What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 8:18? context “Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.” (1 Chronicles 8:18) The verse sits in a long list of Benjamin’s descendants (1 Chronicles 8:1-40). God inspired this genealogy to: • anchor Israel’s history in verifiable families (compare Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:38-41). • highlight His faithfulness to every generation (Psalm 33:11). • trace the lineage of warriors and city-builders who would later defend the land (1 Chronicles 8:12, 40). Even a single line like verse 18 reminds us that ordinary names matter to the Lord and are recorded permanently in Scripture (Malachi 3:16). ishmerai Placed first among Elpaal’s three sons, Ishmerai’s name opens a new mini-branch in the record. From this we notice: • God tracks individuals, not just tribes. 1 Chronicles 8:27-28 lists household heads “registered in the genealogies.” • The first-listed son often carries responsibility for the family’s future (compare 1 Chronicles 9:1). • Though Scripture says nothing more about Ishmerai’s exploits, his inclusion testifies that a life can honor God simply by being part of His covenant people (Romans 12:4-5). izliah Second in the trio: • His quiet placement echoes many lesser-known figures who nonetheless helped preserve the nation (Nehemiah 11:6, where 468 “valiant men” of Benjamin resettled Jerusalem). • Hidden service still counts. God “is not unjust to forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10). Izliah’s recorded name guarantees divine remembrance. jobab Third son: • Other men called Jobab appear elsewhere (Genesis 36:33; Job 42:17 footnote), suggesting the name endured among Israel. • The repetition of common names shows broad family connections; the tribes were interwoven, ready to rally together in crisis (Judges 20:14-16). • His mention completes the set, underscoring that every child in a covenant home receives equal standing before God (Ephesians 6:4). elpaal The father of the three: • 1 Chronicles 8:12 records that Elpaal’s line built the towns of Ono and Lod, later re-fortified after the exile (Nehemiah 11:35). • His descendants were “mighty men of valor, archers” (1 Chronicles 8:40), showing how one faithful household can bless a nation militarily and spiritually. • Elpaal’s family demonstrates generational influence—cities established in verse 12 still mattered centuries later in Acts 9:32 (Lydda/Lod), proving Scripture’s historical reliability. summary 1 Chronicles 8:18, though brief, teaches that God values real people in real time. Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab may never headline children’s stories, yet their father Elpaal’s household helped build towns, raise warriors, and preserve the tribe of Benjamin. The verse assures us that: • God notices every name. • Faithfulness within a family line can reach far beyond one generation. • Scriptural genealogies are more than lists; they underline the accuracy of God’s Word and the enduring worth He places on each life shaped by His covenant grace. |
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