1 Chronicles 8:21
And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;
1 Chronicles 8:21 (KJV)
Context
This verse belongs to a long list of names in 1 Chronicles, a book that records the history and family lines of Israel. Chapter 8 focuses on the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The list includes the sons of Shimhi, and among them are Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath. These names appear in a broader record that traces the families of Benjamin and the cities they lived in.
Meaning
These three names are given without any story or explanation. Their only recorded role is to show that they were sons of Shimhi. In ancient Israel, such records were not just lists. They established family identity, protected inheritance rights, and kept the memory of each household alive. Genealogies also preserved the historical continuity of the people and reinforced the covenant promises made to specific families.
Biblical connections
Genealogies like this one show how God kept His covenant promises through many generations. They also point toward the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose ancestry is traced through the tribes of Israel. Even a brief list of names confirms that God works through real families and real history. The careful recording of names shows that every person has a place in God’s redemptive plan.
Application
This verse reminds us that every person matters to God. Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath are not famous, yet their names are preserved in Scripture. In the same way, God knows each of us and gives every life a place in His plan. We do not need to be well-known to be valuable to Him. Our own heritage and family lines are part of His sovereign care.
Reflection
When we read such lists, we can pause and thank God for His faithfulness to ordinary people. Our own families and histories are part of His ongoing work. Trust that He who kept His promises through the generations will also keep them in your life. God’s attention to detail in these records encourages us to see significance in our own stories.
