1 Chronicles 8:15
Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,
Zebadiah
Zebadiah is a name that appears multiple times throughout the Old Testament, often associated with individuals from the tribe of Benjamin, as is the case in 1 Chronicles 8. The name means "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh's gift," reflecting a common practice of naming children in a way that acknowledges God's provision or blessing. Zebadiah's inclusion in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite culture, emphasizing the continuity of God's people through generations. This name also appears in other contexts, such as in the lists of those who returned from exile (Ezra 8:8), indicating the enduring legacy of certain families within Israel.

Arad
Arad is a name that can refer to both a person and a location in the Bible. In the context of 1 Chronicles 8, Arad is listed as a descendant of Benjamin, contributing to the genealogical record of this tribe. The name Arad means "wild donkey," which may symbolize strength and independence. Geographically, Arad is also a city located in the Negev desert, south of Hebron. This city is mentioned in the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings (Numbers 21:1) and was known for its Canaanite inhabitants who opposed Israel. The dual reference to both a person and a place named Arad underscores the interconnectedness of personal and geographical identities in biblical narratives.

Eder
Eder, meaning "flock" or "herd," is another name found in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. The name suggests a pastoral or agrarian lifestyle, which was common among the tribes of Israel. Eder is also the name of a location mentioned in Joshua 15:21, situated in the southern part of Judah's territory. This dual usage of the name for both a person and a place reflects the biblical tradition of naming individuals after significant locations or characteristics. The inclusion of Eder in the genealogies serves to preserve the memory of these individuals and their contributions to the history and identity of the Israelite people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zebadiah
A descendant of Benjamin, Zebadiah is listed among the sons of Beriah. His name means "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh's gift," reflecting a common theme in Hebrew names that emphasize God's provision and blessing.

2. Arad
Another descendant of Benjamin, Arad's name means "wild donkey" or "fugitive." The name may suggest strength and resilience, qualities valued in the tribal context of ancient Israel.

3. Eder
Also a descendant of Benjamin, Eder's name means "flock" or "herd," which could symbolize leadership or guidance, as shepherds were often leaders in biblical times.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding one's heritage can provide a sense of identity and belonging. The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the importance of family and community in God's plan.

Names Reflecting God's Character
Many biblical names, like Zebadiah, reflect attributes of God or His actions. This can encourage us to consider how our lives and identities reflect God's character.

Strength and Resilience in Faith
Names like Arad suggest qualities of strength and resilience. As believers, we are called to exhibit these traits in our spiritual journey, trusting in God's provision and guidance.

Leadership and Guidance
Eder's name, meaning "flock," can remind us of the role of leaders as shepherds. In our communities, we are called to guide and support one another, following the example of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogy of Benjamin enhance our appreciation of Israel's history and God's faithfulness to His people?

2. In what ways can the meaning of biblical names, such as Zebadiah, inspire us to reflect God's character in our own lives?

3. How can the qualities suggested by the names Arad and Eder (strength, resilience, leadership) be applied in our daily walk with Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical challenges faced by the tribe of Benjamin, and how can these lessons be applied to our own spiritual battles?

5. How can we, as members of a faith community, support and guide one another in our spiritual journeys, following the example of biblical leaders?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 7:6-12
This passage provides additional context for the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, showing the broader family connections and the importance of lineage in Israel's history.

Genesis 35:16-18
The birth of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, is recounted here. This connection highlights the significance of Benjamin's descendants in the account of Israel.

Judges 20:35-48
This passage describes a significant event involving the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating the tribe's historical challenges and conflicts within Israel.
Readings Between the Lines1 Chronicles 8:1-40
Readings Between the LinesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 8:1-40
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abdon, Abihud, Abinadab, Abishua, Abitub, Abner, Adaiah, Addar, Ader, Aharah, Ahaz, Ahiah, Ahihud, Ahijah, Ahio, Ahitub, Ahoah, Alemeth, Antothijah, Arad, Ashbel, Athaliah, Azel, Azmaveth, Azrikam, Baara, Beerah, Bela, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Beraiah, Beriah, Binea, Bocheru, Ebed, Eber, Eder, Ehud, Elam, Eleasah, Eliah, Eliel, Elienai, Elijah, Eliphelet, Elpaal, Eshbaal, Eshek, Gedor, Gera, Gibeon, Hanan, Hananiah, Heber, Hezeki, Hodesh, Huram, Hushim, Iphedeiah, Ishmael, Ishmerai, Ishpan, Ispah, Jakim, Jaresiah, Jehoadah, Jehush, Jeiel, Jeremoth, Jeroham, Jeush, Jeuz, Jezliah, Jobab, Joha, Jonathan, Kish, Maacah, Maachah, Malcham, Malchishua, Manahath, Melech, Meribbaal, Mesha, Meshullam, Micah, Michael, Mikloth, Mirma, Misham, Moabites, Moza, Naaman, Nadab, Ner, Nohah, Obadiah, Penuel, Pithon, Rapha, Saul, Shachia, Shaharaim, Shamer, Shamsherai, Shashak, Sheariah, Shehariah, Shema, Shemer, Shephuphan, Shimeah, Shimei, Shimhi, Shimrath, Tarea, Ulam, Uzza, Zabdi, Zacher, Zebadiah, Zechariah, Zibia, Zichri, Zilthai, Zimri, Zur
Places
Aijalon, Beth-shan, Gath, Geba, Gibeon, Jerusalem, Lod, Manahath, Moab, Ono
Topics
Ader, Arad, Eder, Zebadiah, Zebadi'ah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 8:1-28

     7230   genealogies

1 Chronicles 8:1-40

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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