Ner: Father of Kish
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Ner is a biblical figure recognized primarily as the father of Kish and the grandfather of Saul, the first king of Israel. His lineage is significant in the context of Israel's monarchy and the tribe of Benjamin. The genealogical records in the Bible provide insight into his family background and his role in the history of Israel.

Genealogy and Family Background

Ner is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. According to 1 Samuel 14:50-51 (BSB), "The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was the father of Kish." This passage highlights Ner as the father of Kish and the grandfather of Saul, establishing his place in the royal lineage.

Further genealogical details are provided in 1 Chronicles 8:33 (BSB): "Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal." This verse underscores Ner's position as a patriarch within the tribe of Benjamin, linking him directly to the first king of Israel.

Role and Significance

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Ner's life or personal deeds, his significance is derived from his position within the genealogy of Israel's first royal family. As the father of Kish, Ner is an ancestor of Saul, whose reign marked a pivotal transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

Ner's lineage is further emphasized in 1 Chronicles 9:36-39 (BSB), which reiterates the genealogy: "Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. Moza was the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel."

Connection to Abner

Ner is also noted as the father of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. This connection is significant, as Abner played a crucial role in the military and political affairs of Israel during Saul's reign and the subsequent power struggles following Saul's death. Abner's loyalty to Saul and his influence in the kingdom can be traced back to his familial ties to Ner.

Tribal Affiliation

Ner's affiliation with the tribe of Benjamin is an essential aspect of his identity. The tribe of Benjamin held a unique position among the tribes of Israel, being the smallest tribe yet producing the first king. This tribal connection is crucial in understanding the dynamics of Israel's early monarchy and the political landscape of the time.

In summary, while Ner himself is not a prominent figure in terms of personal achievements or narratives, his role as the father of Kish and grandfather of Saul places him in a significant position within the biblical history of Israel's monarchy. His lineage and tribal affiliation contribute to the understanding of the genealogical and political context of the early kingdom of Israel.
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1 Chronicles 8:33
And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
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1 Chronicles 9:39
And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
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Strong's Hebrew
5369. Ner -- father of Abner, also the father of Kish
... 5368, 5369. Ner. 5370 . father of Abner, also the father of Kish.
Transliteration: Ner Phonetic Spelling: (nare) Short Definition: Ner. ...
/hebrew/5369.htm - 6k
Library

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... He had also Abner, his uncle's son, for the captain of his host: that uncle's name
was Ner. Now Ner, and Kish the father of Saul, were brothers. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... Father Scheil tells me the lions have disappeared completely since the last twenty
years. ... in all to 36,000 years; for the saros is 3600 years, the ner 600 years ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about nepotism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of David and Ish-Bosheth? | GotQuestions.org

Ner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Ner: Father of Abner
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