to kingship, particularly the Davidic line, and ultimately the King of Kings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Micah [were]":** This introductory phrase clearly establishes the familial relationship, identifying the individuals to follow as the direct male descendants of Micah. In the broader context of 1 Chronicles 8-9, this Micah is specifically a descendant of Jonathan, son of King Saul, thereby connecting this seemingly minor genealogical entry to the royal lineage of Benjamin. The Chronicler's precise recording underscores the vital importance of every link in the chain of family history for the post-exilic community's identity and claims.
* **"Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, [and Ahaz].":** This is a straightforward enumeration of four proper nouns, listing the names of Micah's sons. The inclusion of these specific names, rather than a general reference, highlights the meticulous and authoritative nature of genealogical records in ancient Israel. Each name represented a distinct individual and, by extension, a family line that contributed to the larger tribal identity of Benjamin. For the returning exiles, such lists were indispensable for establishing land rights, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for various communal and religious roles within the re-forming nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:41, and indeed throughout the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Catalog** or **List**. This involves the systematic enumeration of names, places, or items, which serves to provide a comprehensive and authoritative record. In this context, the catalog of names emphasizes the meticulous nature of the historical record and the importance of lineage for establishing identity and continuity. Another device is **Repetition**, as similar genealogical structures and lists of names are repeated throughout the initial chapters, reinforcing the theme of continuity and the divine preservation of Israel's identity. The very act of recording these names functions as a form of **Historical Record**, asserting the factual basis of the community's heritage and their place within God's redemptive narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:41, though a simple genealogical entry, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The preservation of these family lines, even through the cataclysmic event of the Babylonian exile, speaks volumes about God's sovereign control over history and His commitment to His people. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were not just historical documents but living proof of their continued identity as the chosen people of God, reassuring them that they were part of an unbroken lineage stretching back to the patriarchs. This emphasis on lineage also foreshadows the ultimate importance of a perfect lineage for the Messiah, through whom all God's promises find their ultimate fulfillment.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Generations of Adam") - An early example of extensive genealogies tracing humanity from Adam, highlighting God's order and the march of time, and the progression of the human family.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - The New Testament opens with a detailed genealogy of Jesus, demonstrating His rightful claim to the Davidic throne and His fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - Another New Testament genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Adam, emphasizing His connection to all humanity and His universal significance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age where personal identity is often fluid and roots are easily forgotten, 1 Chronicles 9:41 reminds us of the profound significance of heritage and the continuity of God's redemptive plan. Just as the precise listing of Micah's sons was crucial for the post-exilic community to re-establish their place and purpose, understanding our spiritual lineage in Christ is vital for believers today. We are not isolated individuals but part of a grand narrative, grafted into the family of God through faith. This verse encourages us to appreciate the "roots" of our faith—the faithfulness of God across generations, the meticulous care with which He orchestrates history, and His unwavering commitment to His people. It assures us that God is interested in the details of our lives, even the seemingly mundane, and that our individual stories are woven into His magnificent tapestry of salvation, giving us a profound sense of belonging and purpose within His eternal kingdom. Our identity is not self-made but divinely given, rooted in a heritage that transcends time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous preservation of genealogies in the Old Testament speak to His faithfulness in our own lives today, assuring us that He cares about the details?**
* **In what ways does understanding our "spiritual lineage" in Christ (our connection to the saints throughout history and to God's covenant people) impact our sense of identity and purpose?**
* **What "details" in your life, seemingly insignificant, might God be using to weave into His larger redemptive plan, and how does this verse encourage you in that truth?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The numerous genealogies in the Bible, particularly in 1 Chronicles, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish identity and legitimacy, especially for the post-exilic community, determining tribal affiliation, land rights, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. Secondly, they demonstrate historical continuity, linking the present generation to their foundational past, from Adam to the patriarchs and kings, assuring them of their place in God's ongoing covenant. Thirdly, they underscore God's faithfulness, showing His meticulous care in preserving His chosen people and the specific lines through which His promises, especially the Davidic covenant, would be fulfilled. Finally, they ultimately point towards the Messiah, whose perfect lineage was essential for His role as Savior, as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). These lists are not just dry historical data but theological statements about God's sovereign plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:41 is a seemingly minor genealogical entry, its inclusion within the broader Chronicler's work points profoundly to Christ. The meticulous preservation of lineages, even those of lesser-known figures like Micah's sons, underscores God's sovereign control over history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, all of which culminate in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament genealogies, including this one, meticulously trace the human lineage through which the promised Seed would come. Jesus, as the ultimate Son of David and the Son of God, perfectly fulfills every genealogical requirement, establishing His rightful claim to the throne and His role as the Messiah, the true King. His genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") are not just historical records but theological declarations, proving His identity as the one through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers are grafted into a new, spiritual lineage, becoming "children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God by Faith")). The detailed attention given to earthly families in 1 Chronicles foreshadows the ultimate spiritual family that God is building through His Son, where all who believe are co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and part of a lineage that transcends earthly ties, rooted in the eternal Father and His Son.

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 8:35

And the sons of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.