1 Chronicles 8:29-40

Why is Saul’s family preserved in a book that will focus on David?

Berean Standard Bible

29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah, 30 and Abdon was his firstborn son, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, 32 and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeah. They too lived alongside their relatives in Jerusalem. 33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. 34 The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. 35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 37 Moza was the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. 38 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 The sons of his brother Eshek: Ulam was his firstborn, Jeush second, and Eliphelet third. 40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons—150 in all. All these were the descendants of Benjamin.

What is the context?

The account moves through Jeiel of Gibeon and his family to Ner, Kish, and Saul. It then continues through Saul’s sons and Jonathan’s descendants, with further branches traced to later families.

The genealogy does not stop at Saul’s failure or make his entire family disappear. Its closing notice remembers Ulam’s many descendants and their skill with the bow.

This prepares for Saul’s death and the transfer of kingship while preserving the continued life of his relatives. Losing the throne is not the same event as the extermination of every descendant.

How is this passage commonly understood?

The USCCB notes identify Saul’s family as the special focus of this expanded Benjaminite genealogy. Wesley adds an explanation of bow technique, but the passage itself only identifies the men as archers. The family continuity is the more important point for reading the coming narrative.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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