Lexical Summary Eder: Eder Original Word: עֶדֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ader From adar; an arrangement (i.e. Drove); Eder, an Israelite -- Ader. see HEBREW adar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom adar Definition a Benjamite NASB Translation Eder (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עֶ֫דֶר] proper name, masculine a Benjamite, עָ֑דֶר 1 Chronicles 8:15; ᵐ5 Ωδηδ, A Ωδερ, ᵐ5L Αδαρ. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context “Zebadiah, Arad, Eder” (1 Chronicles 8:15) appears in the genealogy of Benjamin recorded in the Chronicler’s post-exilic compilation. The passage recounts the descendants of Elpaal, a prominent Benjamite, and situates Eder among the early clan heads that ultimately produced Israel’s first king, Saul (1 Chronicles 8:33) and, centuries later, the apostle Paul (Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5). Genealogical Significance Eder’s placement within the Elpaal line illustrates how Scripture preserves even the most obscure names to demonstrate God’s meticulous care for His covenant people. Though Eder’s individual exploits are not recorded, his inclusion attests to the unbroken succession of Benjamin, a tribe that survived civil war (Judges 20), exile (2 Kings 24–25), and dispersion, yet re-emerged in the Chronicler’s record as a living testimony to divine preservation. This continuity reinforces the reliability of the Davidic and, by extension, Messianic genealogies that depend on the accuracy of tribal records (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). Etymological and Theological Reflections Derived from a root that denotes a “flock” or “herd,” the name Eder evokes shepherd imagery pervasive throughout Scripture. From Abel’s offering (Genesis 4:4) to the pastoral scenes of Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34, the care of a flock becomes a paradigm for God’s covenantal oversight. In the New Testament the shepherd motif culminates in Jesus Christ, the “good shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Eder’s name therefore quietly anticipates this redemptive theme, reminding readers that every biblical genealogy—however brief—sits within a larger narrative of divine shepherding. Historical Setting 1 Chronicles was composed after the Babylonian exile, when the returning community needed assurance of its identity and legitimate claim to the land. By documenting tribal heads such as Eder, the Chronicler grounded the restored nation in pre-exilic history, legitimizing its re-establishment around Jerusalem and its temple worship (Ezra 1–6). The appearance of Benjaminite leaders in the list is especially significant: Benjamin’s territory included parts of Jerusalem, and its men provided loyal support to Judah during the divided monarchy (1 Kings 12:21). Names like Eder thus symbolize renewed hope for unity and covenant faithfulness. Ministry and Discipleship Applications 1. Value of the Individual: Eder’s solitary mention shows that every believer, however unnoticed, is recorded before God (Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12). Summary Eder (עֶדֶר) is a single-verse Benjamite whose obscurity belies a profound testament to God’s preserving grace, the significance of every covenant member, and the wider shepherd motif that ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations וָעָֽדֶר׃ ועדר׃ vaAder wā‘āḏer wā·‘ā·ḏerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:15 HEB: וּזְבַדְיָ֥ה וַעֲרָ֖ד וָעָֽדֶר׃ NAS: Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, KJV: And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader, INT: Zebadiah Arad Eder 1 Occurrence |
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