1 Chronicles 8:37

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

Study Bible

Moza was the father of Binea.
Moza is a descendant of Saul, Israel's first king, through his son Jonathan. This lineage highlights the continuation of Saul's family despite his tragic end. Binea, as Moza's son, represents the ongoing legacy and fulfillment of God's promise to preserve a remnant of Saul's line. This genealogy underscores the importance of family heritage in Israelite culture, where lineage often determined one's social and religious standing.

Raphah was his son,
Raphah, also known as Rephaiah in some translations, is part of the genealogical record that traces the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name Raphah means "healed" or "recovered," which may symbolize restoration or continuity within the family line. This connection to the tribe of Benjamin is significant, as Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and his descendants played crucial roles in Israel's history.

Eleasah his son,
Eleasah, meaning "God has made," is a name that reflects the theocentric worldview of the Israelites, where names often carried theological significance. This name may indicate a recognition of God's sovereignty and providence in the continuation of the family line. The mention of Eleasah in the genealogy serves to maintain the historical record of Saul's descendants, emphasizing the importance of each generation in the unfolding narrative of Israel.

and Azel his son.
Azel, whose name means "noble" or "reserved," is the final descendant listed in this particular genealogical segment. The inclusion of Azel highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the Israelites, ensuring that each member of the family line is remembered. This attention to detail in genealogies serves to connect the past with the present, providing a sense of identity and continuity for the people of Israel. The genealogical records in Chronicles often serve to remind the Israelites of their heritage and God's faithfulness throughout generations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moza
A descendant of Benjamin, Moza is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. His name means "departure" or "extract."

2. Binea
The son of Moza, Binea's name means "understanding" or "intelligence." He continues the lineage of Benjamin.

3. Raphah
The son of Binea, Raphah's name can mean "healed" or "giant." His place in the genealogy highlights the continuation of the family line.

4. Eleasah
The son of Raphah, Eleasah's name means "God has made" or "God has done." His inclusion in the genealogy emphasizes the divine orchestration of family lines.

5. Azel
The son of Eleasah, Azel's name means "noble" or "reserved." He represents the ongoing legacy of the tribe of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's people to His promises and covenants. They remind us of God's faithfulness through generations.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
The detailed genealogies reflect God's sovereign hand in history, orchestrating events and people according to His divine plan.

Legacy and Faithfulness
The record of names encourages believers to consider their own legacy and the impact of their faithfulness on future generations.

Identity and Belonging
Understanding one's spiritual heritage can provide a sense of identity and belonging within the larger account of God's people.

The Role of Individuals in God's Plan
Each person listed, though perhaps unknown to us, played a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, reminding us that every life has purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate the continuity of God's promises throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can reflecting on our own family history or spiritual heritage deepen our faith and commitment to God's purposes?

3. How does the inclusion of seemingly obscure individuals in biblical genealogies encourage us about our own significance in God's plan?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin's history that apply to our lives today?

5. How can we ensure that our legacy reflects faithfulness to God and impacts future generations positively?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 9
This chapter continues the genealogical record, providing further context and connections to the tribe of Benjamin and its significance in Israel's history.

Genesis 35:16-18
The birth of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, sets the stage for the genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, highlighting the importance of lineage in God's plan.

1 Samuel 9:1-2
The genealogy of Saul, Israel's first king, also from the tribe of Benjamin, connects to the lineage in 1 Chronicles, showing the tribe's historical significance.