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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 1 November 2025:
1 Chronicles 8:1-2 — Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
The genealogy of Benjamin is repeated here, showing continuity with the earlier genealogical records (1 Chronicles 7:6). The chronicler’s repetition underscores the covenantal importance of every tribe and family within Israel. Benjamin, though the smallest tribe, would later produce Israel’s first king, Saul, and centuries later, the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). This small tribe’s significance was not in its size or strength, but in God’s sovereign purpose. The Lord often chooses the least likely to display His power and grace (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
1 Chronicles 8:6-8 — These are the sons of Ehud (they were heads of fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they were carried into exile to Manahath): Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, that is, Heglam, who fathered Uzza and Ahihud. And Shaharaim fathered sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives.
Here we see the results of Israel’s repeated pattern of disobedience — exile. Even within the genealogies, the chronicler quietly records that the people of Benjamin were carried into exile. Yet their names are still remembered. Though discipline came, their covenant identity remained intact. God’s correction never cancels His covenant. Just as Israel was disciplined yet preserved, believers today experience God’s chastening love to bring about righteousness (Hebrews 12:6-11).
“These words illustrate the family history of primarily the tribe of Benjamin. These are the chosen people, yet full of defects just like you and me. For example, we see that a descendant of Benjamin brought forward children by another wife after he had “put away” a couple of others (1 Chronicles 8:7,8). Despite this, God uses them, and the chapter concludes with the sons of Ulam being declared mighty men and archers. They end up being prospered, despite their imperfections. This is good news.
There is also a flip side. Later in the narrative, we see a group who calls themselves ‘the children of Abraham’ being rebuked by the Messiah stating that ‘if you were [truly] Abraham’s children, you would do the works/actions of Abraham’ (John 8:39). The Messiah doesn’t declare his lineage as his reason for being right with God and His Laws/Ways. He simply states, ‘Follow me’ (Matthew 4:19). Follow my example. He doesn’t say ‘Go ahead while I wait here’ as many leaders do. He says ‘follow me’ or, in other words, ‘do as I do.’
Leadership is not about position; it is about character. Are you a leader for God?” (Nicholas Arroyave Howling-Crane Literature Evangelist, Beaufort, South Carolina USA)
1 Chronicles 8:13 — Beriah and Shema (they were heads of fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath).
Amidst a list of names, a brief historical victory is recorded. God remembers not only faith but faithfulness, those who courageously defended His people. The inhabitants of Gath were Philistines, long-time enemies of Israel. This small reference shows that the tribe of Benjamin, though small, demonstrated valor in the Lord’s service. Likewise, the Lord remembers acts of faithfulness, even those that seem minor or forgotten by history (Hebrews 6:10).
1 Chronicles 8:29-32 — Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and the name of his wife was Maacah. His firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, and Mikloth. Mikloth was the father of Shimeah. And these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen.
Here the genealogical line begins to transition toward Saul’s lineage, connecting Benjamin’s descendants to the royal history of Israel. Jeiel, the father of Gibeon, anchors the family in a particular place — Gibeon, a town that would later play a role in Israel’s worship (1 Kings 3:4). The mention of their living “opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem” subtly anticipates the coming centrality of Jerusalem as God’s chosen city, tying together family, geography, and divine purpose.
1 Chronicles 8:33-34 — Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal fathered Micah.
This section ties the tribe of Benjamin to the monarchy of Israel through Saul, Israel’s first king. Though Saul’s reign ended in failure, his lineage remains significant because it demonstrates the tragic consequences of pride and disobedience — and yet also the grace of God, who would later raise up David from Judah. The inclusion of Jonathan’s line, especially through Mephibosheth (Merib-baal), reminds us of covenant faithfulness. David’s kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) stands as a picture of God’s mercy toward undeserving sinners for the sake of His covenant with Christ.
1 Chronicles 8:39-40 — And the sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.
The chapter closes by describing the Benjaminites as “mighty warriors,” skilled in battle and blessed with numerous descendants. What began with smallness (Genesis 35:18-19) ends with strength and multiplication. This reflects God’s redemptive pattern — He exalts the humble, strengthens the weak, and turns small beginnings into great blessings (Zechariah 4:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
The world makes too much of heritage, gender, and ethnicity, as if these things in themselves are in any way virtuous in themselves. The common worldview is that while an individual’s character, choices, and decisions are paramount to the quality and content of their life, their heritage provides a crucial framework of identity, values, and a sense of belonging that influences those choices and decisions. However, as Christians, our identity, values and sense of belonging are rooted in Christ. Those who seek identity in anything else will remain unfulfilled and divided. Those who find their identity in Christ find fulfillment and unity. This is why Paul says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) — 1 November 2025: Remember that God delights in using the small, the obscure, and the overlooked to accomplish His purposes. The tribe of Benjamin, from which came both Saul and Paul, demonstrates that our significance comes not from our heritage, power, or reputation, but from our availability to God. Live today with an awareness that even your hidden acts of faithfulness, your quiet obedience, your prayers, your endurance, are remembered before God. Let this motivate you to proclaim Christ boldly wherever you are, knowing that one soul is worth more than all the world (Mark 8:36).
Pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You for remembering every name, every life, and every act of faith. Teach us to be faithful in obscurity and courageous in obedience. May we, like the Benjamites, stand firm and courageous in Your service, proclaiming Your Gospel to the lost. Give us Your heart for souls and Your perspective of eternal worth. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 