1 Chronicles 8:16
Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.
Michael, Ishpah, and Joha
These names are part of a genealogical record, which is significant in the context of 1 Chronicles as it traces the lineage of the tribes of Israel. Michael, Ishpah, and Joha are listed as sons of Beriah, indicating their place within the tribe of Benjamin. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and is a common name in the Bible, often associated with strength and leadership. Ishpah and Joha are less common, but their inclusion highlights the importance of every family line in the chronicling of Israel's history. This genealogical detail underscores the meticulous nature of the Chronicler in preserving the heritage and identity of the tribes.

were the sons of Beriah
Beriah is a descendant of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and thus part of the tribe of Benjamin. The name Beriah means "in trouble" or "a gift," which may reflect the circumstances of his birth or life. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant role in Israel's history, being the tribe of King Saul, the first king of Israel. This lineage is crucial for understanding the political and social dynamics of the time, as the tribe of Benjamin was known for its warriors and played a pivotal role in the early monarchy of Israel. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogy serves to affirm the continuity of God's promises to His people through the preservation of their tribal identities.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Michael
One of the sons of Beriah, mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. His name means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, reflecting a common theme of reverence and acknowledgment of God's uniqueness.

2. Ishpah
Another son of Beriah. His name is less commonly referenced in the Bible, but it contributes to the lineage of the Benjamites, a tribe known for its warriors and significant figures in Israel's history.

3. Joha
The third son of Beriah listed in this verse. Like his brothers, Joha is part of the genealogical record that underscores the continuity and heritage of the tribe of Benjamin.

4. Beriah
The father of Michael, Ishpah, and Joha. His name means "in trouble" or "misfortune," which may reflect the circumstances of his birth or life. He is a descendant of Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son.

5. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its fierce warriors and significant leaders, including King Saul and the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus).
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's promises across generations. They remind us of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His plan through history.

Identity and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our identity in Christ. Just as the Benjamites had a unique role in Israel, believers today have a unique role in God's kingdom.

Names and Meanings
Biblical names often carry significant meanings that reflect character or destiny. Reflecting on the meaning of names can deepen our understanding of biblical accounts.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite human circumstances, God's sovereign plan unfolds through families and generations. Trusting in His sovereignty can bring peace amidst life's uncertainties.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout biblical history?

2. In what ways can reflecting on our spiritual heritage strengthen our identity and purpose as Christians today?

3. How do the meanings of biblical names, such as Michael ("Who is like God?"), inspire us to live out our faith?

4. What lessons can we learn from the continuity of God's promises through the generations, as seen in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles?

5. How can we apply the concept of God's sovereignty in lineage to our own lives, especially when facing uncertain or challenging circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 35:18
This verse mentions the birth of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, whose descendants are listed in 1 Chronicles 8. The connection highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants.

1 Samuel 9:1-2
This passage introduces Saul, a Benjamite, who becomes the first king of Israel. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 8 provide context for Saul's lineage.

Philippians 3:5
The Apostle Paul, a Benjamite, references his tribal heritage, showing the enduring significance of the tribe of Benjamin in the New Testament era.
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
Beriah, Beri'ah, Ishpah, Ispah, Jishpah, Joha, Michael, Sons
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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