1Ch 8:29-40 | KingComments | STEP | Here we have the genealogy of Saul. It is the bridge to the history of David. It is again noted that the descendants of Benjamin mentioned here, that is here the ancestry of Saul, live in Jerusalem, “opposite their [other] relatives” ( ; cf. ). Jerusalem is mentioned here as their place of residence to motivate the returnees from the Babylonian exile to go back to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, it appears that few were prepared to do so. The lot must determine who is to live there (cf. ). Merib-baal ( ) is Mephibosheth. ‘Baal’ in the name Merib-baal means ‘lord’. ‘Bosheth’ in the name Mephibosheth means ‘shame’. Also in the lineage of Saul is referred to “mighty men of valor” ( ; ). The tribe of Benjamin is characterized by combativeness, as it resounds in what Jacob noted in his prophetic address to his sons about Benjamin ( ).

‏ 1 Chronicles 8:29-40

The Lineage of Saul

Here we have the genealogy of Saul. It is the bridge to the history of David.

It is again noted that the descendants of Benjamin mentioned here, that is here the ancestry of Saul, live in Jerusalem, “opposite their [other] relatives” (1Chr 8:32; cf. 1Chr 8:28). Jerusalem is mentioned here as their place of residence to motivate the returnees from the Babylonian exile to go back to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, it appears that few were prepared to do so. The lot must determine who is to live there (cf. Neh 11:1-4).

Merib-baal (1Chr 8:34) is Mephibosheth. ‘Baal’ in the name Merib-baal means ‘lord’. ‘Bosheth’ in the name Mephibosheth means ‘shame’.

Also in the lineage of Saul is referred to “mighty men of valor” (1Chr 8:40; 1Chr 7:7 ; 9 ; 11). The tribe of Benjamin is characterized by combativeness, as it resounds in what Jacob noted in his prophetic address to his sons about Benjamin (Gen 49:27).