1 Chronicles 9:7

KJV

And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the sons {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}; Sallu {H5543} the son {H1121} of Meshullam {H4918}, the son {H1121} of Hodaviah {H1938}, the son {H1121} of Hasenuah {H5574},

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the descendants of Binyamin: Salu the son of Meshulam the son of Hodavyah the son of Hasnu'ah,

Berean Standard Bible

From the Benjamites: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:7 is a specific entry within the meticulous genealogical records of the post-exilic community, detailing some of the first inhabitants to resettle in Jerusalem. This verse names Sallu, a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, tracing his paternal lineage through Meshullam, Hodaviah, and Hasenuah. It underscores the vital importance of tribal identity, continuity, and the re-establishment of the covenant community in the land after the Babylonian exile, affirming God's faithfulness in preserving His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:7 is situated within the extensive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, specifically chapters 1-9. These chapters serve as a foundational preamble to the historical narrative that follows, tracing the lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community. Chapter 9, in particular, shifts focus from broad genealogies to a detailed list of those who were the "first inhabitants" to dwell in Jerusalem and other cities after the return from Babylonian captivity. This verse, therefore, is not merely a dry list of names but a testament to the re-population and re-establishment of the holy city, demonstrating the divine order and the careful re-integration of the tribes, particularly Benjamin and Judah, who formed the core of the returning remnant. It sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of the united monarchy and the temple, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for 1 Chronicles 9:7 is the post-Babylonian exile period, specifically after the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which permitted the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. After decades in captivity, the returning exiles faced immense challenges in rebuilding their shattered society, re-establishing their land claims, and restoring their religious and civic life. Genealogies were critically important in this context, serving as legal documents to prove tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, and even citizenship in the re-forming community. The tribe of Benjamin, historically intertwined with Judah and the Davidic monarchy, played a crucial role in the repopulation of Jerusalem. The meticulous recording of names like Sallu and his lineage highlights the cultural imperative to maintain a clear sense of identity and belonging within the covenant community, ensuring the proper functioning of society and the temple.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger genealogical record, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates **Continuity and Preservation**, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and their tribal identities despite the catastrophic disruption of the Babylonian exile. It serves as tangible evidence of the fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding their return, echoing the hope found in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile"). Second, it speaks to **Identity and Belonging**, providing the returning exiles with a vital link to their heritage, confirming their place within God's covenant people and their rightful claims to the land and their tribal inheritances. This was crucial for rebuilding a cohesive society. Finally, the meticulous record-keeping reflects a profound concern for **Divine Order and Restoration**, particularly concerning who would inhabit Jerusalem and who was eligible for sacred service. The re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem, with its proper tribal representation, was seen as a restoration of God's intended order for His people, as detailed in [Nehemiah 11:1-2](/nehemiah/11-1-2 "Nehemiah 11:1-2 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sallu (Hebrew, _Sallû'_):** The name Sallu appears elsewhere in post-exilic lists (e.g., Nehemiah 11:7) and means "weighed" or "lifted up." In the context of this genealogy, Sallu is presented as a significant Benjaminite figure, likely a prominent family head or leader among those who returned to resettle Jerusalem. His inclusion at the beginning of the Benjaminite list in this chapter suggests his importance in the re-establishment efforts, representing a key family line that contributed to the repopulation and stability of the city.
* **Son of (Hebrew, _ben'_):** The repeated phrase "the son of" (Hebrew: _ben_) is fundamental to the structure of this verse and all biblical genealogies. It signifies direct paternal lineage, establishing a clear line of descent. In a society where identity, inheritance, and religious eligibility were tied to one's family and tribal origin, the precise recording of "son of" was critical. It not only validated an individual's claim to a particular heritage but also underscored the continuity of the family line and the covenant promises through generations, linking the present community to its ancestral roots.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the sons of Benjamin":** This introductory phrase immediately identifies the tribal affiliation of the individuals to be listed. The tribe of Benjamin, historically known for its fierce warriors and its unique position bordering Judah, was a crucial component of the southern kingdom and, subsequently, the post-exilic Jewish community. Their return to Jerusalem was essential for the city's repopulation and the re-establishment of its civic and spiritual life, signifying the restoration of a core part of Israel's identity.
* **"Sallu the son of Meshullam":** This clause introduces Sallu, the primary individual named in the verse, and immediately establishes his direct paternal link to Meshullam. This format is typical of biblical genealogies, providing a clear and verifiable chain of descent. Sallu's prominence here suggests he was a notable figure among the returning Benjaminites, perhaps a leader or a representative of a significant family line that contributed to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.
* **"the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah":** This continues Sallu's paternal lineage, tracing his ancestry back through Hodaviah to Hasenuah. The repetition of "the son of" emphasizes the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the importance of establishing a clear, unbroken chain of descent. Each name in the chain represents a generation, reinforcing the continuity of the family line and its historical connection to the tribe of Benjamin, which was vital for validating claims and identity in the post-exilic period.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:7, and indeed throughout chapters 1-9, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured and purposeful record of lineage, serving to establish identity, validate claims, and demonstrate continuity. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the son of" (Hebrew: _ben_) is a key feature of this genealogical style, creating a rhythmic and cumulative effect that underscores the meticulous nature of the record and the unbroken chain of descent. This repetition also serves to **Emphasize** the importance of individual identity within the larger tribal and national framework. While seemingly mundane to a modern reader, for the post-exilic community, these genealogies were living documents, affirming their heritage and their place within God's covenant plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:7, though a single line in a lengthy genealogy, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous care for His covenant people. It speaks to the divine commitment to preserve a remnant, even through the devastating experience of exile, and to restore them to their land and identity. The very existence of such precise records testifies to God's providential oversight, ensuring the continuity of His promises and the re-establishment of His community in Jerusalem. It reminds us that God's grand narrative of redemption is often unfolded through the lives of seemingly ordinary individuals, each playing a part in His larger plan, and that every life, no matter how briefly mentioned, is known and valued by Him.

* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")
* [Nehemiah 7:61](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names from ancient history might seem distant, 1 Chronicles 9:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God, who meticulously preserved the lineages of His people through centuries of upheaval and exile, is intimately concerned with the details of our own lives. Just as Sallu and his ancestors were vital threads in the tapestry of God's redemptive history, so too are we, individually and collectively, part of His ongoing story. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of generations of faithful believers who have gone before us. It calls us to consider our place in the continuity of God's work, inspiring us to live faithfully and contribute to the building of His kingdom, knowing that our lives, though seemingly small, are significant in His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous care for ancient genealogies inform our view of His attention to detail in our own lives and circumstances?**
* **In what ways does knowing our spiritual heritage—the "cloud of witnesses" from both biblical times and church history—strengthen our faith and sense of belonging in God's family?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives reflect the continuity of God's faithfulness across generations, both in our personal walk and in our community?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent in Chronicles, and what was their purpose?**

Answer: Genealogies are indeed a dominant feature of 1 Chronicles, particularly in chapters 1-9, serving multiple crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they established **identity and legitimacy** for a people returning from exile who needed to re-anchor themselves in their heritage. Knowing one's tribal affiliation was essential for land claims, social standing, and participation in the community. Secondly, they were vital for **religious eligibility**, especially for those serving in the priesthood and among the Levites, as only those with verifiable priestly lineage could serve in the temple (see [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61-63 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")). Thirdly, these lists underscored **continuity and God's faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite exile and dispersion, God had preserved a remnant and was fulfilling His covenant promises to His people. Finally, they provided a **historical framework** for the subsequent narrative, linking the post-exilic community directly to their patriarchal roots and the Davidic monarchy, emphasizing the unbroken line of God's chosen people. The meticulous detail, as seen in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Exiles Who Returned"), highlights their legal and spiritual significance.

**How does a seemingly "boring" list of names like 1 Chronicles 9:7 offer spiritual insight today?**

Answer: While a list of names might not immediately capture modern attention, 1 Chronicles 9:7 offers profound spiritual insights. It reminds us of God's **meticulous attention to detail** and His personal knowledge of every individual. If God cared enough to preserve the lineage of Sallu, He certainly cares for each of us (see [Luke 12:7](/luke/12-7 "Luke 12:7 - God Knows Every Hair on Your Head")). Secondly, it speaks to the **importance of heritage and continuity**. Just as these names established a link to the past for the returning exiles, we are part of a larger spiritual family, connected to a rich history of faith. Thirdly, it is a testament to God's **unwavering faithfulness**. Despite national catastrophe, God preserved His people and their identity, demonstrating that His plans will always prevail. This offers immense hope that God will fulfill His promises to us, even in challenging times. Finally, it subtly points to the **divine order** and the significance of every part in God's grand narrative of salvation, a narrative that ultimately culminates in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the specific lineage of Sallu in 1 Chronicles 9:7, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very purpose of these ancient records was to establish identity, legitimacy, and continuity—themes that find their perfect culmination in the Messiah. Jesus, as the Son of David, fulfills the royal lineage promised to David (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "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")). His perfect human lineage, traced through both Judah and Benjamin (through His mother Mary and Joseph, respectively, connecting to the broader Israelite heritage), validates His claim as the promised King and the Lamb of God. Furthermore, while the Old Testament genealogies established physical and tribal belonging, Christ inaugurates a new, spiritual genealogy. Through faith in Him, believers from every tribe and nation are adopted into God's family, becoming "sons of God" (as declared in [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption") and [Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith")). Thus, the meticulous record-keeping of names like Sallu foreshadows the ultimate divine record—the Lamb's Book of Life—where the names of all who are truly in Christ are eternally inscribed, granting them a secure and eternal identity in God's redeemed family.

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.