1 Chronicles 8 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The genealogy of Benjamin to Saul. The sons of Saul.

Before Christ 1444.

And Rapha the fifth— In Genesis 46:21 ten sons of Benjamin are reckoned; in the 6th verse of the preceding chapter three only, and here five. The genealogy here seems to be introduced principally on account of Bela, and therefore there was no necessity of mentioning it at large. See Houbigant's note on this and the 6th verse.

Archers— קשׁת דרכי dorkei kesheth; those who tread the bow. Hebrew. For their steel bows were so strong, says Bishop Patrick, that they could not bend them with their arms, but sat down, and pressing them with their feet, drew the arrow with both hands, that it might fly with the greater force. See Psalms 37:14.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, The names of some of Benjamin's descendants vary a little from those in Genesis 46.; but what seems variety and intricacy to us, was, at the time when this was written, no doubt, well understood. In 1 Chronicles 8:8 after sent them away, it may best be read, even Hushim and Baara his wives, as divorced. The Ehud mentioned 1 Chronicles 8:6 seems not to be the judge of that name. Those who dwelt at Jerusalem are twice mentioned, as an inducement to their posterity to settle there after their return from Babylon. When we depart from the prison of the body, happy will it be for those who have a part in the new Jerusalem.

2nd, The family of Saul is here taken notice of. He had several sons; but the line of Jonathan only is continued for about ten generations to Ulam, whose family was much increased, and were remarkable for their valour, and their skill in the use of the bow or sling. The name of a valiant soldier is great, but that of a saint of God greater.