King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 8:13 Mean?
“Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:”
Context
11
And of Hushim he begat Abitub, and Elpaal.
12
The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:
13
Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:
14
And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,
15
And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Beriah also, and Shema.**—After these two names the Masoretic punctuators have put a stop. Thus 1Chronicles 8:12-13 give five sons of Elpaal. Or 1Chronicles 8:13 may be disconnected from 1Chronicles 8:12, and Beriah and Shema regarded as beginning a new series of Benjamite clans.
**Who were heads of the fathers. . . .**—Rather, “THEY *were heads of the clans of the inhabitants of Aijalon;* THEY *put to flight the inhabitants of Gath.”* The pronoun is emphatic in both cases. The clans of Beriah and Shema, who were settled at Ajalon (*Yalo*)*,* near Gibeon, appear to have expelled a Gittite population from Ajalon, and dwelt in their stead. At all events, there is evident allusion to some famous exploit, in which the two Benjamite houses were more fortunate than the Ephraimites Ezer and Elead (1Chronicles 7:21). We must not identify this Benjamite Beriah with the Ephraimite Beriah of 1Chronicles 7:23. There was also an Asherite clan of Beriah (1Chronicles 7:30).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Chronicles 8:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Chronicles 8:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge