1 Chronicles 9:36

And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

And his firstborn {H1060} son {H1121} Abdon {H5658}, then Zur {H6698}, and Kish {H7027}, and Baal {H1168}, and Ner {H5369}, and Nadab {H5070},

and his firstborn son 'Avdon, Tzur, Kish, Ba'al, Ner, Nadav,

Abdon was his firstborn son, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,

and his first-born son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:36 is a verse from a detailed genealogical record, specifically listing some of the descendants of Jeiel, an ancestor of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. This particular verse names six of his sons: Abdon (his firstborn), Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, and Nadab.

Context

The Book of 1 Chronicles meticulously records the genealogies and history of Israel, primarily from Adam to the return from Babylonian exile, with a strong emphasis on the Davidic monarchy and the priestly lines. Chapter 9 focuses on the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return from exile, highlighting the continuity of the Israelite community and their tribal heritage. Verses 35-44 of 1 Chronicles 9 provide a detailed lineage of the family of Jeiel, which is a near-identical account to the genealogy found in 1 Chronicles 8:29-38. This section is crucial for establishing the pre-Davidic royal line through the tribe of Benjamin, leading directly to King Saul.

Key Themes

  • Continuity and Preservation: The inclusion of such detailed genealogies underscores God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His people, even through periods of great disruption like the Babylonian exile. It shows the meticulous care taken to record family lines.
  • Identity and Heritage: For the returning exiles, knowing their ancestral lines was vital for re-establishing their tribal identity, land inheritance, and their place within the covenant community. These lists provided a tangible connection to their past and their future in the land.
  • Foundation for Kingship: This specific lineage is significant because it traces the family tree leading to King Saul, Israel's first king. It sets the historical stage for the monarchy before the rise of the Davidic dynasty.

Linguistic Insights

The names listed in this verse are Hebrew, typical of the period. While some names in the Bible carry specific meanings that offer deeper insights (e.g., Isaac meaning "he laughs"), in this particular genealogical context, the primary significance of these names (Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab) is their function as identifiers within the family tree, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the historical record.

Practical Application

While a list of names might seem dry, 1 Chronicles 9:36, like other genealogies, offers profound insights:

  • God's Faithfulness in Detail: It reminds us that God is intricately involved in the details of history, preserving lines and fulfilling His purposes even through generations. Every life, even those simply listed, is part of His grand narrative.
  • Our Place in God's Story: We are all part of a larger story, connected to those who came before us and those who will come after. Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our sense of belonging and purpose.
  • Value of History: The Bible's emphasis on historical record-keeping, even in seemingly minor details, teaches us the importance of understanding our past and appreciating the foundations upon which our present is built.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 8:33 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:39 (2 votes)

    And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.