and Beriah and Shema (who were the heads of families of the inhabitants of Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath). and Beriah and ShemaBeriah (“in trouble” or “misfortune”) and Shema (“hear” or “obey”) stand within Benjamin’s preserved family history as recognized leaders whose households helped shape Israel’s life in the land. Their record shows that tribal genealogies also remembered acts of courage and service. 1Ch 7:23 And again he slept with his wife, and she conceived… (who were the heads of families living in Aijalon Aijalon stood in a strategic valley on the western approach to the hill country, near the borderlands exposed to Philistine pressure. Though assigned to Dan, the city became associated with Benjaminite families. Its earlier history included the Lord’s victory for Israel when Joshua called for the sun to stand still over Aijalon. 1Ch 6:69 Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon, together with their pasturelands. and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath). Beriah and Shema led their families in removing inhabitants of Gath, a major Philistine stronghold and later the home of Goliath. Their action reflects Israel’s continuing struggle to hold the inheritance God had given amid hostile neighbors. The account honors leaders who defended their people and advanced Israel’s security in reliance upon the Lord’s covenant faithfulness. 1Ch 18:1 Some time later, David defeated the Philistines,… Persons / Places / Events 1. BeriahA descendant of Benjamin, Beriah is mentioned as a leader or head of a family. His name means "in trouble" or "misfortune," which may reflect the challenges faced by his lineage. 2. Shema Another leader from the tribe of Benjamin, Shema is noted alongside Beriah. His name means "hear" or "obey," suggesting a role of leadership and guidance. 3. Aijalon A city in the territory of the tribe of Dan, but also associated with Benjamin in this context. It was a strategic location, often involved in battles due to its position. 4. Gath One of the five Philistine cities, known for its giants, including Goliath. The inhabitants of Gath were often adversaries of Israel. 5. Driving out the inhabitants This event signifies a military victory and the reclaiming of territory, demonstrating God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilityBeriah and Shema's roles as heads of families highlight the importance of godly leadership in guiding and protecting communities. Leaders today are called to be courageous and faithful in their responsibilities. God's Faithfulness in Battles The victory over Gath's inhabitants is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust God to fight their battles and provide victory over spiritual adversaries. Strategic Importance of Obedience Aijalon's significance in Israel's history underscores the need for strategic obedience to God's commands. Believers are encouraged to discern and act in alignment with God's will in their lives. Heritage and Legacy The mention of these leaders in the genealogies of Chronicles reminds us of the importance of leaving a legacy of faith and obedience for future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the leadership of Beriah and Shema in Aijalon inspire you to take on leadership roles in your community or church?2. In what ways can you trust God to fight your battles, as He did for the Israelites against the inhabitants of Gath? 3. How can the strategic importance of Aijalon in Israel's history inform your understanding of being strategically obedient to God's will in your life? 4. What legacy of faith and obedience are you building for future generations, and how can you ensure it aligns with biblical principles? 5. How do the victories and challenges faced by the Israelites in reclaiming their land encourage you in your spiritual journey and battles today? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 10:12-14Aijalon is mentioned in the context of Joshua's battle, where God intervened by stopping the sun. This highlights Aijalon's strategic importance and God's involvement in Israel's victories. 1 Samuel 17 The account of David and Goliath connects to Gath, emphasizing the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines and God's deliverance through His chosen leaders. Judges 1:34-35 The struggle for control over territories like Aijalon is a recurring theme, illustrating the challenges Israel faced in fully possessing the Promised Land.
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, ZurPlaces Aijalon, Beth-shan, Gath, Geba, Gibeon, Jerusalem, Lod, Manahath, Moab, OnoTopics Aijalon, Ai'jalon, Ajalon, Beriah, Beri'ah, Caused, Chief, Drove, Families, Fathers, Flee, Flight, Gath, Heads, Households, Houses, Inhabitants, ShemaDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 8:1-28Library 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 Chronicles Links 1 Chronicles 8:13 NIV1 Chronicles 8:13 NLT 1 Chronicles 8:13 ESV 1 Chronicles 8:13 NASB 1 Chronicles 8:13 KJV 1 Chronicles 8:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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