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 precise entry within the Chronicler's meticulous genealogical record, focusing on the tribe of Benjamin. It names Sallu, tracing his paternal lineage through Meshullam, Hodaviah, and Hasenuah, as one of the initial inhabitants who returned to resettle Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse is not merely a list of names but a profound testament to God's faithfulness in preserving tribal identity, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people, and orchestrating the re-establishment of the community in the Promised Land. It highlights the divine order in the restoration of Jerusalem's population.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:7 is situated within the expansive genealogical sections that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters serve as a crucial theological and historical preamble, tracing the lineage of God's people from Adam through the patriarchal, tribal, and monarchical periods, ultimately leading to the post-exilic community. Chapter 9 specifically transitions from broad tribal genealogies to a detailed enumeration of those who were the "first inhabitants" to dwell in Jerusalem and other cities following the return from Babylonian captivity. This particular verse, by meticulously listing Benjaminite descendants, underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the re-population and spiritual re-establishment of the holy city. It highlights the divine hand in gathering and re-integrating the tribes, particularly Judah and Benjamin, who formed the spiritual and demographic core of the returning remnant. This detailed record sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of the united monarchy, the temple, and the enduring covenant, emphasizing the unbroken continuity of God's people and His redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 1 Chronicles 9:7 is the crucial post-Babylonian exile period, specifically following Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC, which permitted the Jewish exiles to return to Judah. After nearly seven decades in Babylon, the returning exiles faced immense challenges: a ruined land, a shattered society, and the daunting task of rebuilding their religious and civic infrastructure. In this context, genealogies were far more than mere family trees; they functioned as vital legal, social, and religious documents. They were essential for proving tribal affiliation, establishing legitimate claims to ancestral land inheritances, determining eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, and confirming citizenship within the re-forming covenant community. The tribe of Benjamin, historically intertwined with Judah and foundational to the southern kingdom, played a pivotal role in the repopulation of Jerusalem. The meticulous recording of names like Sallu and his lineage reflects a profound cultural imperative to maintain a clear sense of identity and belonging, ensuring the proper functioning of society, the temple, and the re-established theocracy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an integral part of the broader genealogical record in 1 Chronicles, contributes significantly to several overarching theological themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Continuity and Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and their distinct tribal identities despite the catastrophic disruption of the Babylonian exile. It stands 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"). Secondly, it speaks profoundly to **Identity and Belonging**, providing the returning exiles with an indispensable link to their heritage, confirming their rightful place within God's covenant people and their claims to the land and tribal inheritances. This sense of rootedness was absolutely crucial for rebuilding a cohesive and functional society. Finally, the meticulous record-keeping reflects a deep concern for **Divine Order and Restoration**, particularly regarding 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, a theme also prominently featured in [Nehemiah 11:1-2](/nehemiah/11-1-2 "Nehemiah 11:1-2 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sallu (Hebrew, _Çallûw'_):** From H5543, meaning "weighed." The name Sallu appears elsewhere in post-exilic lists (e.g., [Nehemiah 11:7](/nehemiah/11-7 "Nehemiah 11:7 - Sallu the Benjaminite")). 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 (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." 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.
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From H1144, meaning "son of (the) right hand." This refers to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe descended from him. 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 core of 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.

#### 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 significant for its proximity to Jerusalem and its role alongside Judah, was a vital component of the returning remnant. Their presence in 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 and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.
* **"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 precise format is characteristic 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 substantially to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.
* **"the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah":** This continues Sallu's paternal lineage, meticulously tracing his ancestry back through Hodaviah to Hasenuah. The repetition of "the son of" emphasizes the scrupulous nature of the record-keeping and the profound 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, establishing identity, and ensuring the proper functioning of the community in the challenging 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 dry list but a structured and purposeful record of lineage, serving to establish identity, validate claims, demonstrate continuity, and convey theological truths. 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, highlighting how each person contributes to the collective story of God's people. While seemingly mundane to a modern reader, for the post-exilic community, these genealogies were living documents, affirming their heritage, their place within God's covenant plan, and the divine faithfulness that preserved them through exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:7, though a single line in an extensive genealogy, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous, providential care for His covenant people. It speaks to the divine commitment to preserve a remnant, even through the devastating experience of exile, and to orchestrate their precise return 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 spiritual 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 vital, known part in His larger plan, and that every life, no matter how briefly mentioned, is known, valued, and purposed 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 initially seem distant, 1 Chronicles 9:7 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God, who meticulously preserved the lineages of His people through centuries of upheaval, dispersion, and exile, is intimately concerned with the smallest details of our own lives. Just as Sallu and his ancestors were vital threads in the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive history, so too are we, individually and collectively, integral parts of His ongoing story. This verse encourages us to deeply appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of generations of faithful believers who have gone before us, a "cloud of witnesses" that inspires and sustains us. It calls us to consider our unique place in the continuity of God's work, inspiring us to live faithfully and contribute purposefully to the building of His kingdom, knowing that our lives, though seemingly small in the grand scheme, are profoundly significant and eternally purposed in His magnificent design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous care for ancient genealogies inform our view of His attention to detail and personal involvement in our own lives and circumstances today?**
* **In what ways does knowing our spiritual heritage—the "cloud of witnesses" from both biblical times and church history—strengthen our faith, deepen our sense of identity, and foster a greater 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 with Christ and in our engagement with our faith 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 desperately needed to re-anchor themselves in their heritage and land. Knowing one's tribal affiliation was essential for land claims, social standing, and full participation in the re-forming 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 rebuilt temple (see [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61-63 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")). Thirdly, these lists powerfully underscored **continuity and God's faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite the national catastrophe of exile and dispersion, God had preserved a remnant and was fulfilling His covenant promises to His people. Finally, they provided a comprehensive **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 profound 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 when viewed through a theological lens. 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 and countless others, He certainly cares for each of us in the most intimate ways, knowing even the number of hairs on our heads (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 spiritual continuity**. Just as these names established a vital link to the past for the returning exiles, we are part of a larger spiritual family, connected to a rich history of faith that spans millennia. Thirdly, it is a powerful testament to God's **unwavering faithfulness**. Despite national catastrophe and seeming abandonment, God preserved His people and their identity, demonstrating that His plans will always prevail and His promises will be fulfilled. This offers immense hope that God will fulfill His promises to us, even in the most 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 the person and work of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the specific lineage of Sallu in [1 Chronicles 9:7](/1_chronicles/9-7 "1 Chronicles 9:7 - Benjaminite Genealogy"), find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive 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 and the Son of Abraham, fulfills the royal and covenantal lineages promised throughout the Old Testament, as meticulously recorded in the New Testament genealogies (e.g., [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 ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, 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, nation, and tongue are adopted into God's family, becoming "sons of God" (as powerfully 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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 10:20

Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

Nehemiah 11:7

And these [are] the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.

Nehemiah 8:4

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.