1 Chronicles 9:43 – “Moza was the father of Binea; Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.”
Extended Explanation
This verse continues the genealogical record of Saul’s descendants, focusing on the family of Moza, who was previously mentioned in verse 42. The lineage extends through several generations, listing Moza’s son Binea, followed by Rephaiah, Eleasah, and Azel. While none of these names are particularly prominent in the biblical narrative, their inclusion underscores the importance of preserving family lines and genealogical records within the history of Israel. The chronicler carefully traces each generation, showing the continuity of this family’s place in Israel’s story.
Historical Context
Genealogies were an essential part of Israelite culture. They served as a way to maintain tribal and familial identity, especially concerning land inheritance, leadership roles, and priestly duties. After the exile to Babylon, when many records were lost, genealogies helped restore the people’s connection to their heritage. This particular genealogy traces the line of Saul, Israel’s first king, and records the generations that followed him.
Saul’s reign ended in failure and tragedy, but the chronicler ensures that Saul’s descendants are not forgotten. By listing these individuals, the chronicler is connecting the present generation of Israelites (likely those who returned from exile) with their past, helping them remember the significance of their heritage.
Theological Implications
This verse reflects a key theological idea in Scripture: God’s faithfulness across generations. Even though Saul’s kingship ended poorly, God did not abandon his family. Instead, the chronicler records the ongoing existence of Saul’s descendants, showing that God’s purposes continue despite human failure. God’s grace is evident in the preservation of this family line, even though Saul’s life ended in disobedience.
This verse also underscores the idea that every person, no matter how obscure or seemingly insignificant, plays a role in God’s greater plan. While we may not know much about Binea, Rephaiah, Eleasah, or Azel, their names are preserved in Scripture as part of the unfolding story of Israel. This reminds us that God values every individual and that each person has a role in His redemptive plan.
Literary Analysis
As part of a genealogical section in 1 Chronicles, this verse follows the typical structure of listing fathers and sons. The chronicler’s detailed record-keeping serves both a practical and theological purpose: it ensures that Israel’s history is preserved, and it demonstrates the continuity of God’s work through generations. The use of genealogies in the Bible often emphasizes God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises to His people.
In literary terms, this verse is straightforward, listing names and relationships. However, its placement within a broader genealogical record highlights the chronicler’s concern with documenting the lineage of Saul and his descendants, ensuring that their legacy is remembered.
Biblical Cross-References
1 Chronicles 8:37 also mentions the same genealogical record, confirming the descendants of Moza. Additionally, 1 Samuel 31:1-13 recounts the tragic end of Saul and his sons, including Jonathan. Despite the fall of Saul’s house, this genealogy in 1 Chronicles serves to show that his family line continued.
Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” This verse highlights the biblical theme of passing down faith and the remembrance of God’s works from one generation to the next. In that sense, genealogies like the one in 1 Chronicles 9 fulfill this function by ensuring that each generation is remembered as part of God’s unfolding plan.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of legacy, family, and the ongoing work of God through generations. Even though the names listed here may not be well-known, they are part of the bigger picture of God’s plan for His people. Every individual plays a role in God’s story, even if that role seems small or insignificant. As Christians, we are part of the same ongoing story of faith, connected to those who came before us and responsible for passing on our faith to the next generation.
This verse also challenges us to consider our own legacy. How are we living in such a way that our faith and values will be passed down to future generations? The genealogical records in Scripture remind us that our actions and decisions today can impact those who come after us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in how He cares for families and preserves their legacy across generations. God’s faithfulness to His people is evident in the way He ensures that family lines are remembered, even in the case of Saul, whose reign was marked by failure. God’s love is not dependent on human success or perfection; He continues to work through families and individuals, even when they fall short.
The preservation of these names shows that God values every person and that His love extends to all generations. He is a God who remembers, who cares for each individual, and who works through families to accomplish His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
While this genealogy traces the descendants of Saul, it points to a broader biblical theme of lineage and inheritance that ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 trace Jesus’ lineage back to key figures in Israel’s history, showing that God’s promises are fulfilled through generations. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant with His people, and His coming marks the culmination of the long history of Israel’s families.
In a broader sense, genealogies like the one in 1 Chronicles 9 remind us that Jesus came not just for the prominent or well-known figures, but for all people. Just as God valued the descendants of Moza, He values every person in His family. Jesus came to offer salvation to all, regardless of their background or lineage.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of family and legacy in God’s plan?
- How can we ensure that we are passing down our faith and values to the next generation?
- How does this verse encourage us to see the value of every individual in God’s story, even when they may seem obscure or insignificant?
- In what ways does the preservation of family lines in the Bible point us to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan in Jesus Christ?