God preserves His people through every generation and calls us to remember our covenant heritage.
“Abdon and Zichri and Hanan,” (1 Chronicles 8:23). These three names are part of a long genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 8 tracing the descendants of Benjamin—one of the twelve tribes of Israel and the tribe from which Israel’s first king, Saul, would come. Compiled and likely finalized around the 5th century BC, 1 and 2 Chronicles served as a reminder to the post-exilic community that they were still God’s covenant people, linked to the past through a line of faithful ancestors. By listing names such as Abdon and Zichri and Hanan, this verse underscores the chronicler’s aim to catalogue every branch of the tribe, leaving no doubt about God’s steadfast commitment to preserve His people.
The region of Benjamin lay just north of Judah’s territory, including the city of Jerusalem on its southern border. It was part of the Southern Kingdom when Israel later divided, remaining aligned with Judah after King Solomon’s rule (1 Kings 12:21). Even after the kingdom of Judah fell into Babylonian captivity, genealogical records like these reassured returning exiles that they were not Babylonian by identity, but still Hebrews connected to God’s covenantal promises. This care to remember every name—Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, and countless others—also anticipated future blessings; in the New Testament era, the apostle Paul, a member of this same tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1), would become a vital link to spreading the gospel.
Much like the names in other tribal genealogies, Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan represent more than individuals; they reflect a broader truth that God keeps the details of His people’s story intact. The chronicler’s devotion to naming each person shows God’s faithfulness to preserve those who trust in Him, generation after generation.
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1 Chronicles 8:23 meaning
“Abdon and Zichri and Hanan,” (1 Chronicles 8:23). These three names are part of a long genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 8 tracing the descendants of Benjamin—one of the twelve tribes of Israel and the tribe from which Israel’s first king, Saul, would come. Compiled and likely finalized around the 5th century BC, 1 and 2 Chronicles served as a reminder to the post-exilic community that they were still God’s covenant people, linked to the past through a line of faithful ancestors. By listing names such as Abdon and Zichri and Hanan, this verse underscores the chronicler’s aim to catalogue every branch of the tribe, leaving no doubt about God’s steadfast commitment to preserve His people.
The region of Benjamin lay just north of Judah’s territory, including the city of Jerusalem on its southern border. It was part of the Southern Kingdom when Israel later divided, remaining aligned with Judah after King Solomon’s rule (1 Kings 12:21). Even after the kingdom of Judah fell into Babylonian captivity, genealogical records like these reassured returning exiles that they were not Babylonian by identity, but still Hebrews connected to God’s covenantal promises. This care to remember every name—Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, and countless others—also anticipated future blessings; in the New Testament era, the apostle Paul, a member of this same tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1), would become a vital link to spreading the gospel.
Much like the names in other tribal genealogies, Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan represent more than individuals; they reflect a broader truth that God keeps the details of His people’s story intact. The chronicler’s devotion to naming each person shows God’s faithfulness to preserve those who trust in Him, generation after generation.