What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 7:10? Bilhan “The son of Jediael: Bilhan.” (1 Chronicles 7:10) • Jediael is listed earlier as one of the three sons of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:6), so Bilhan is Benjamin’s great-grandson. • Because genealogies in Chronicles are arranged to confirm tribal identity after the exile, Bilhan’s place anchors one branch of Benjamin’s lineage alongside Bela’s and Becher’s (compare Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:38-41). • The accuracy of the record shows God’s faithfulness in preserving every family line so Israel could reclaim its inheritance (see Ezra 2:59-63 for the importance of clear ancestry). Jeush “The sons of Bilhan: Jeush…” • Jeush heads the first clan descended from Bilhan. • Another Jeush appears among Esau’s sons (Genesis 36:5), reminding us that common names do not blur the distinct tribes God established. • When verse 11 tallies 17,200 “mighty warriors, ready for battle,” Jeush’s descendants help form that number, showing how God multiplied Benjamin after the devastation of Judges 20. Benjamin “…Benjamin…” • This Benjamin is a grandson of Jediael, sharing the patriarch’s name. The repetition honors the tribe’s founder, much like how “Judah” recurs within David’s family (1 Chronicles 4:1). • Cross-reference 1 Chronicles 8:1-3, where another internal Benjamin line appears; Chronicles often records parallel branches to show the tribe’s breadth. Ehud “…Ehud…” • Ehud’s name echoes the left-handed judge who delivered Israel from Moab (Judges 3:15), and the Chronicler’s audience would remember that story. • God’s earlier salvation through Judge Ehud underscores how He can raise future deliverers from any Benjaminite clan (cf. 1 Samuel 9:1-2, where Saul also arises from Benjamin). Chenaanah “…Chenaanah…” • Though unmentioned elsewhere, Chenaanah’s inclusion affirms that no household is overlooked in God’s record (Psalm 87:6). • The wider context (1 Chronicles 7:7, 9) lists the “heads of their families,” indicating Chenaanah led a recognized sub-clan. Zethan “…Zethan…” • Zethan’s family contributes to the military census of verse 11, showing how genealogies link directly to national readiness (Numbers 1:3, 47). • By listing him beside better-known names, Scripture teaches that every believer’s service matters, whether celebrated or quiet (1 Corinthians 12:22-24). Tarshish “…Tarshish…” • The name recalls the far-flung seaport to which Jonah fled (Jonah 1:3), hinting at Israel’s maritime awareness. • While this Tarshish is a man, not a place, the resonance reminds readers that God’s purposes reach both near and distant lands (Isaiah 66:19). Ahishahar “…and Ahishahar.” • As the seventh son, Ahishahar completes Bilhan’s line, echoing the biblical pattern of fullness linked with the number seven (Genesis 2:2-3). • His presence rounds out the tally of clans that will be numbered as “mighty men of valor” in the next verse, demonstrating how completeness in family leads to completeness in service (Nehemiah 4:13-14). summary 1 Chronicles 7:10 records that Jediael’s lone son Bilhan fathered seven sons—Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. Far more than a dry list, the verse certifies the historic line of Benjamin after the exile, shows God’s meticulous care for every family, and lays the groundwork for the tribe’s strength counted in verse 11. Each name—famous or obscure—testifies that the Lord knows His people individually and equips them collectively for His purposes. |
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