Topical Encyclopedia Beraiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. His name, which can be interpreted as "Yahweh has created" or "Yahweh has chosen," reflects the common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the name of God (Yahweh) into personal names, signifying a relationship or dedication to God.Biblical Reference: Beraiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:21, within the genealogical listings of the tribe of Benjamin. The passage reads: "Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei." This brief mention places Beraiah within the context of the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people through their ancestral lines. Tribal Context: The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in Israel's history. It was the smallest of the tribes but produced notable figures, including King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles highlight the importance of each family within the tribe, underscoring the value of heritage and identity in the biblical narrative. Theological Significance: While Beraiah himself is not a prominent figure in biblical history, his inclusion in the genealogical record underscores the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Each name in these genealogies represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that every individual, regardless of their prominence, plays a role in the unfolding of God's purposes. The genealogies also serve to remind readers of the importance of family and community in the life of faith. They reflect the interconnectedness of God's people and the shared responsibility to uphold and transmit the faith to future generations. Cultural and Historical Insights: In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. They provided a sense of belonging and continuity, connecting individuals to their ancestral past and to the larger account of their people. For the Israelites, genealogies were also a means of affirming their identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes. Beraiah's mention, though brief, is part of this larger tapestry, illustrating the meticulous care with which the chronicler recorded the history and heritage of Israel. This attention to detail reflects the belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture, where even the seemingly minor details contribute to the overarching narrative of God's interaction with humanity. Conclusion: Beraiah, as a descendant of Benjamin, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel and their role in the biblical account. His inclusion in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of each individual in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BeraiahSmith's Bible Dictionary Beraiah(created by Jehovah), son of Shimhi, a chief man of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:21) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BERAIAHbe-ri'-a (bera'yah, "Yah hath created"): A son of Shimei of the house of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:21). Strong's Hebrew 1256. Berayah -- "Yah has created," a Benjamite... 1255, 1256. Berayah. 1257 . "Yah has created," a Benjamite. Transliteration: Berayah Phonetic Spelling: (ber-aw-yaw') Short Definition: Beraiah. ... Beraiah. ... /hebrew/1256.htm - 6k Thesaurus Beraiah (1 Occurrence)...BERAIAH. be-ri'-a (bera'yah, "Yah hath created"): A son of Shimei of the house of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:21). Multi-Version Concordance Beraiah (1 Occurrence) ... /b/beraiah.htm - 6k Berai'ah (1 Occurrence) Berachiah (1 Occurrence) Adaiah (8 Occurrences) Adai'ah (9 Occurrences) Shimhi (1 Occurrence) Shimrath (1 Occurrence) Heber (13 Occurrences) Shim'ei (40 Occurrences) Shimei (43 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Beraiah (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 8:21 Subtopics Related Terms |