How does 1 Chronicles 8:21 fit into the genealogy of Benjamin's descendants? Setting the Scene • 1 Chronicles 8 is a careful, literal record of Benjamin’s clan, moving from the patriarch himself (vv. 1-2) down through many generations until it reaches Saul (vv. 29-33). • The Chronicler arranges the material in blocks: a father’s name is given, several verses list his sons, and a closing phrase identifies whose sons they are. The Road to Shimei 1. Benjamin 2. Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, Rapha (vv. 1-2) 3. Several intermediate generations, including Ehud (vv. 6-7) and Shaharaim (vv. 8-11) 4. Elpaal (v. 11) 5. From Elpaal come multiple branches: • Beriah (vv. 13-16) • Shimei (vv. 19-21) ← our focus Verse 21 in the Text “ Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.” (1 Chronicles 8:21) How the Verse Fits • Verses 19-21 list sixteen names; verse 21 gives the final three. • Verse 21 completes the catalog and, with the phrase “the sons of Shimei,” ties vv. 19-21 together under one father. • Shimei himself is a grandson (or later descendant) of Elpaal, who is a great-grandson of Benjamin. • The structure looks like this: Benjamin → … → Elpaal Elpaal’s branch “B” → Shimei Shimei → Adaiah, Beraiah, Shimrath (plus the thirteen names in vv. 19-20) Why This Matters • Accuracy: every clan and sub-clan is recorded so land rights and tribal duties (cf. Numbers 26:53-56) remain clear. • Continuity: the Chronicler shows an unbroken line from Benjamin to Saul (vv. 29-33), validating Saul’s kingship in Israel’s early monarchy (1 Samuel 9:1-2). • Care: God’s Spirit inspired even the lesser-known names, reminding us that “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13). Take-Home Insights • God values individuals and families—He wrote their names into Scripture, and He knows ours just as personally (Isaiah 49:16). • Faithfulness passes through generations; Benjamin’s line produced warriors (1 Chron 8:40) and kings (Saul), proving that heritage can be a channel for God’s purposes. |
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