1 Chronicles 8:8
Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara.
Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab
Shaharaim is a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. The mention of Moab is significant, as Moab was a neighboring nation east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The Moabites descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, and were generally seen as outsiders to the covenant community of Israel. This phrase indicates that Shaharaim had a connection with Moab, possibly through marriage or residence, which was not uncommon given the intermingling of peoples in the region. The presence of his sons in Moab suggests a blending of cultures and possibly a strategic alliance or refuge during a time of conflict.

after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara
Divorce in ancient Israelite culture was permitted under certain circumstances, though it was not encouraged. The mention of Shaharaim divorcing his wives, Hushim and Baara, is notable because it reflects personal and familial dynamics that were part of the broader social and legal practices of the time. Hushim and Baara are not widely known figures, and their mention here may indicate their significance in Shaharaim's life or the narrative of his descendants. The act of divorce and subsequent relocation to Moab could suggest a period of personal upheaval or a strategic decision to start anew in a different land. This phrase also highlights the patriarchal nature of the society, where men's decisions significantly impacted the lives of their families.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shaharaim
A descendant of Benjamin, Shaharaim is noted for having sons in Moab after divorcing his wives. His actions and lineage are part of the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, historically inhabited by the Moabites. Moab often had a complex relationship with Israel, sometimes hostile and other times intermarried.

3. Hushim and Baara
The wives of Shaharaim whom he divorced. Their mention highlights the personal and familial dynamics within the genealogical record.
Teaching Points
Understanding Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible are not just lists of names; they provide insights into historical, cultural, and spiritual contexts. Shaharaim's account reminds us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage.

The Complexity of Relationships
Shaharaim's divorces and subsequent actions in Moab highlight the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of personal decisions.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite human actions, God's purposes prevail. The inclusion of Moabites in Israel's history, as seen in Ruth, shows God's redemptive plan transcending human boundaries.

Divorce and Its Implications
The mention of divorce in this passage invites reflection on the biblical view of marriage and divorce, encouraging believers to seek God's guidance in their relationships.

Cultural Interactions
Shaharaim's life in Moab illustrates the interactions between different cultures and peoples, reminding us of the importance of living out our faith in diverse contexts.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles about the importance of family and heritage in the Bible?

2. How does the relationship between Israel and Moab throughout the Bible inform our understanding of Shaharaim's actions?

3. In what ways does the account of Ruth provide a counter-narrative to the general tension between Israelites and Moabites?

4. How do Jesus' teachings on divorce in the New Testament challenge or affirm the actions of Shaharaim as recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:8?

5. What practical steps can we take to navigate complex relationships in a way that honors God, as seen through the lens of Shaharaim's account?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 23:3-6
This passage discusses the exclusion of Moabites from the assembly of the Lord, providing context for the significance of Shaharaim's actions in Moab.

Ruth 1:4
The account of Ruth, a Moabite woman, shows a positive relationship between Moabites and Israelites, contrasting with the general tension between the two groups.

Matthew 19:3-9
Jesus' teaching on divorce provides a New Testament perspective on the issue, which can be contrasted with Shaharaim's actions.
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
Baara, Ba'ara, Beerah, Begat, Begot, Born, Divorced, Driving, Field, Hushim, Moab, Moabites, Sending, Shaharaim, Shahara'im, Sons, Wit, Wives
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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