1 Chronicles 9:8

KJV

And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ibneiah {H2997} the son {H1121} of Jeroham {H3395}, and Elah {H425} the son {H1121} of Uzzi {H5813}, the son {H1121} of Michri {H4381}, and Meshullam {H4918} the son {H1121} of Shephathiah {H8203}, the son {H1121} of Reuel {H7467}, the son {H1121} of Ibnijah {H2998};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yivneyah the son of Yerocham, Elah the son of 'Uzi the son of Mikhri, Meshulam the son of Sh'fatyah the son of Re'u'el the son of Yivneyah,

Berean Standard Bible

Ibneiah son of Jeroham; Elah son of Uzzi, the son of Michri; Meshullam son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;

American Standard Version

and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:8 is an integral part of the detailed genealogical record of those who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, specifically listing individuals and their lineages from the tribe of Benjamin. This verse, along with its surrounding context, underscores the meticulous preservation of Israel's tribal identities and the re-establishment of the covenant community in the post-exilic period, powerfully emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining His people and their sacred heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9 serves as a crucial bridge in the Chronicler's narrative, transitioning from the extensive genealogical records of chapters 1-8 to the detailed account of David's reign and the temple. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 9:1](/1_chronicles/9-1 "1 Chronicles 9:1 - The First Inhabitants of Jerusalem") introduces the register of those who were the first to resettle in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Verses 3-9 then provide a specific listing of the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Our verse, [1 Chronicles 9:8](/1_chronicles/9-8 "1 Chronicles 9:8 - Benjaminite Leaders in Jerusalem"), falls within the section detailing the Benjaminite families, immediately following other Benjaminite names in [1 Chronicles 9:7](/1_chronicles/9-7 "1 Chronicles 9:7 - Benjaminite Inhabitants"). This meticulous enumeration underscores the Chronicler's concern with the re-establishment of the covenant community in the holy city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for 1 Chronicles 9 is the post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, primarily initiated by Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC. For ancient Israel, genealogies were not merely historical curiosities; they were foundational to societal structure, land inheritance, tribal identity, and eligibility for religious service. After the trauma of exile, establishing clear lineages was paramount for the returning community to re-assert their claims, rebuild their society, and ensure the purity of their religious practices, particularly concerning the priesthood and temple service. The meticulous record-keeping, as also seen in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - Those Who Returned from Exile"), reflects the critical importance of these records for the restoration of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within a larger genealogical register, powerfully articulates several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it highlights **Continuity and Restoration**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and ensuring the unbroken lineage of their families and tribes even after the devastating period of exile. Secondly, it emphasizes **Identity and Belonging**, as these genealogies were crucial for the returning exiles to define their tribal affiliations, land rights, and place within the newly re-established community in Jerusalem. This meticulous naming underscores the divine principle that every individual has a place in God's redemptive plan. Finally, the very act of meticulously listing these names reflects **God's Meticulous Care** for His covenant people, affirming that He knows and values each individual and family within His grand narrative of salvation, a theme echoed in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge of Us").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ibneiah (Hebrew, _Yibneyah'_):** This name, meaning "Yahweh builds" or "Yahweh causes to build," is significant in the context of the post-exilic return. It subtly points to God's active role in rebuilding His people and their community in Jerusalem after the devastation of the exile. The very names of those returning testified to divine providence and restoration.
* **son of (Hebrew, _ben'_):** The repeated phrase "son of" is a fundamental element of ancient Near Eastern genealogies. It meticulously traces paternal lineage, which was crucial for establishing tribal identity, land rights, and social standing in Israelite society. In the context of 1 Chronicles, it underscores the unbroken continuity of God's covenant people through generations.
* **Meshullam (Hebrew, _Meshullam'_):** A common name in the Old Testament, meaning "paid," "repaid," or "at peace." While the specific meaning isn't directly tied to the narrative here, its prevalence suggests a sense of normalcy and re-establishment within the returning community, indicating a return to a settled life where such names would be common.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham":** This clause introduces the first of the Benjaminite individuals mentioned in this verse, immediately establishing his identity through his father, Jeroham. This paternal lineage was vital for confirming tribal affiliation and rights within the returning community.
* **"and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri":** The second individual, Elah, is presented with a more extended lineage, tracing back two generations to Michri. This greater detail for some individuals, as opposed to others, highlights the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's records, perhaps indicating the prominence or established nature of certain family lines within the tribe of Benjamin.
* **"and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;":** The final individual listed, Meshullam, is given the most extensive lineage, tracing back three generations. The name "Ibnijah" at the end is notably similar to "Ibneiah" at the beginning of the verse, possibly indicating a textual variant, a different individual with a similar name, or a deliberate literary framing device. This detailed tracing of ancestry further emphasizes the importance of precise genealogical records for the re-establishment of the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 9:8, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 1-9, is **Genealogy** or **List**. This is not a mere dry enumeration but a purposeful theological and historical tool. The Chronicler uses these lists to establish continuity between pre-exilic and post-exilic Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and ensuring the unbroken lineage of His covenant people. The repeated phrase "the son of" functions as a form of **Repetition**, reinforcing the patriarchal structure and the meticulous tracing of family lines. Furthermore, the very names themselves, such as "Ibneiah" ("Yahweh builds"), can be seen as a form of **Nominalism**, where the meaning inherent in the names subtly reinforces the overarching themes of divine action and restoration in the post-exilic period.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple list of names in 1 Chronicles 9:8 carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It testifies to the divine preservation of Israel's identity and heritage, even through the crucible of exile. The meticulous recording of these lineages affirms that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure or historical upheaval; rather, He faithfully works to restore and rebuild. This emphasis on continuity and the re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem prefigures the ultimate gathering of God's people in the New Covenant, where identity is found not in earthly lineage but in Christ.

* [Nehemiah 7:6](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6 - The Register of Those Who Returned")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God's Gracious Remnant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical list might initially appear distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 9:8 offers vital insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, intimately aware of every individual within His vast creation and especially within His covenant family. Just as He preserved and recorded these specific families returning to Jerusalem, He knows each of us by name, our heritage, and our place in His grand narrative. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that we are part of a long line of faith, built upon the faithfulness of those who came before us. It also underscores the importance of community and belonging, mirroring the re-establishment of a cohesive society in post-exilic Jerusalem. We are called to value our place within the body of Christ, recognizing that each member, no matter how seemingly obscure, contributes to the whole and is known and cherished by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this genealogy challenge or affirm your understanding of God's care for individuals?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage (the "line of faith" that precedes you) impact your walk with God today?**
* **How can you foster a greater sense of belonging and value for every member within your own faith community, mirroring the emphasis on community in post-exilic Jerusalem?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: The detailed and often repetitive nature of genealogies in books like 1 Chronicles is not merely for historical record-keeping, but serves crucial theological and practical purposes for the ancient Israelites. They established tribal identity, which was essential for land inheritance, social structure, and determining eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. After the Babylonian exile, these lists, as seen in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Register of Those Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Register of the Returnees"), were vital for the returning community to re-establish their claims, rebuild their society, and ensure the purity of their religious practices. The Chronicler, in particular, uses them to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and maintaining the continuity of His covenant promises, especially concerning the Davidic line and the temple worship.

**What is the significance of names like "Ibneiah" in this context?**

Answer: Many Hebrew names carry significant meanings, often reflecting the circumstances of birth, the hopes of parents, or theological affirmations. "Ibneiah" (Yibneyah) means "Yahweh builds." In the context of the post-exilic return, such a name would have been profoundly meaningful, serving as a constant reminder of God's active role in rebuilding His people, their city, and their spiritual life after the devastation of exile. It underscores the theme of divine restoration and the belief that God was actively working to re-establish His covenant community in Jerusalem, as also prophesied in books like [Jeremiah 31:4](/jeremiah/31-4 "Jeremiah 31:4 - God Will Rebuild Israel").

**Does this verse have any relevance for Christians today, given its focus on ancient genealogies?**

Answer: Absolutely. While not directly applicable in terms of physical lineage, 1 Chronicles 9:8 and similar genealogies offer profound spiritual relevance. They highlight God's meticulous attention to individuals and His faithfulness across generations, reminding us that we are part of a larger story of redemption. They underscore the importance of spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's covenant people, now fulfilled in the Church, the body of Christ. Just as these names represented individuals known and valued by God, so too are all believers known and valued by Him. It encourages us to appreciate our place in the family of God and to live faithfully within the community of believers, recognizing the divine hand that builds and sustains His people, a theme beautifully captured in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:8 meticulously details earthly lineages for the re-establishment of the covenant community in post-exilic Jerusalem, its deeper theological current points toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. The emphasis on continuity and the preservation of a remnant foreshadows the spiritual lineage of faith established through Christ, where identity is no longer primarily defined by physical descent but by spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family. The meticulous recording of names, signifying God's intimate knowledge and care for His people, finds its ultimate expression in Christ, the true "builder" (as in Ibneiah, "Yahweh builds") of God's spiritual house, the Church. He is the one who gathers the scattered and brings them into a new covenant community, fulfilling the longing for belonging and restoration that drove the exiles' return. In Christ, the meticulous genealogies culminate in the one through whom all nations are blessed, for He is the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and the [Son of God](/john/1-34 "John 1:34 - John the Baptist's Testimony of Jesus"), the ultimate heir to all God's promises. Through His sacrifice, we are given a new, eternal lineage, becoming [children of God by faith in Christ Jesus](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God by Faith"), grafted into His family, and part of a kingdom that will never be exiled or destroyed.

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.