This verse shows that every individual and family line was treasured in Israel’s history, revealing that God’s story welcomes all who continue the covenant legacy.
In 1 Chronicles 8:11, the Chronicler records part of the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin and states, “By Hushim he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal.” (v.11) This verse highlights two sons of Shaharaim, whose family line plays a small but significant role in tracing the descendants of Israel. Earlier, we learn that Shaharaim fathered children in Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea where he temporarily resided (1 Chronicles 8:8). Here, Hushim is mentioned as one of Shaharaim’s wives who bore Abitub and Elpaal. Although neither mother nor sons appear prominently elsewhere in Scripture, their names bear witness to the Chronicler’s aim: to provide a thorough and accurate account of how Israel’s families continued and multiplied after times of war and displacement.
Moab, where some of these children were born, was a territory known for both hostility and occasional alliance with Israel (Judges 3:12-30; Ruth 1:1-4). Its location across the Jordan River and along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea made it a frequent point of migration or conflict. By including details of Shaharaim’s children in Moab, the Chronicler underscores that various branches of Israel’s tribes formed and preserved their lineage beyond their traditional homeland—even in places once considered foreign or adversarial. Such inclusions in 1 Chronicles reveal how the exiles valued genealogical integrity and historical memory upon returning to rebuild their community and identity.
Within the broader narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, the mention of lesser-known figures like Hushim, Abitub, and Elpaal testifies to the Chronicler’s emphasis on every clan’s contribution to the tapestry of Israel’s history. Even though these specific individuals did not shape key events, they were part of the tribe of Benjamin’s ongoing heritage—which would ultimately include figures such as King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2) and, centuries later, the Apostle Paul, who famously identified himself as “of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1). Through each name and family record, 1 Chronicles proclaims that no branch of God’s people is insignificant in His unfolding plan.
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1 Chronicles 8:11 meaning
In 1 Chronicles 8:11, the Chronicler records part of the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin and states, “By Hushim he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal.” (v.11) This verse highlights two sons of Shaharaim, whose family line plays a small but significant role in tracing the descendants of Israel. Earlier, we learn that Shaharaim fathered children in Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea where he temporarily resided (1 Chronicles 8:8). Here, Hushim is mentioned as one of Shaharaim’s wives who bore Abitub and Elpaal. Although neither mother nor sons appear prominently elsewhere in Scripture, their names bear witness to the Chronicler’s aim: to provide a thorough and accurate account of how Israel’s families continued and multiplied after times of war and displacement.
Moab, where some of these children were born, was a territory known for both hostility and occasional alliance with Israel (Judges 3:12-30; Ruth 1:1-4). Its location across the Jordan River and along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea made it a frequent point of migration or conflict. By including details of Shaharaim’s children in Moab, the Chronicler underscores that various branches of Israel’s tribes formed and preserved their lineage beyond their traditional homeland—even in places once considered foreign or adversarial. Such inclusions in 1 Chronicles reveal how the exiles valued genealogical integrity and historical memory upon returning to rebuild their community and identity.
Within the broader narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, the mention of lesser-known figures like Hushim, Abitub, and Elpaal testifies to the Chronicler’s emphasis on every clan’s contribution to the tapestry of Israel’s history. Even though these specific individuals did not shape key events, they were part of the tribe of Benjamin’s ongoing heritage—which would ultimately include figures such as King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2) and, centuries later, the Apostle Paul, who famously identified himself as “of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1). Through each name and family record, 1 Chronicles proclaims that no branch of God’s people is insignificant in His unfolding plan.