Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary1 Chronicles 8

GenealogiesThis chapter gives a list of the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. There are not many stories or details, but these names were important for the people returning from exile. The records may seem confusing to us today, but they helped the Israelites find their family groups and old lands. Some names are preserved here for honor, while many powerful people from other nations are forgotten. The tribe of Benjamin was almost destroyed in the time of the judges, but here it is shown as strong again. Special people and events are mentioned, like Ehud the judge, Benjamites driving out the people of Gath, and those who lived in Jerusalem. These records encouraged the people to reclaim their place in God’s plan.v. 1–5: The list starts with Benjamin’s sons and their descendants. The order and details may be different from other records, but Ezra copied them as he found them in the books of the kings of Israel and Judah (1 Chronicles 9:1 ). Each tribe had its own way of recording names and numbers.

v. 6–8: The genealogy mentions Ehud, who was likely the judge who delivered Israel from the Moabites (Judges 3:15 ). He was called the son of Gera, and some of his descendants lived in Moab. This may have happened because of his victory over the Moabite king.

v. 13: Some Benjamites are listed who drove away the inhabitants of Gath (1 Chronicles 8:13 ). This might have been a response to the people of Gath killing the sons of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:21 ). One of the leaders was named Beriah, keeping the memory of past troubles alive.

v. 28, 32: Special mention is made of those who dwelt in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:28,32 ). This was important because, after the exile, few people wanted to return to Jerusalem since it was dangerous. But those who did, followed the example of their ancestors and were honored for it (Nehemiah 11:2 ).

v. 33–40: The genealogy finishes with the family of Saul, Israel’s first king. This shows that even though Benjamin was once almost lost, God raised leaders from this small tribe. The memory of God’s people is kept alive, and their names are honored, just as the memory of the just is blessed (Proverbs 10:7 ). This section focuses on the genealogies of Israel, especially the family of Saul. The lists do not mention any kings of Israel after the nation split from the house of David. These later kings, like Jeroboam and Baasha, are not included because they followed idols. However, the family line of Saul, Israel's king before David, is described in detail. This shows respect for Saul's family, and especially for Jonathan's descendants, because of the friendship and covenant between Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 20:15, 23, 42 ).v. 33: The genealogy lists Kish and Ner as Saul's father and grandfather . In 1 Samuel 9:1 , Kish is called the son of Abiel, but here he is named the son of Ner. In truth, Kish was the son of Ner and the grandson of Abiel, as shown in 1 Samuel 14:51 : Ner was Abiel's son, and Abner, Saul's uncle, was the son of Ner. So, Kish and Abner were brothers. It is common in Hebrew and other languages to sometimes call grandsons ‘sons,’ especially in genealogies. Saul’s lineage is highlighted to show how God used the tribe of Benjamin to lead and govern the people, despite their failings (1 Samuel 15:10-11; 2 Samuel 21:14 ). Saul’s descendants, listed down to the fifth generation, demonstrate the continuity of the house of Saul and its importance in Israel’s history, even after Saul’s fall.

v. 34-40: The genealogy continues with Saul’s sons. Only Jonathan’s descendants are mentioned in detail. Jonathan’s line is recorded for about ten generations. This may be because David wanted to honor the promise he made to Jonathan that their families would always be connected (1 Samuel 20:15, 23, 42 ). The genealogy ends with Ulam, whose family became famous in the tribe of Benjamin. Ulam’s descendants were known as mighty warriors—150 skilled archers were counted among them (1 Chronicles 8:40 ). Their strength and courage were more important than their wealth or social status. This was what people respected about them: they served their country bravely.