These names in Benjamin’s genealogy exemplify how each person, however briefly mentioned, forms part of God’s unfolding plan throughout Scripture.
In this portion of 1 Chronicles, the genealogies trace the descendants of Benjamin, and the Chronicler lists several names to demonstrate the continuity of Israel’s tribal heritage. The verse states that “Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram” (v.5) were part of this specific lineage, representing a branch of Benjamin’s offspring. These genealogies were compiled to remind readers that, despite the trials of exile, the people remained connected to their ancestral roots, as 1 Chronicles 9:1 later affirms that all Israel was recorded by genealogies, showing they were still Hebrews and not Babylonians after the captivity.
One name of note is Gera, which appears in various places throughout Scripture. Another Gera is mentioned as the father of Ehud in Judges—a left-handed deliverer who freed Israel from the oppression of Moab (Judges 3:15). Although not necessarily the same Gera genealogically, the repetition of names in Benjamin’s family tree underscores the tribe’s importance as fierce warriors and faithful servants of God (1 Chronicles 12:2). Historically, the book of 1 Chronicles is estimated to have been written in the post-exilic period (likely 5th or 4th century BC), providing comfort to the returning Jewish community that their covenantal link to Abraham remained intact.
By placing Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram (v.5) among a long line of Benjaminite descendants, the Chronicler illustrates that even seemingly minor names matter in God’s larger redemptive plan. Jesus Himself was meticulously traced back to David and Abraham (Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:23-38), showing that the preservation of Israel’s lineage was essential for the coming Messiah. Thus, 1 Chronicles 8:5 stands as a small yet significant piece of the biblical narrative, demonstrating the breadth and depth of God’s orchestration of history.
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1 Chronicles 8:5 meaning
In this portion of 1 Chronicles, the genealogies trace the descendants of Benjamin, and the Chronicler lists several names to demonstrate the continuity of Israel’s tribal heritage. The verse states that “Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram” (v.5) were part of this specific lineage, representing a branch of Benjamin’s offspring. These genealogies were compiled to remind readers that, despite the trials of exile, the people remained connected to their ancestral roots, as 1 Chronicles 9:1 later affirms that all Israel was recorded by genealogies, showing they were still Hebrews and not Babylonians after the captivity.
One name of note is Gera, which appears in various places throughout Scripture. Another Gera is mentioned as the father of Ehud in Judges—a left-handed deliverer who freed Israel from the oppression of Moab (Judges 3:15). Although not necessarily the same Gera genealogically, the repetition of names in Benjamin’s family tree underscores the tribe’s importance as fierce warriors and faithful servants of God (1 Chronicles 12:2). Historically, the book of 1 Chronicles is estimated to have been written in the post-exilic period (likely 5th or 4th century BC), providing comfort to the returning Jewish community that their covenantal link to Abraham remained intact.
By placing Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram (v.5) among a long line of Benjaminite descendants, the Chronicler illustrates that even seemingly minor names matter in God’s larger redemptive plan. Jesus Himself was meticulously traced back to David and Abraham (Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:23-38), showing that the preservation of Israel’s lineage was essential for the coming Messiah. Thus, 1 Chronicles 8:5 stands as a small yet significant piece of the biblical narrative, demonstrating the breadth and depth of God’s orchestration of history.