1 Chronicles 8 37

1 Chronicles 8:37

ESV: Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.

KJV: And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:

NIV: Moza was the father of Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son.

NKJV: Moza begot Binea, Raphah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.

NLT: Moza was the father of Binea.
Binea was the father of Rephaiah.
Rephaiah was the father of Eleasah.
Eleasah was the father of Azel.

Meaning

This verse records specific individuals within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing descendants through Saul's lineage. It establishes a succession of generations: Jaaziel begot Rephaiah, Azariah begot Elasah, and Elasah begot Amaziah, contributing to the comprehensive family record for the people of Israel.

Cross References

Context

First Chronicles 8 details the descendants of Benjamin, with a significant portion (vv. 29-40) dedicated to the lineage of Saul, the first king of Israel. This particular verse continues to trace these lines, emphasizing continuity and the enduring identity of the tribes of Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community who needed to reaffirm their tribal affiliations, land claims, and priestly legitimacy. The book of Chronicles itself serves to remind this community of their heritage, God's past dealings with His people, and the perpetual nature of His covenant promises, despite the disruption of exile. These genealogies are not merely lists but theological statements about God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His purposes across generations.

Word analysis

• And (וַיּוֹלֶד - `vayyoled`): From the Hebrew conjunction "waw" (and) and the verb "yalad" (to bear, beget). The prefixed waw with imperfect form here denotes a sequence of events, common in genealogies to connect successive generations. It literally means "and he begot" or "and he sired." This term highlights the continuity and linear progression of family lines.
• Jaaziel (יַעֲזִיאֵל - `Ya'azi'el`): A Hebrew name meaning "God strengthens" or "God makes strong." The suffix "-el" connects to God (Elohim/El), a common feature in Israelite names, implying a relationship with or characteristic of the Almighty. The name itself reflects a theological statement or hope within the family.
• begot (יִלְלַד - `yillad` / הוֹלִד - `holid`): This is the repeated Hiphal stem of the verb `יָלַד` (yalad), meaning "to cause to be born," or "to beget." Its repeated use emphatically traces direct father-to-son lineage. It underlines the chain of human reproduction as part of God's design for perpetuating His people and fulfilling promises through descendants.
• Rephaiah (רְפָיָה - `Refayah`): A Hebrew name meaning "Yah has healed" or "Yah has repaired." The suffix "-yah" or "-yahu" refers to Yahweh (Jehovah), another common divine element in Israelite names. This name reflects a testimony to divine restoration or healing, suggesting a moment of God's intervention in the family's history or a hopeful proclamation.
• Azariah (אֲזַרְיָה - `Azaryah`): A Hebrew name meaning "Yah has helped" or "Jehovah has helped." Similar to Rephaiah, it contains the divine element "Yah," indicating reliance on or experience of God's aid. Such names often served as personal declarations of faith or gratitude.
• Elasah (אֶלְעָשָׂה - `El'asah`): A Hebrew name meaning "God has made" or "God is doer." This name again contains the "El" component for God, highlighting divine agency in creation or action related to the individual's birth or life.
• Amaziah (אֲמַצְיָהוּ - `Amatzyahu`): A Hebrew name meaning "Yah has strengthened" or "strength of Yah." The presence of "Yahu" points to God's empowerment or the individual being a manifestation of divine strength. This is the last name recorded in this specific lineage for this verse, carrying a sense of divine enabling.

• "Jaaziel begot Rephaiah...": This phrase directly establishes a paternal link, emphasizing the passing on of lineage. In a biblical context, "begetting" signifies not just biological paternity but the transmission of heritage, tribal identity, and participation in the collective history and covenants of Israel.
• "Azariah begot Elasah, and Elasah begot Amaziah": These additional phrases continue the linear progression. The consistent structure highlights the deliberate, generation-by-generation unfolding of the family line, crucial for verifying tribal claims and understanding the comprehensive record of the people. This rhythmic recounting underscores stability and divine oversight of the people's history.

Commentary

First Chronicles 8:37 is a snapshot within a meticulously detailed genealogy, serving to connect specific individuals in the family line of Benjamin, notably within the extended kin of King Saul. While seemingly a mere list of names, this verse, like others in these genealogical chapters, fulfills vital purposes for the post-exilic community. It affirmed tribal identity, legitimate land claims upon their return, and, most profoundly, the faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant people despite centuries of challenges, exile, and dispersal. The names themselves, incorporating elements of "God" (El) or "Yahweh" (Yah/Yahu), subtly reinforce the ongoing presence and activity of God within the lives and history of His people. The repeated phrase "begot" acts as a strong literary device, establishing an undeniable, unbroken chain of succession and continuity in God's grand plan for His chosen nation.

Bonus section

The inclusion of such extensive genealogies in Chronicles, particularly this section of Benjamin's line connected to Saul, reflects a theological statement to the post-exilic community. While the primary royal line shifted to Judah (David's), the meticulous recording of other tribes demonstrated that God had not abandoned His wider covenant with all Israel. Every tribe had its place and its continuing identity under God's watchful care. This detail, although not leading to the Messianic line directly, illustrates the broader Divine Providence, ensuring that every significant segment of Israel was documented and recognized within the historical-theological narrative, reinforcing their collective identity and shared heritage in God's ongoing redemptive story. It's a testament to the fact that seemingly minor historical details, even distant genealogical entries, contribute to the larger tapestry of God's sovereign plan for His people.

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