1 Chronicles 7:10

The son of Jediael: Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar.

Study Bible

The son of Jediael
The name "Jediael" means "God makes known" or "God knows." This highlights the divine omniscience and the intimate relationship between God and His people. In the context of the genealogies, it emphasizes the importance of each individual in God's plan, reminding us that God is aware of every person and their role in His divine narrative.

Bilhan
The name "Bilhan" can be translated as "their decrepitude" or "modest." This may reflect a humble or modest beginning, yet it is significant enough to be recorded in the sacred genealogies. It serves as a reminder that God often uses those who may seem insignificant by worldly standards to fulfill His purposes.

The sons of Bilhan
This phrase introduces the next generation, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises through family lines. It reflects the biblical theme of generational blessings and responsibilities, where faith and covenantal promises are passed down.

Jeush
The name "Jeush" means "assembler" or "he will gather." This could symbolize the gathering of God's people or the unification of tribes and families under God's covenant. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community and unity in the faith journey.

Benjamin
This name, meaning "son of the right hand," is significant as it is also the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It symbolizes strength, favor, and the special place of honor. It reminds us of the blessings and responsibilities that come with being part of God's chosen people.

Ehud
The name "Ehud" means "united" or "strong." Ehud is also a notable judge in Israel's history, known for delivering Israel from Moabite oppression (Judges 3:15-30). This connection highlights the theme of deliverance and God's provision of leaders to guide His people.

Chenaanah
This name means "trader" or "merchant." It may reflect the economic activities of the time and the integration of various skills and professions within the community of God's people. It underscores the diversity of gifts and callings within the body of believers.

Zethan
The name "Zethan" is less common and its meaning is not entirely clear, but it may be related to "olive" or "olive tree," symbolizing peace, prosperity, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual blessings and fruitfulness that come from living in accordance with God's will.

Tarshish
This name is associated with a distant region known for its wealth and trade, often linked to the sea. It symbolizes the far-reaching influence and the expansive nature of God's kingdom. It reminds us of the call to spread God's message to the ends of the earth.

Ahishahar
The name "Ahishahar" means "my brother is dawn" or "brother of the dawn." It evokes imagery of new beginnings and hope, symbolizing the light of God's presence and the promise of a new day. It encourages believers to look forward to the hope and renewal found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jediael
A descendant of Benjamin, Jediael is listed as a patriarch whose lineage is detailed in this passage. His name means "God makes known" or "God reveals."

2. Bilhan
The son of Jediael, Bilhan is noted as the progenitor of several sons, indicating his role in the continuation of the tribe of Benjamin.

3. Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, Ahishahar
These are the sons of Bilhan, each representing a branch of the family tree and contributing to the growth and development of the tribe of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's promises through generations, emphasizing His faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant with Israel.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
The detailed genealogies remind us that God is sovereign over family lines and history, orchestrating His purposes through individuals and families.

Legacy and Influence
The mention of specific individuals, like Ehud, highlights the potential for influence and legacy within a family, encouraging believers to consider their own impact on future generations.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary
While some names in genealogies may not be well-known, their inclusion underscores the value of faithfulness in everyday life, as each person plays a role in God's overarching plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout biblical history?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our own family lines, and how can this understanding impact our faith?

3. How does the account of Ehud in Judges 3:15 inspire us to consider our own roles in God's plan for deliverance and justice?

4. What lessons can we learn from the lesser-known individuals in biblical genealogies about the significance of our own lives and contributions?

5. How can we ensure that our legacy, like those of the sons of Bilhan, reflects faithfulness to God and His purposes for future generations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 46:21
This passage lists the sons of Benjamin, providing a broader context for the tribe's genealogy and highlighting the importance of family lineage in Israel's history.

Judges 3:15
Ehud, one of the sons of Bilhan, is possibly connected to the judge Ehud, who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression, showcasing the role of Benjamin's descendants in Israel's deliverance.

1 Chronicles 8:1-40
This chapter provides a more extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, offering additional insights into the family lines and their significance in Israel's history.