1 Chronicles 8:17 lists four men of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting Israel’s meticulous genealogical records and affirming the unbroken line of God’s people through exile to restoration.
In 1 Chronicles 8:17, the Chronicler makes a genealogical statement that specifically includes four names from the tribe of Benjamin, stating that Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, [and] Heber (v.17) were part of the ancestral record. This mention occurs within a long list of genealogies in 1 Chronicles 8, which recounts the legacy of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel). These genealogies, recorded after the Babylonian exile, firmly establish the heritage of Israel’s people, reminding them of their unique identity as God’s covenant community rather than assimilating with foreign nations. The tribe of Benjamin itself held strategic importance in Israel’s history—Israel’s first king, Saul, came from Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1-2), showing how the Chronicler carefully preserves ancestral lines that lead into events of the monarchy.
In the larger context, 1 Chronicles was likely compiled (or written) during or after the return from Babylonian exile, a period around 450-400 BC, to demonstrate God’s faithfulness and the connection of post-exilic Israelites to their forefathers (1 Chronicles 9:1). Linking prominent people back to Benjamin underscores the continuity of God’s promises to the tribe where King Saul arose, and it underscores how every family identity was recorded to preserve their Hebrew lineage. The Chronicler’s intent seems to be showing that, even after displacement, God’s people retain their ancestral hope and bond to the covenant.
Furthermore, the faithfulness of God in preserving genealogical records carries forward into the New Testament genealogies, which ultimately point to Jesus through the royal line of David (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38). Although 1 Chronicles 8:17 itself does not directly describe any major feat by Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, or Heber, it ensures that their names are included in the sacred record, demonstrating their standing within God’s chosen nation and preserving their heritage for generations to come.
This verse, though seemingly minor, reflects a broader theology of remembrance within Scripture. In the Old Testament, recording each name signifies the importance of every individual in God’s redemptive plan, tying directly to the promise to Abraham that all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The genealogies in Chronicles thus reassure post-exilic Israel that they are still part of the continuum of faith, and that the trials of exile have neither nullified their identity nor God’s plan for their future, which would ultimately culminate in Christ (Romans 1:2-4, 9:4-5).
God preserves and honors the faith and lineage of His people, even in the most meticulous genealogical lists, reminding ancient Israel—and believers today—that no person is overlooked in the grand tapestry of His story.
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1 Chronicles 8:17 meaning
In 1 Chronicles 8:17, the Chronicler makes a genealogical statement that specifically includes four names from the tribe of Benjamin, stating that Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, [and] Heber (v.17) were part of the ancestral record. This mention occurs within a long list of genealogies in 1 Chronicles 8, which recounts the legacy of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel). These genealogies, recorded after the Babylonian exile, firmly establish the heritage of Israel’s people, reminding them of their unique identity as God’s covenant community rather than assimilating with foreign nations. The tribe of Benjamin itself held strategic importance in Israel’s history—Israel’s first king, Saul, came from Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1-2), showing how the Chronicler carefully preserves ancestral lines that lead into events of the monarchy.
In the larger context, 1 Chronicles was likely compiled (or written) during or after the return from Babylonian exile, a period around 450-400 BC, to demonstrate God’s faithfulness and the connection of post-exilic Israelites to their forefathers (1 Chronicles 9:1). Linking prominent people back to Benjamin underscores the continuity of God’s promises to the tribe where King Saul arose, and it underscores how every family identity was recorded to preserve their Hebrew lineage. The Chronicler’s intent seems to be showing that, even after displacement, God’s people retain their ancestral hope and bond to the covenant.
Furthermore, the faithfulness of God in preserving genealogical records carries forward into the New Testament genealogies, which ultimately point to Jesus through the royal line of David (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38). Although 1 Chronicles 8:17 itself does not directly describe any major feat by Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, or Heber, it ensures that their names are included in the sacred record, demonstrating their standing within God’s chosen nation and preserving their heritage for generations to come.
This verse, though seemingly minor, reflects a broader theology of remembrance within Scripture. In the Old Testament, recording each name signifies the importance of every individual in God’s redemptive plan, tying directly to the promise to Abraham that all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The genealogies in Chronicles thus reassure post-exilic Israel that they are still part of the continuum of faith, and that the trials of exile have neither nullified their identity nor God’s plan for their future, which would ultimately culminate in Christ (Romans 1:2-4, 9:4-5).
God preserves and honors the faith and lineage of His people, even in the most meticulous genealogical lists, reminding ancient Israel—and believers today—that no person is overlooked in the grand tapestry of His story.