---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  1 Chronicles 8"
description: "CHAPTER 8   :-. SONS AND CHIEF
MEN OF BENJAMIN. 1. Now Benjamin begat, c.—This
chapter contains some supplementary particulars in addition to what
has bee"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/1-chronicles/8"
---

CHAPTER 8

. SONS AND CHIEF
MEN OF BENJAMIN.

**1. Now Benjamin begat,** c.—This
chapter contains some supplementary particulars in addition to what
has been already said regarding the tribe of Benjamin (see on ). The names of many of the persons mentioned are different
from those given by Moses—a diversity which may be accounted for in
part on grounds formerly stated, namely, either that the persons had
more than one name, or that the word "sons" is used in a
loose sense for grandsons or descendants. But there are other
circumstances to be taken into account in considering the details of
this chapter namely, first, that the genealogies of the Benjamites
were disordered or destroyed by the almost total extermination of
this tribe ([Judges 20:11-48](../../../kjv/judges/20/11-48));
secondly, that a great number of Benjamites, born in Assyria, are
mentioned here, who returned from the long captivity in Babylon, and
established themselves—some in Jerusalem, others in different parts
of Judea. There were more returned from Babylon of the families
belonging to this tribe than to any other except Judah; and hence
many strange names are here introduced; some of which will be found
in the list of the restored exiles (compare [Judges 20:11-7](../../../kjv/judges/20/11-7)).

**6. these are the sons of Ehud**—most
probably the judge of Israel (). His descendants, who had at first been established in Geba
in Benjamin, emigrated in a body under the direction of Gera () to Manahath, where their increased numbers would find more
ample accommodation. Manahath was within the territory of Judah.

**8. Shaharaim begat children in the
country of Moab**—He had probably been driven to take refuge in
that foreign land on the same calamitous occasion that forced
Elimelech to emigrate thither (). But, destitute of natural affection, he forsook or divorced
his two wives, and in the land of his sojourn married a third, by
whom he had several sons. But there is another explanation given of
the conduct of this Benjamite polygamist. His children by Hushim are
mentioned ([1 Chronicles 8:11](../../../kjv/1-chronicles/8/11)), while his
other wife is unnoticed. Hence it has been thought probable that it
is Baara who is mentioned under the name of Hodesh, so called because
her husband, after long desertion, returned and cohabited with her as
before.

**28. These dwelt in Jerusalem**—The
ordinary and stated inhabitants of Jerusalem were Judahites,
Benjamites, and Levites. But at the time referred to here, the chiefs
or heads of the principal families who are enumerated () established themselves in the city after their return
from the captivity.
. STOCK OF SAUL
AND JONATHAN.

**33. Ner begat Kish**—The father
of Ner, though not mentioned here, is stated () to have been Jehiel. Moreover, the father of Kish is said
([1 Samuel 9:1](../../../kjv/1-samuel/9/1)) to have been Abiel, the
son of Zeror, whence it would seem that Abiel and Ner were names of
the same person.
**Abinadab**—the same as
Ishui ([1 Samuel 14:49](../../../kjv/1-samuel/14/49)).
**Esh-baal**—that is,
Ish-bosheth.

**34. Merib-baal**—that is,
Mephibosheth.

**36. Jehoadah**—or, Jara ().

**40. mighty men of valour,
archers**—(see on ).
Great strength as well as skill was requisite in ancient archery, as
the bow, which was of steel, was bent by treading with the feet, and
pulling the string with both hands.

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