'Adayah, B'rayah and Shimrat were the sons of Shim'i.
Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.
and Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimei,
Commentary
1 Chronicles 8:21 is a brief but significant verse found within an extensive genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. It specifically names three individuals, Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath, as sons of Shimhi.
Context of 1 Chronicles 8:21
The Book of 1 Chronicles, particularly chapters 1-9, is largely dedicated to detailed genealogies of Israel, tracing their lineage from Adam through the various tribes. This meticulous record-keeping served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. It helped establish tribal identity, confirm rights to land, determine qualifications for priestly and Levitical service, and underscore the continuity of God's covenant people. Chapter 8 focuses specifically on the descendants of Benjamin, one of Jacob's twelve sons, highlighting their family lines and settlements. This verse simply lists a segment of that lineage, connecting these individuals to their immediate father, Shimhi, within the broader tribal structure.
Key Themes and Messages
Divine Meticulousness: The inclusion of such detailed genealogies, even down to individual names like Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath, underscores God's profound attention to detail and His personal knowledge of every individual within His covenant people. It reflects a divine care that extends to the particulars of human history.
Importance of Identity and Heritage: For ancient Israel, lineage was paramount. It defined one's place in society, one's tribal affiliation, and one's inheritance. These genealogies served to preserve the distinct identities of the tribes, even after periods of dispersion and exile, reinforcing their connection to God's promises.
Continuity of God's Plan: These lists, though seemingly mundane, are vital threads in the tapestry of biblical history, demonstrating the unbroken line of God's people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah's lineage.
Linguistic Insights
While the verse primarily lists names, the names themselves often carried meaning in Hebrew, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or theological truths. For example, "Adaiah" (ืขึฒืึธืึธื) can mean "Jehovah has adorned" or "Jehovah has passed over," and "Beraiah" (ืึผึฐืจึธืืึธื) means "Jehovah has created." These meanings, though not explicitly stated in the text, offer a glimpse into the worldview and faith of the people naming their children, often acknowledging God's hand in their lives.
Practical Application
For a modern reader, a verse listing names might seem distant, but it carries powerful implications:
God Knows Us by Name: Just as God meticulously recorded the names of His ancient people, He knows each of us intimately. This verse reminds us that we are not anonymous in His sight (Isaiah 43:1).
Our Heritage Matters: While our identity in Christ transcends earthly lineage, understanding our personal and spiritual heritage can provide context and strength. This verse encourages an appreciation for the generations that came before us and the legacy of faith they passed down.
Every Detail is Significant: The fact that God inspired the recording of such specific details, even seemingly minor ones, suggests that every part of His story, and indeed our lives, has significance within His larger plan.
Note: If the commentary doesnโt appear instantly, please allow 2โ5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.
Commentary
1 Chronicles 8:21 is a brief but significant verse found within an extensive genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. It specifically names three individuals, Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath, as sons of Shimhi.
Context of 1 Chronicles 8:21
The Book of 1 Chronicles, particularly chapters 1-9, is largely dedicated to detailed genealogies of Israel, tracing their lineage from Adam through the various tribes. This meticulous record-keeping served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. It helped establish tribal identity, confirm rights to land, determine qualifications for priestly and Levitical service, and underscore the continuity of God's covenant people. Chapter 8 focuses specifically on the descendants of Benjamin, one of Jacob's twelve sons, highlighting their family lines and settlements. This verse simply lists a segment of that lineage, connecting these individuals to their immediate father, Shimhi, within the broader tribal structure.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
While the verse primarily lists names, the names themselves often carried meaning in Hebrew, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or theological truths. For example, "Adaiah" (ืขึฒืึธืึธื) can mean "Jehovah has adorned" or "Jehovah has passed over," and "Beraiah" (ืึผึฐืจึธืืึธื) means "Jehovah has created." These meanings, though not explicitly stated in the text, offer a glimpse into the worldview and faith of the people naming their children, often acknowledging God's hand in their lives.
Practical Application
For a modern reader, a verse listing names might seem distant, but it carries powerful implications:
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.