1 Chronicles 8

1Ch 8:1-32.

SONS AND

CHIEF

MEN OF

BENJAMIN.

1. Now Benjamin begat, &c.--This chapter contains some supplementary

particulars in addition to what has been already said regarding the

tribe of Benjamin

(see on

1Ch 7:6).

The names of many of the persons mentioned are different from those

given by Moses--a diversity which may be accounted for in part on

grounds formerly stated, namely, either that the persons had more than

one name, or that the word "sons" is used in a loose sense for

grandsons or descendants. But there are other circumstances to be taken

into account in considering the details of this chapter; namely, first,

that the genealogies of the Benjamites were disordered or destroyed by

the almost total extermination of this tribe

(Jud 20:11-48);

secondly, that a great number of Benjamites, born in Assyria, are

mentioned here, who returned from the long captivity in Babylon, and

established themselves--some in Jerusalem, others in different parts of

Judea. There were more returned from Babylon of the families belonging

to this tribe than to any other except Judah; and hence many strange

names are here introduced; some of which will be found in the list of

the restored exiles (compare

Ezr 2:1-70).

6. these are the sons of Ehud--most probably the judge of Israel

(Jud 3:15).

His descendants, who had at first been established in Geba in Benjamin,

emigrated in a body under the direction of Gera

(1Ch 8:7)

to Manahath, where their increased numbers would find more ample

accommodation. Manahath was within the territory of Judah.

8. Shaharaim begat children in the country of Moab--He had probably

been driven to take refuge in that foreign land on the same calamitous

occasion that forced Elimelech to emigrate thither

(Ru 1:1).

But, destitute of natural affection, he forsook or divorced his two

wives, and in the land of his sojourn married a third, by whom he had

several sons. But there is another explanation given of the conduct of

this Benjamite polygamist. His children by Hushim are mentioned

(1Ch 8:11),

while his other wife is unnoticed. Hence it has been thought probable

that it is Baara who is mentioned under the name of Hodesh, so called

because her husband, after long desertion, returned and cohabited with

her as before.

28. These dwelt in Jerusalem--The ordinary and stated inhabitants

of Jerusalem were Judahites, Benjamites, and Levites. But at the time

referred to here, the chiefs or heads of the principal families who are

enumerated

(1Ch 8:14-27)

established themselves in the city after their return from the

captivity.

1Ch 8:33-40.

STOCK OF

SAUL AND

JONATHAN.

33. Ner begat Kish--The father of Ner, though not mentioned here,

is stated

(1Ch 9:35)

to have been Jehiel. Moreover, the father of Kish is said

(1Sa 9:1)

to have been Abiel, the son of Zeror, whence it would seem that Abiel

and Ner were names of the same person.

Abinadab--the same as Ishui

(1Sa 14:49).

Esh-baal--that is, Ish-bosheth.

34. Merib-baal--that is, Mephibosheth.

36. Jehoadah--or, Jara

(1Ch 9:42).

40. mighty men of valour, archers--(see on

Jud 20:16).

Great strength as well as skill was requisite in ancient archery, as

the bow, which was of steel, was bent by treading with the feet, and

pulling the string with both hands.