1 Chronicles 8:3
The sons of Bela: Addar, Gera, Abihud,
The sons of Bela
This phrase introduces us to the descendants of Bela, who was the firstborn son of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Hebrew root for "sons" (בָּנִים, banim) often signifies not just direct offspring but can also refer to descendants or members of a family line. This highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises through generations. Bela's position as a son of Benjamin places him within the context of the tribe known for its warriors and its strategic location in the land of Israel.

Addar
The name Addar (אֲדָר) is derived from a root meaning "mighty" or "majestic." This name may reflect the aspirations or characteristics valued by the family or tribe. In the context of ancient Israel, names often carried significant meaning, sometimes reflecting the circumstances of birth, prophetic insights, or desired traits. The mention of Addar as a son of Bela underscores the importance of individual roles within the larger narrative of Israel's history.

Gera
Gera (גֵּרָא) is another descendant of Bela, and his name means "grain" or "a grain of seed." This could symbolize fertility, sustenance, or the potential for growth and multiplication. In the broader biblical context, grain is often associated with provision and blessing, as seen in the accounts of Joseph in Egypt and the harvest festivals of Israel. Gera's inclusion in this genealogy may suggest the ongoing provision and blessing of God upon the tribe of Benjamin.

Abihud
The name Abihud (אֲבִיהוּד) means "my father is majesty" or "the father of majesty." This name reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and the honor attributed to one's lineage. In the biblical tradition, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of authority and majesty is a recurring theme. Abihud's presence in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the divine heritage and the calling of the people of Israel to reflect God's majesty in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bela
Bela is the firstborn son of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His lineage is significant in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Addar
Addar is listed as one of the sons of Bela. His name means "mighty" or "glorious," reflecting a characteristic that might have been valued in his family or tribe.

3. Gera
Another son of Bela, Gera's name means "a grain" or "pilgrimage." He is also mentioned in other genealogical records, indicating his importance in the lineage.

4. Abihud
The third son of Bela mentioned in this verse. His name means "my father is majesty," which could reflect the reverence and honor attributed to God by his family.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect historical events and people, showing God's faithfulness through generations.

Names Reflecting Character and Faith
The meanings of names like Addar, Gera, and Abihud can inspire us to consider the significance of our own names and identities in Christ.

Legacy and Influence
The descendants of Benjamin, including those listed in this verse, played crucial roles in Israel's history. Our own spiritual legacy can impact future generations.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The detailed genealogies remind us of God's sovereign plan and purpose for each family and individual, encouraging us to trust in His divine orchestration of our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogy of Benjamin's descendants enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout biblical history?

2. In what ways can the meanings of the names Addar, Gera, and Abihud inspire us to live out our Christian faith today?

3. How can we ensure that our spiritual legacy positively influences future generations, as seen in the lineage of Benjamin?

4. What does the inclusion of genealogies in Scripture teach us about the value God places on family and heritage?

5. How can we apply the concept of God's sovereignty in lineage to our own lives and trust in His plan for our families?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:21
This verse lists the sons of Benjamin, including Bela, providing a broader context for the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles.

Judges 3:15
Gera is mentioned as the father of Ehud, a judge of Israel, highlighting the significance of this lineage in Israel's history.

1 Samuel 9:1-2
The genealogy of Saul, Israel's first king, traces back to the tribe of Benjamin, showing the importance of Benjamin's descendants in Israel's leadership.
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
Abihud, Abi'hud, Addar, Bela, Ehud, Gera, Sons
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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