1 Chronicles 8:38: “Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.”
Extended Explanation
This verse provides the names of the six sons of Azel, a descendant of Benjamin. The verse lists Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan, and notes that they are all the sons of Azel. While no specific stories or significant events are associated with these individuals, the mention of their names in the genealogy is important in preserving the family lineage. Each name serves as a reminder of the continuity of the tribe of Benjamin and the importance of family heritage in Israel’s history.
Historical Context
The genealogies recorded in 1 Chronicles were written during or after the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile. At that time, it was vital for the returning exiles to reconnect with their ancestral roots and tribal identities. The chronicler carefully recorded the family lines of Israel’s tribes, including Benjamin, to preserve their history and heritage. The tribe of Benjamin held an important place in Israel’s story, producing Saul, the first king of Israel. This genealogical record would have been important to the post-exilic community, as it helped reestablish family ties and tribal responsibilities.
Theological Implications
This verse reflects God’s faithfulness in preserving family lines and shows that every person, even those who might not be widely known or famous, has a place in God’s plan. Genealogies remind us that God values each individual and family. The continuity of Azel’s family demonstrates God’s care for future generations and His interest in maintaining the heritage of His people. Even when individual stories aren’t told, the inclusion of these names reminds us that God works through families and communities over time, often in ways that aren’t immediately visible.
Literary Analysis
As with much of 1 Chronicles, this verse follows the pattern of genealogical writing, which lists individuals by name without additional narrative or elaboration. This literary style emphasizes the importance of family lineage and continuity in Israel’s history. By providing the names of Azel’s six sons, the chronicler establishes their place in the genealogical record, showing that they are part of the ongoing story of God’s people. Genealogies like this serve to connect Israel’s past with its present, reminding readers of their heritage and place within God’s covenant community.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 35:22-26: Lists the twelve sons of Jacob, from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended, showing the importance of family lines in the Bible.
- 1 Samuel 9:1-2: Introduces Saul, the first king of Israel, who came from the tribe of Benjamin, connecting back to these genealogical records.
- Nehemiah 7:7: Lists the families returning from exile, underscoring the importance of genealogy and family heritage in reestablishing Israel’s identity.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that God cares about each individual, even those whose stories might not seem extraordinary. The listing of Azel’s six sons shows that everyone has a place in God’s plan. Though their specific actions or contributions are not detailed, their names are recorded in Scripture, demonstrating the value of each person in the larger story of God’s people. In the same way, Christians today can be encouraged that God sees and values each of us, even when our contributions seem small or unnoticed. Our lives are part of the larger plan of God’s kingdom, and He cares about each generation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love for families and individuals. The preservation of family lines in genealogies like this shows God’s attention to detail and His care for each person. His love extends to every generation, and He faithfully works through families to accomplish His purposes. The fact that Azel’s six sons are named in Scripture, even without accompanying stories of greatness, demonstrates God’s personal care for every individual in His covenant family. God’s love is not based on fame or accomplishment but on His relationship with His people, whom He faithfully cares for across generations.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ through the broader theme of genealogies in the Bible. Just as the genealogies in 1 Chronicles trace the lineage of Israel’s tribes, the New Testament traces Jesus’ genealogy back through these same lines, showing God’s faithfulness in preserving the family of Israel through which the Messiah would come. Jesus, as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel, came from a long line of individuals, some of whom are well-known and others who, like Azel’s sons, are less known but still vital to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus’ own genealogy, found in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, connects Him to the promises made to Israel and shows that God’s plan of salvation was being fulfilled through the preservation of these family lines.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to see the value of your own life and contributions, even if they seem small or unnoticed by others?
- What can we learn from genealogies like this one about the importance of family heritage and God’s faithfulness across generations?
- How does the preservation of family lines in the Bible point to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ, and how does that affect your understanding of God’s faithfulness today?