How does the lineage in 1 Chronicles 7:6 connect to Israel's history? The Line Recorded “ “The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael—three in all.” ” (1 Chronicles 7:6) Why Another Genealogy? • Chronicles was compiled after the exile to remind returned Israelites of their roots and covenant identity. • The Chronicler singles out Benjamin here to highlight God’s faithfulness to preserve every tribe, even the small, war-torn tribe that nearly vanished in Judges 20–21. Linking Back to Genesis • Genesis 35:18—Rachel names her last son Ben-oni (“son of my sorrow”); Jacob renames him Benjamin (“son of the right hand”). • Genesis 46:21 lists Benjamin’s descendants who entered Egypt: “Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.” • 1 Chronicles 7:6 narrows to three lines—Bela, Becher, Jediael. The Chronicler groups later generations under these key clan heads, just as Numbers 26:38-41 clusters sub-families under Bela (the Belaites), and so on. • Scripture harmonizes by viewing some names as grandsons or alternate spellings, not contradictions (e.g., Ashbel often folded under Bela). Benjamin’s Place in Israel’s Story • Territory: centrally located around Jerusalem, giving strategic military value (Joshua 18). • Judges 20–21: near-extinction, yet God preserves a remnant, fulfilling the promises to the patriarchs. • King Saul: first monarch, “a Benjamite, a man of standing” (1 Samuel 9:1-2). • Mordecai and Queen Esther: “a Benjamite, a descendant of Kish” (Esther 2:5). • The apostle Paul: “of the tribe of Benjamin” (Philippians 3:5), showcasing the tribe’s ongoing role even into the New Covenant era. Bela, Becher, and Jediael—Key Clan Streams • Bela – The largest Benjamite clan (Numbers 26:38: 45,600 fighting men). – Produced Ehud, the left-handed judge who delivered Israel from Moab (Judges 3:15). • Becher – Possibly identical with “Beker” (Numbers 26:35) or “Machir’s son Bishri” (2 Samuel 2:8); a clan known for warriors (1 Chronicles 7:8-9 tallies 22,200). • Jediael – Means “God makes known.” – His descendants numbered 17,200 mighty men (1 Chronicles 7:10-11), underscoring Benjamin’s resurgence after Judges 20. Themes the Genealogy Underscores • Preservation: God guards covenant promises despite human failure. • Restoration: A once-decimated tribe becomes a fountain of leaders and heroes. • Identity: Every returned exile could trace his line and prove rightful inheritance (Ezra 2:59-63). • Messianic Hope: Judah provides the royal line (Genesis 49:10), but Benjamin contributes protectors, prophets, and apostles who advance God’s plan. Takeaway 1 Chronicles 7:6 is more than names; it stitches Benjamin’s story—from Rachel’s sorrow to post-exilic hope—into the tapestry of Israel’s history, displaying the steadfast faithfulness of God who remembers every family and keeps every promise. |
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