1 Chronicles 9:10-17 - The son of Jediael: Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. All these were the sons of Jediael according to the heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty warriors, 17,200, able to go to war. And Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir, Hushim the son of Aher.

This passage from 1 Chronicles provides a genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically the descendants of Jediael. It lists the names of Jediael's sons - Bilhan, Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. These sons were heads of their fathers' houses and mighty warriors, numbering 17,200 men able to go to war. The passage also mentions Shuppim, Huppim, Ir, and Hushim. Shuppim and Huppim were sons of Ir, while Hushim was the son of Aher. Though brief, this genealogy provides valuable historical information about the lineage and military strength of the Benjamite tribes at that time.

As modern readers, genealogies like this one may not capture our attention or seem significant. Yet to the original audience, these ancestral records carefully preserved their history as a people belonging to God. They found their identity in these names that linked them to the past and future promises of God. Though we cannot trace our own lineage through this particular family tree, we share a common history with these ancient cousins in the faith. We are fellow members of God's household, grafted into His eternal family. Like them, we look back on God's faithfulness to generations past and take hope in His promises yet to be fulfilled. May this glimpse into their storied history remind us that we walk in the footsteps of spiritual ancestors who prepared the way for us to know God. We carry their legacy founded on His steadfast love. Our lives are but one chapter in the grand narrative of what He has done and will yet do through those who put their trust in Him.

Father God, we thank You for the written record of our spiritual heritage we find in Your Word. We may not know the exact history of our own ancestors, but in the genealogies of our biblical forefathers and foremothers, we see Your loving purpose unfolding through the generations. Their stories give us a glimpse into Your faithful shepherding of Your people across time. Remind us that we stand on the shoulders of those who’ve gone before us in faith. May we honor their legacy through wholehearted devotion to You all the days of our lives. Root us deeply in Your eternal family tree, that we might bear fruit that remains now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name, amen.