1 Chronicles 8 Study Notes
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8:29-32 These were the Benjaminites living in Gibeon. Jeiel fathered Gibeon may mean that he “founded” Gibeon.
8:32 Not until David’s reign as king did Jerusalem belong entirely to Israel. At the time referred to here, Benjaminites were living around Jerusalem, but the highest fortified part of the city was home to the Jebusites.
8:33 At this point the Chronicler casually mentions Saul, but without calling any special attention to him. Esh-baal (Ishbosheth) was Saul’s son and a younger brother of Jonathan. In 2Sm 2-3 we find Esh-baal attempting to continue Saul’s monarchy against David’s claim. Joab eliminated virtually the entire clan.
8:34 Merib-baal (Mephibosheth), Jonathan’s crippled son, was the only one who escaped the purge. Saul’s line eventually did make a comeback. The tribe of Benjamin became strongly allied with David’s and Solomon’s unified kingdom and then with the kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem, the eventual capital, was located at the border of Judah and Benjamin.
8:35-40 This completes Saul’s genealogy. Verse 40 notes the military skill of this tribe. The number of descendants probably indicates God’s blessing. These are ancestors of Benjaminites who returned to Jerusalem after the exile.