What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 8:2? Nohah the fourth “ Nohah the fourth ” (1 Chronicles 8:2) • The Chronicler is recording the literal birth order of Benjamin’s sons (1 Chronicles 8:1–2), affirming that every individual in God’s covenant family is known and counted (compare Numbers 1:36–37; Numbers 26:38–40). • Earlier records list some different names for Benjamin’s descendants (Genesis 46:21), but that reflects generations unfolding, not contradiction; Scripture simply shows various stages of the same family tree. • Nohah’s clan is not prominent elsewhere, yet his placement here underlines that obscurity never equals insignificance to God (Psalm 139:15–16). • Each Benjamite clan would later receive its portion in the land (Joshua 18:11, 21–28), so this single line preserves Nohah’s legal claim for posterity. • The fourth position reminds us that God’s plans include order and completeness (1 Corinthians 14:33), even in lists that may feel routine to us. Rapha the fifth “ and Rapha the fifth.” (1 Chronicles 8:2) • Rapha closes the primary list of Benjamin’s five sons (1 Chronicles 8:1–2). Placing him fifth caps the family ledger with the assurance that no branch was forgotten (Isaiah 49:15–16). • Some later Benjamite names echo “Raphah/Rapha” (1 Chronicles 8:37), hinting that his line continued and was remembered, though little detail is given. • While the name Rapha appears elsewhere for giants slain by David’s men (2 Samuel 21:18, 20, 22), this Rapha is simply a Benjamite patriarch. Scripture distinguishes people with identical names without error, showing dependable historical precision. • Like the other brothers, Rapha’s inclusion secured inheritance rights (Numbers 27:8–11) and demonstrated that God “sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6). • The final son’s mention rounds out Benjamin’s household, illustrating that God’s record-keeping is thorough (Malachi 3:16). summary In one brief verse—“ Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth ”—God affirms that every person and every family line matters. The literal order of birth is preserved so the tribes could trace inheritance, fulfill covenant duties, and see the unfailing faithfulness of the Lord who knows each name. Even when individual stories remain untold, their place in God’s purposes is secure, reminding us that He values accuracy, order, and the worth of every life within His people. |
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