This verse is a concise entry within the extensive genealogies found in the book of 1 Chronicles. It lists two individuals, Iphedeiah and Penuel, identified as sons of Shashak, contributing to the detailed historical record of the Israelite tribes.
Context
1 Chronicles chapters 1-9 are dedicated almost entirely to genealogies, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, Chapter 8 focuses exclusively on the tribe of Benjamin, detailing its various families and their leaders. These meticulous records were crucial for several reasons in ancient Israel:
Land Inheritance: They established rightful claims to tribal territories and family land allotments.
Tribal Identity: They provided a clear sense of belonging and heritage for each Israelite.
Religious and Royal Succession: They preserved the lines for priestly duties (Levites) and royal lineage (like the line of David).
The Chronicler compiled these lists, likely after the Babylonian exile, to re-establish the identity and structure of the returned community, reminding them of their heritage and God's faithfulness.
Key Themes
Divine Meticulousness: Even in what seems like a simple list of names, this verse underscores God's intricate attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of human history and individual lives. Every person, no matter how briefly mentioned, is known to Him.
Importance of Lineage and Identity: For the Israelites, knowing one's lineage was fundamental to their social, religious, and political identity. It connected them to the covenant promises made to their ancestors.
Preservation of History: The inclusion of such detailed genealogies highlights the value placed on historical records in Israelite society, ensuring that the continuity of their people and their covenant relationship with God was never lost.
Linguistic Insights
While the verse itself is a simple enumeration, the names often carry significant meaning in Hebrew:
Iphedeiah (Hebrew: ืึดืคึฐืึฐึผืึธื) can be interpreted as "Jehovah redeems" or "Jehovah delivers." This name reflects a common theme of faith and trust in God's redemptive power among the Israelites.
Penuel (Hebrew: ืคึฐึผื ืึผืึตื) means "face of God." This name famously recalls Jacob's encounter with God, where he wrestled and saw God "face to face" (Genesis 32:30). The repetition of such names suggests a continuation of spiritual legacy or a hope for similar divine encounters.
The inclusion of these names, even without explicit commentary, implies a tapestry of faith and experience woven into the very fabric of Israelite families.
Significance and Application
Though a brief mention, 1 Chronicles 8:25, like other genealogical entries, speaks to profound truths. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, who carefully orchestrates history and remembers every individual. For the ancient Israelites, these lists were foundational, establishing their connection to the covenant and their place in God's plan.
For us today, these seemingly dry lists underscore God's faithfulness across generations. They ultimately pave the way for the genealogy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of a chosen lineage to fulfill His ultimate redemptive purposes. Even in the recording of seemingly obscure names, we see the hand of a sovereign God working out His grand design.
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Commentary
This verse is a concise entry within the extensive genealogies found in the book of 1 Chronicles. It lists two individuals, Iphedeiah and Penuel, identified as sons of Shashak, contributing to the detailed historical record of the Israelite tribes.
Context
1 Chronicles chapters 1-9 are dedicated almost entirely to genealogies, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, Chapter 8 focuses exclusively on the tribe of Benjamin, detailing its various families and their leaders. These meticulous records were crucial for several reasons in ancient Israel:
The Chronicler compiled these lists, likely after the Babylonian exile, to re-establish the identity and structure of the returned community, reminding them of their heritage and God's faithfulness.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
While the verse itself is a simple enumeration, the names often carry significant meaning in Hebrew:
The inclusion of these names, even without explicit commentary, implies a tapestry of faith and experience woven into the very fabric of Israelite families.
Significance and Application
Though a brief mention, 1 Chronicles 8:25, like other genealogical entries, speaks to profound truths. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, who carefully orchestrates history and remembers every individual. For the ancient Israelites, these lists were foundational, establishing their connection to the covenant and their place in God's plan.
For us today, these seemingly dry lists underscore God's faithfulness across generations. They ultimately pave the way for the genealogy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of a chosen lineage to fulfill His ultimate redemptive purposes. Even in the recording of seemingly obscure names, we see the hand of a sovereign God working out His grand design.
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.