1 Chronicles – Chapter 8

Old Testament40 Verses

Chapter Summary

1 Chronicles 8 opens with the words: "Now Benjamin begot Bale his firstborn, Asbel the second, Ahara the third," The chapter centers on Jonathan, Naaman and Saul. Its 40 verses return again and again to family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Now Benjamin begot Bale his firstborn, Asbel the second, Ahara the third,

2Nohaa the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.

3And the sons of Bale were Addar, and Gera, and Abiud,

4And Abisue, and Naaman, and Ahoe,

5And Gera, and Sephuphan, and Huram.

6These are the sons of Abed, heads of families that dwelt in Gabaa, who were removed into Manahath.

7And Naaman, and Achia, and Gera he removed them, and begot Oza, and Ahiud.

8And Saharim begot in the land of Moab, after he sent away Husim and Bara his wives.

9And he begot of Hodes his wife Jobab, and Sebia, and Mosa, and Molchom,

10And Jehus and Sechia, and Marma. These were his sons heads of their families.

11And Mehusim begot Abitob, and Elphaal.

12And the sons of Elphaal were Heber, and Misaam, and Samad: who built Ono, and Lod, and its daughters.

13And Baria, and Sama were heads of their kindreds that dwelt in Aialon: these drove away the inhabitants of Geth.

14And Ahio, and Sesac, and Jerimoth,

15And Zabadia, and Arod, and Heder,

16And Michael, and Jespha, and Joha, the sons of Baria.

17And Zabadia, and Mosollam, Hezeci, and Heber,

18And Jesamari, and Jezlia, and Jobab, sons of Elphaal,

19And Jacim, and Zechri, and Zabdi,

20And Elioenai, and Selethai, and Elial,

21And Adaia, and Baraia, and Samareth, the sons of Semei.

22And Jespham, and Heber, and Eliel,

23And Abdon, and Zechri, and Hanan,

24And Hanania, and Elam, and Anathothia.

25And Jephdaia, and Phanuel the sons of Sesac.

26And Samsari, and Sohoria and Otholia,

27And Jersia, and Elia, and Zechri, the sons of Jeroham.

28These were the chief fathers, and heads of their families who dwelt in Jerusalem.

29And at Gabaon dwelt Abigabaon, and the name of his wife was Maacha:

30And his firstborn son Abdon, and Sur, and Cis, and Baal, and Nadab,

31And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher, and Macelloth:

32And Macelloth begot Samaa: and they dwelt over against their brethren in Jerusalem with their brethren.

33And Ner begot Cis and Cis begot Saul. And Saul begot Jonathan and Melchisua, and Abinadab, and Esbaal.

34And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begot Micha.

35And the sons of Micha were Phithon, and Melech, and Tharaa, and Ahaz.

36And Ahaz begot Joada: and Joada begot Alamath, and Azmoth, and Zamri: and Zamri begot Mosa,

37And Mosa begot Banaa, whose son was Rapha, of whom was born Elasa, who begot Asel.

38And Asel had six sons whose names were Ezricam, Bochru, Ismahel, Saris, Obdia, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Asel.

39And the sons of Esec, his brother, were Ulam the firstborn, and Jehus the second, and Eliphalet the third.

40And the sons of Ulam were most valiant men, and archers of great strength: and they had many sons and grandsons, even to a hundred and fifty. All these were children of Benjamin.

Important Verses in 1 Chronicles 8

Now Benjamin begot Bale his firstborn, Asbel the second, Ahara the third,

1 Chronicles 8:1

These are the sons of Abed, heads of families that dwelt in Gabaa, who were removed into Manahath.

1 Chronicles 8:6

And he begot of Hodes his wife Jobab, and Sebia, and Mosa, and Molchom,

1 Chronicles 8:9

And the sons of Ulam were most valiant men, and archers of great strength: and they had many sons and grandsons, even to a hundred and fifty. All these were children of Benjamin.

1 Chronicles 8:40

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, 1 Chronicles was written with the post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around Temple worship in view. Chapter 8 of 29 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 40 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Jonathan, Naaman, Saul and Michael appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "Now Benjamin begot Bale his firstborn, Asbel the second, Ahara the third," The chapter ends with: "And the sons of Ulam were most valiant men, and archers of great strength: and they had many sons and grandsons, even…" In terms of historical background, Writing for the restored community after the exile, the Chronicler retells Israel's story with emphasis on David, the Temple, and worship. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the genealogy establishes continuity between generations and validates the claims of later narratives. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now Benjamin begot Bale his firstborn, Asbel the second, Ahara the third," The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of David's legacy and Temple preparation. the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1604).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Jonathan2 mentionsNaaman2 mentionsSaul2 mentionsMichael1 mention

Reflection for Today

The early section of 1 Chronicles—Chapter 8 of 29—opens a particular moment in the story of David's legacy and Temple preparation.

According to Catholic teaching, the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). This chapter especially highlights care for the poor and vulnerable, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 2632).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 74) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Chronicles Chapter 8 about?

1 Chronicles 8 contains 40 verses. It opens with "Now Benjamin begot Bale his firstborn, Asbel the second, Ahara the third," and closes with "And the sons of Ulam were most valiant men, and archers of great strength: and they had many sons and grandsons, even…". The book as a whole is historical narrative and genealogy.

What is a key verse in 1 Chronicles 8?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now Benjamin begot Bale his firstborn, Asbel the second, Ahara the third," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Chronicles Chapter 8?

This chapter mentions Jonathan, Naaman, Saul, Michael.

Who wrote 1 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars. After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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