1 Chronicles 8:5
Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.
Gera
Gera is a name that appears multiple times in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. This name is significant as it is associated with the lineage of Ehud, the left-handed judge who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression (Judges 3:15). The repetition of the name Gera in the Benjamite genealogy underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in Israelite culture. It also highlights the tribe of Benjamin's role in Israel's history, as they produced notable leaders and warriors. The name Gera itself means "a grain" or "a kernel," which may symbolize the potential for growth and development within the tribe.

Shephuphan
Shephuphan is a less commonly mentioned figure in the Bible, and his name appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. The name Shephuphan is sometimes associated with the name Shuppim, which appears in other genealogical lists (1 Chronicles 7:12, 15). This connection suggests the possibility of variations in the transcription of names over time. The presence of Shephuphan in the genealogy emphasizes the detailed record-keeping of the Israelites and their commitment to preserving family histories. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people through generations.

Huram
Huram, also known as Hiram in some biblical texts, is a name that appears in various contexts in the Bible. In the context of 1 Chronicles 8:5, Huram is listed as a descendant of Benjamin. However, the name is more famously associated with Hiram, the king of Tyre, who provided materials and craftsmen for the construction of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). This connection highlights the importance of alliances and cooperation between Israel and neighboring nations during the united monarchy. The name Huram means "noble" or "exalted," which may reflect the esteemed status of individuals bearing this name in biblical narratives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gera
A descendant of Benjamin, Gera is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. The name Gera appears in other parts of the Bible, often associated with the Benjamite lineage.

2. Shephuphan
Another descendant of Benjamin, Shephuphan is listed among the sons of Benjamin. The name is sometimes rendered as "Shuppim" in other biblical genealogies.

3. Huram
Also a descendant of Benjamin, Huram is part of the genealogical record. The name Huram is sometimes associated with Hiram, a name that appears in other contexts in the Bible.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's people to His promises. They remind us of God's faithfulness through generations and His sovereign plan unfolding through history.

Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
Just as the Israelites valued their genealogical records, Christians are encouraged to understand their spiritual heritage. This includes recognizing the legacy of faith passed down through the church and Scripture.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
The inclusion of specific names in genealogies underscores God's sovereignty in choosing and using families for His purposes. It reminds us that God can work through our family lines, regardless of their imperfections.

The Role of Individuals in God's Plan
Each name in a genealogy represents an individual with a unique role in God's plan. This encourages believers to see their own lives as part of God's larger account.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogies challenge us to consider how we can be faithful in our generation, passing on the faith to the next, just as the descendants of Benjamin did.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 8:5 and other parts of the Bible help us understand God's faithfulness to His people?

2. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our daily walk with Christ?

3. How does the mention of specific individuals in genealogies encourage us to see our own significance in God's plan?

4. What lessons can we learn from the descendants of Benjamin about faithfulness and legacy?

5. How can we ensure that we are passing on a legacy of faith to the next generation, as seen in the genealogical records of the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:21
This verse lists the sons of Benjamin, providing a broader context for understanding the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles. It highlights the importance of Benjamin's lineage in the history of Israel.

1 Chronicles 7:12
This passage also mentions the descendants of Benjamin, offering additional insight into the family lines and their significance in Israel's history.

Judges 3:15
Gera is mentioned as the father of Ehud, a judge of Israel, emphasizing the role of Benjamin's descendants in delivering 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
Gera, Huram, Shephuphan, Shephu'phan
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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