1 Chronicles 8:38

Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

Study Bible

Azel had six sons, and these were their names:
Azel is a descendant of King Saul, part of the tribe of Benjamin. The listing of his sons emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite culture. Genealogies in the Bible often serve to establish identity and continuity of God's people, linking past promises to future fulfillment.

Azrikam,
The name Azrikam means "help against the enemy" or "my help has risen." Names in the Bible often reflect character or destiny. Azrikam's name suggests a role of protection or leadership, possibly indicating his family's hope for deliverance or strength through him.

Bocheru,
Bocheru is a less common name, and its meaning is uncertain, though it may relate to "firstborn" or "youth." This could imply a position of prominence or expectation within the family, as firstborn sons often held special status in biblical times.

Ishmael,
Ishmael means "God hears." This name is significant in biblical history, as it recalls the Ishmael of Genesis, Abraham's son by Hagar. The repetition of this name in different contexts highlights God's attentiveness to His people and their prayers.

Sheariah,
Sheariah means "valued by the Lord" or "the Lord is my kinsman." This name underscores the personal relationship between God and His people, reflecting a sense of belonging and divine favor.

Obadiah,
Obadiah means "servant of the Lord." This name is shared by several biblical figures, including a minor prophet. It signifies devotion and service to God, a central theme in the lives of those who follow Him.

and Hanan.
Hanan means "gracious" or "merciful." This name reflects the character of God, who is often described as gracious and merciful throughout Scripture. It may also indicate the family's hope for God's grace upon them.

All these were the sons of Azel.
The repetition of Azel's name and the mention of his sons collectively emphasize the importance of family and legacy. In biblical genealogies, the preservation of family lines is crucial for maintaining the covenant promises God made to His people. This passage connects Azel's family to the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Azel
A descendant of King Saul, Azel is noted for having six sons. His lineage is part of the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Azrikam
The first son of Azel, his name means "help against the enemy" in Hebrew.

3. Bocheru
The second son, whose name means "firstborn" or "youthful."

4. Ishmael
The third son, sharing a name with the son of Abraham and Hagar, meaning "God hears."

5. Sheariah
The fourth son, whose name means "valued by the Lord."

6. Obadiah
The fifth son, meaning "servant of the Lord."

7. Hanan
The sixth son, meaning "gracious" or "merciful."

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogies in the Bible remind us of God's faithfulness through generations. They show how God works through families and lineages to fulfill His purposes.

Names with Meaning
The names of Azel's sons reflect attributes and characteristics valued in a relationship with God, such as being heard by God (Ishmael) and serving the Lord (Obadiah).

Legacy and Influence
Our spiritual and familial legacies are significant. Like Azel's sons, we are called to leave a legacy that honors God and impacts future generations.

God's Faithfulness to His People
The detailed genealogies demonstrate God's ongoing commitment to His people, fulfilling His promises through each generation.

Identity in Christ
Just as the names in this genealogy carry meaning, our identity in Christ gives us purpose and direction. We are called to live out the characteristics that reflect our relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the genealogies in the Bible enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout history?

2. What significance do the meanings of the names in 1 Chronicles 8:38 have for us today in our walk with God?

3. How can we ensure that we leave a spiritual legacy that honors God for future generations?

4. In what ways does our identity in Christ shape the way we live and interact with others?

5. How can we apply the lessons from the genealogies of the Bible to our own family histories and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 9:44
This verse repeats the genealogy of Azel, emphasizing the importance of family lineage in the tribe of Benjamin.

Genesis 16:11
The name Ishmael connects back to the account of Hagar and Abraham, highlighting the theme of God hearing and responding to human needs.

1 Samuel 9:1-2
The genealogy of Saul, which includes Azel, connects to the broader account of Israel's first king and the tribe of Benjamin.