1 Chronicles 8:2
Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
Nohah the fourth
The name "Nohah" is derived from the Hebrew root "נוח" (nuach), which means "rest" or "quiet." This name may suggest a character or a time of peace and tranquility, reflecting a period in the lineage of Benjamin where there was a sense of stability or rest. In the broader biblical narrative, the tribe of Benjamin often found itself in tumultuous situations, yet the mention of "Nohah" could symbolize a divine promise of rest amidst the chaos. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was small but significant, often caught between larger tribes and nations. The placement of Nohah as the "fourth" son may indicate a position of balance and completion, as the number four often symbolizes universality and wholeness in biblical numerology.

and Rapha the fifth
The name "Rapha" comes from the Hebrew root "רפא" (rapha), meaning "to heal" or "to restore." This name carries a powerful connotation of healing and restoration, suggesting that Rapha's role or legacy within the tribe of Benjamin was one of bringing wholeness and recovery. The number five in biblical terms often represents grace and God's goodness. Thus, "Rapha the fifth" could symbolize a divine grace bestowed upon the tribe, a healing presence that God provided to ensure the tribe's survival and prosperity. In the historical context, the tribe of Benjamin faced many challenges, including near extinction during the events described in Judges 20. The mention of Rapha may serve as a reminder of God's restorative power and His ability to bring life and healing to His people, even in the direst circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nohah
Nohah is listed as the fourth son of Benjamin. His name means "rest" or "quietness," which may reflect a characteristic or hope associated with him or his descendants.

2. Rapha
Rapha is the fifth son of Benjamin. The name Rapha can mean "healed" or "giant," which might indicate a notable trait or role within the tribe of Benjamin.

3. Tribe of Benjamin
This tribe is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The tribe played a significant role in Israel's history, including producing the first king, Saul.
Teaching Points
Understanding Lineage and Heritage
The genealogies in the Bible, such as those in 1 Chronicles, remind us of the importance of heritage and God's faithfulness through generations. Reflect on your spiritual heritage and how it shapes your faith journey.

Significance of Names
Biblical names often carry meanings that reflect character or destiny. Consider the meaning of your name or the names of those in your family and how they might inspire or challenge you in your walk with God.

Role of the Tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin, though small, played a crucial role in Israel's history. This teaches us that size or status does not determine significance in God's plan. Reflect on how God can use you, regardless of your perceived limitations.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies demonstrate God's sovereignty and meticulous care in orchestrating history. Trust in God's control over the details of your life, knowing He has a purpose for you.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the genealogies in 1 Chronicles about God's faithfulness to His people?

2. How does understanding the meaning of names in the Bible enhance our comprehension of biblical accounts?

3. In what ways does the history of the tribe of Benjamin encourage us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when we feel insignificant?

4. How can reflecting on your spiritual heritage help you grow in your faith and relationship with God?

5. What are some practical ways you can trust in God's sovereignty over the details of your life, as seen in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 35:24
This verse lists the sons of Rachel, including Benjamin, providing context for the lineage and importance of Benjamin's descendants.

1 Samuel 9:1-2
This passage introduces Saul, a descendant of Benjamin, highlighting the tribe's significance in Israel's monarchy.

Judges 20:12-48
This section describes a civil conflict involving the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating the tribe's complex history and interactions with other tribes.
Readings Between the Lines1 Chronicles 8:1-40
Readings Between the LinesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 8:1-40
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abdon, Abihud, Abinadab, Abishua, Abitub, Abner, Adaiah, Addar, Ader, Aharah, Ahaz, Ahiah, Ahihud, Ahijah, Ahio, Ahitub, Ahoah, Alemeth, Antothijah, Arad, Ashbel, Athaliah, Azel, Azmaveth, Azrikam, Baara, Beerah, Bela, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Beraiah, Beriah, Binea, Bocheru, Ebed, Eber, Eder, Ehud, Elam, Eleasah, Eliah, Eliel, Elienai, Elijah, Eliphelet, Elpaal, Eshbaal, Eshek, Gedor, Gera, Gibeon, Hanan, Hananiah, Heber, Hezeki, Hodesh, Huram, Hushim, Iphedeiah, Ishmael, Ishmerai, Ishpan, Ispah, Jakim, Jaresiah, Jehoadah, Jehush, Jeiel, Jeremoth, Jeroham, Jeush, Jeuz, Jezliah, Jobab, Joha, Jonathan, Kish, Maacah, Maachah, Malcham, Malchishua, Manahath, Melech, Meribbaal, Mesha, Meshullam, Micah, Michael, Mikloth, Mirma, Misham, Moabites, Moza, Naaman, Nadab, Ner, Nohah, Obadiah, Penuel, Pithon, Rapha, Saul, Shachia, Shaharaim, Shamer, Shamsherai, Shashak, Sheariah, Shehariah, Shema, Shemer, Shephuphan, Shimeah, Shimei, Shimhi, Shimrath, Tarea, Ulam, Uzza, Zabdi, Zacher, Zebadiah, Zechariah, Zibia, Zichri, Zilthai, Zimri, Zur
Places
Aijalon, Beth-shan, Gath, Geba, Gibeon, Jerusalem, Lod, Manahath, Moab, Ono
Topics
Fifth, Fourth, Nohah, Rapha
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 8:1-28

     7230   genealogies

1 Chronicles 8:1-40

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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