How does 1 Chronicles 8:39 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His people?

Setting the Scene

• 1 Chronicles 8 closes a long genealogy of Benjamin—a tribe once nearly wiped out (Judges 20–21).

• Verse 39 appears simple: “The sons of Eshek: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.” (1 Chronicles 8:39)

• Behind the names stands a testimony: God kept Benjamin alive, thriving, and documented.

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How the Verse Reveals God’s Faithfulness

• Preservation after near-extinction

– Judges 21:3, 17 records Israel asking, “How shall a remnant be preserved for Benjamin?”

– Centuries later, 1 Chronicles 8 lists not just survivors but flourishing clans—proof that the Lord answered.

• Detailed record-keeping

– Genealogies highlight God’s intimate knowledge of every family (Psalm 147:4).

– He “remembers His covenant forever” (Psalm 105:8). Each recorded name underscores that promise.

• Continuity of Saul’s line

– Earlier verses trace Eshek back through Ner, Kish, and Saul (8:33–38).

– Though Saul failed, God still honored Israel’s first royal house by preserving descendants (2 Samuel 7:15 shows God’s discipline without abandonment).

• Multiplication and strength

– The very next verse notes Ulam’s sons “were mighty men of valor—archers” (8:40).

– Growth from one man to a band of warriors reflects the covenant promise of fruitfulness (Genesis 17:6).

• Preparation for future blessing

– From Benjamin would come the apostle Paul (Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5).

– God’s care in 8:39 sets the stage for New-Testament ministry, showing He consistently works long-range for His people’s good (Jeremiah 29:11).

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Takeaways for Today

• God keeps covenant even when circumstances look hopeless.

• He sees and values individuals and families others overlook.

• Our failures do not cancel His larger redemptive purposes.

• The faithfulness displayed in a single verse assures believers that every detail of our lives rests in His trustworthy hands (Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24).