What can we learn about God's faithfulness from 1 Chronicles 8:38? Setting the Scene 1 Chronicles 8 is a genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, compiled after the exile to show that God had preserved every family line. Verse 38 reads: “ Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.” Observations in the Verse • Six sons—evidence of growth and continuity in a tribe nearly destroyed in Judges 20–21. • Names recorded—God knows each person individually. • Placement after exile—reminder that the Lord restored what seemed lost. What This Reveals About God’s Faithfulness • He preserves His people even through judgment and exile (Leviticus 26:44; Nehemiah 9:31). • He keeps covenant promises to all twelve tribes, not just the royal line of Judah (Jeremiah 33:24-26). • He values individuals; no name is too obscure for His record (Luke 12:7). • He multiplies and rebuilds what was almost wiped out (Isaiah 49:19-20). • He weaves ordinary families into His redemptive plan—Benjamin later gives Israel its first king (1 Samuel 9) and the apostle Paul (Romans 11:1). Name Meanings That Echo God’s Character • Azrikam—“My help is rising”: the Lord raises up aid. • Bocheru—“Firstborn”: God grants heirs and legacy. • Ishmael—“God hears”: He listens to the cry of His people. • Sheariah—“The LORD is gate”: He opens and protects the way forward. • Obadiah—“Servant of the LORD”: He forms servants for His purposes. • Hanan—“Gracious”: He acts with unmerited favor. Scriptures Confirming These Themes • Genesis 12:2-3—God commits to perpetuate Abraham’s line. • Psalm 105:8-10—He remembers His covenant forever. • 1 Samuel 12:22—“The LORD will not forsake His people.” • Jeremiah 33:14—promise of restoration after exile. • 2 Timothy 2:13—“He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” Living It Out Today • Trust Him to remember you when you feel overlooked; your name is written on His heart (Isaiah 49:16). • Expect Him to restore what seems irretrievably broken; He specializes in reviving “near-extinct” situations. • Value spiritual heritage—record and retell God’s acts in your family as the Chronicler did. • Serve with confidence; even the “minor” roles are part of His unfolding story. |
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