1 Chronicles 9:7
And of the sonnes of Beniamin: Sallu the sonne of Meshullam, the sonne of Hodauiah, the sonne of Hasenuah: 1 Chronicles 9:7 (KJV)
The books of Chronicles, both 1 and 2, function as a historical record for Israel. 1 Chronicles (chapters 1‑9) presents the detailed genealogies of the twelve tribes, while 2 Chronicles follows the history of the Davidic monarchy, the Temple, and the kingdom of Judah. Together they preserve the nation’s ancestral and religious heritage.
Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob (also called Israel) and Rachel. The tribe received a central portion of the promised land, situated between Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. Notable individuals from this tribe include King Saul, Israel’s first king, and the apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the New Testament.
In the verse under study, Sallu is identified as the son of Meshullam, who was the son of Hodaviah, who in turn was the son of Hasenuah. These names record a specific family line within the tribe of Benjamin, offering a glimpse of the broader genealogical tapestry that the chronicler sought to preserve.
Although the passage does not convey an explicit theological or moral lesson, its primary purpose is to document the genealogy of the Benjaminite families and to maintain a reliable historical record of Israel’s descendants. Understanding tribal lineages was essential for the Israelites to affirm their ancestral connections, claim inheritance rights, and safeguard their cultural identity. Biblical genealogies also serve a deeper function, occasionally revealing the fulfillment of prophecy and the preservation of the Messianic line that culminates in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 9:7 provides a concise snapshot of the Benjaminite genealogical record. While it may not present a direct moral teaching, it contributes to the larger historical narrative of the nation and helps preserve the lineage of the twelve tribes of Israel for future generations.
