1 Chronicles 9:43

KJV

And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moza {H4162} begat {H3205} Binea {H1150}; and Rephaiah {H7509} his son {H1121}, Eleasah {H501} his son {H1121}, Azel {H682} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Motza fathered Bin'a. His son was Rafah, his son El'asah and his son Atzel.

Berean Standard Bible

Moza was the father of Binea. Rephaiah was his son, Elasah his son, and Azel his son.

American Standard Version

and Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:43 is a concise yet significant verse within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, meticulously detailing a segment of their lineage. This specific entry, "And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son," serves as a vital link in the comprehensive historical account compiled for the post-exilic community. Far from being a mere list of names, this verse, like others in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, underscores the profound importance of identity, continuity, and God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage through generations, even amidst periods of dispersion and rebuilding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:43 is situated within the expansive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, which span chapters 1 through 9. These chapters meticulously trace the lineage from Adam, through the patriarchs, and down to the various tribes of Israel. Chapter 9 specifically transitions from broader tribal lists to focus on the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas after the return from Babylonian exile, detailing the families, priests, Levites, and gatekeepers who resettled the land. Verses 35-44 of chapter 9 provide a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically focusing on the lineage of King Saul, whose ancestral line is traced through Jeiel, the "father" of Gibeon. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 9:43, continues this precise tracing, linking Moza to Binea, and then establishing a clear generational succession through Rephaiah, Eleasah, and Azel, ensuring the unbroken record of this significant tribal family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of these detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles was crucial for the Jewish community returning from seventy years of Babylonian exile. This post-exilic period was one of rebuilding—not just of the temple and city walls, but of national and religious identity. Lineage was paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving as the basis for tribal identity, land claims, inheritance rights, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. Without clear genealogical records, the returning exiles would have struggled to re-establish their societal structure, reclaim ancestral lands, and properly organize temple worship. The meticulous recording of names like Moza, Binea, Rephaiah, Eleasah, and Azel provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their heritage and legitimate place within the covenant community, thereby fostering a sense of continuity and belonging for a people striving to reclaim their heritage and rebuild their nation.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording in 1 Chronicles 9:43 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **Preservation of Lineage**, emphasizing the vital role of family records in maintaining tribal distinctions, inheritance rights, and the purity of priestly and royal lines, which was crucial for the post-exilic community's re-establishment. Secondly, these genealogies, though seemingly dry, implicitly testify to **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**. The very act of preserving these family structures, even through periods of national catastrophe like the exile, demonstrates God's providential hand in sustaining His people and ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which His ultimate covenant promises—including the promise of an eternal dynasty through David—would be fulfilled, as seen in passages like [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David"). Finally, the detailed lists serve as a foundational **Historical Record and Affirmation of Identity**, providing the returning exiles with a concrete understanding of their heritage and enabling them to re-establish social and religious order. Knowing their roots was paramount to rebuilding their society and temple worship, underscoring the importance of verifiable lineage, as exemplified by the challenges faced by those who could not prove their priestly heritage in [Ezra 2:59-62](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-62 - The Importance of Lineage for Priests").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (_yalad_) is a fundamental term meaning "to bear," "to give birth," or "to beget." In genealogical contexts, as here, it specifically denotes the act of a father siring a son, establishing a direct paternal line of descent. Its straightforward use in 1 Chronicles 9:43 underscores the clear, biological succession from Moza to Binea, and implicitly for the subsequent generations listed. This simple verb is crucial for the meticulous tracing of family trees, ensuring accuracy and continuity in the historical record.
* **son (Hebrew, _ben'_):** The Hebrew noun בֵּן (_ben_) means "son," "child," or "descendant." Its repeated use in 1 Chronicles 9:43 ("Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son") emphasizes the direct, lineal relationship between each named individual and their immediate predecessor. This repetition reinforces the precise generational succession, leaving no ambiguity about the familial connection. In the context of ancient Israelite genealogies, the "son" was the primary carrier of the family name, inheritance, and tribal identity, making the accurate identification of sons vital for the preservation of lineage and the continuity of the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moza begat Binea":** This initial clause establishes the direct paternal relationship between Moza and Binea. It serves as a foundational link in this specific segment of the Benjaminite genealogy, indicating that Moza was the father of Binea, thereby extending the family line. This precise statement is typical of biblical genealogies, providing clear, unambiguous generational connections.
* **"and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son":** This subsequent series of phrases continues the genealogical chain, tracing the descent from Binea through a succession of three further generations. The repeated phrase "his son" explicitly clarifies the direct father-son relationship for each step: Rephaiah was Binea's son, Eleasah was Rephaiah's son, and Azel was Eleasah's son. This meticulous detail ensures that the lineage is preserved with accuracy, demonstrating the chronicler's commitment to recording every link in the ancestral chain for the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 9:43, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself, which functions as a **Catalogue** or **List**. This systematic enumeration of names and relationships serves a crucial historical and theological purpose, establishing identity and continuity. The repetitive phrase "his son" (or "begat") creates a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, which not only reinforces the direct lineal succession but also provides a rhythmic quality to what might otherwise be a dry list. This repetition emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations, highlighting the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the importance of each individual link in the family tree. While not overtly poetic, the structure and repetition contribute to the authoritative and comprehensive nature of the historical account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 9:43 appears as a simple list of names, its inclusion in the biblical record carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail, His sovereign hand in human history, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The preservation of these seemingly obscure lineages underscores the divine commitment to maintaining a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. Every name, every "begat," is a testament to God's providential care, ensuring the continuity of the chosen nation and, ultimately, the lineage that would lead to the Messiah. These genealogies are not just historical documents; they are theological affirmations that God works through generations, preserving His people even when their existence seems precarious, all for the ultimate fulfillment of His eternal purposes.

* [1 Chronicles 1:1](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - The Genealogies from Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - Another Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane nature of a genealogical verse like 1 Chronicles 9:43 invites us to look beyond the surface and discern deeper truths about God's character and our place in His grand narrative. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of history, recognizing and valuing every individual, even those whose names appear briefly in a long list. Just as the post-exilic Israelites needed to understand their physical heritage to rebuild their community, believers today are called to appreciate their spiritual heritage—the long line of faith that connects us to patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and ultimately to Christ. This verse encourages us to consider the importance of continuity, of faithfully passing on the truths of the gospel and godly values from one generation to the next, contributing to the spiritual legacy that will impact future generations for the glory of God. Our lives, though seemingly small in the vast tapestry of history, are woven into God's eternal plan, and every act of faithfulness contributes to His unfolding purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 9:43, challenge our perception of what God considers important?**
* **In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage, as part of God's people, provide us with a sense of identity and belonging today?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure the continuity of faith and godly values within our families and communities for future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 9:43, so prominent in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed genealogies are prominent in the Bible for several crucial reasons, especially in books like 1 Chronicles. First, they served as vital historical records for ancient Israel, establishing tribal identities, land claims, and inheritance rights, which were essential for societal order, particularly for the community returning from exile. Second, they affirmed the legitimacy of priestly and royal lines, ensuring that only those of the proper lineage could serve in the temple or claim kingship. Third, and most profoundly, these genealogies underscore God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. By meticulously tracing these lines, the Bible demonstrates God's providential hand in preserving a chosen people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately culminating in the lineage of the Messiah. They show that God is a God of history, working through generations to bring about His purposes, ensuring that His promises, such as those made to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David"), would be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 9:43, like all biblical genealogies, finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these family lines, even those of seemingly minor figures like Moza, Binea, Rephaiah, Eleasah, and Azel, underscores God's sovereign and providential hand guiding human history towards the arrival of His Son. Every "begat" in the Old Testament points forward to the ultimate "Son" who would be born into human history, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and David. The very purpose of these extensive records in Chronicles was to establish the continuity of God's people and the lineage of the Davidic covenant, ensuring that when the "fullness of time had come," God would send forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son")). Jesus is the culmination of all these lineages, the ultimate heir to every promise, the one through whom God has spoken to us in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). He is the "root and the descendant of David," the bright morning star ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Descendant of David")), demonstrating that God's detailed attention to lineage in the Old Testament was always pointing to the perfect, unblemished lineage of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/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 8:37

And Moza begat Binea: Rapha [was] his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son: