Question 1

Why is Saul’s family genealogy repeated in this passage?

Accepted Answer

This genealogy is repeated to connect the records of the tribe of Benjamin with the story of Saul and the later kings. By restating Saul’s family line, the passage reminds readers where Israel’s first king came from and who his relatives were. It ties the history of Gibeon and Benjamin to what follows in the story of the kingdom. Even if the repetition may seem unnecessary to us, it helps keep the family line clear and shows God’s care for accurate records of His people.

Question 2

Who is Jehiel, the father of Gibeon, in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Jehiel is called the father of Gibeon, which means he was the head or founder of a leading family in that town. His wife was Maachah, and they had several sons, including Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, and others. From this family line came Ner, then Kish, and then Saul. So Jehiel stands at the top of the family tree that leads to Israel’s first king and links the town of Gibeon with the royal line from Benjamin.

Question 3

How are Ner, Kish, and Saul related in this genealogy?

Accepted Answer

The passage sets out the line very simply: Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul. Ner is the father, Kish is his son, and Saul is Kish’s son. This makes Ner Saul’s grandfather and shows that Saul comes from a known and recorded family within the tribe of Benjamin. By naming these men in order, the text roots Saul’s kingship in a real family and a real place, not as someone who appeared out of nowhere.

Question 4

Who are Merib-baal and Micah, and why are they mentioned?

Accepted Answer

Merib-baal is named as the son of Jonathan, who was Saul’s son. Merib-baal then had a son named Micah, and the passage goes on to list Micah’s sons and later descendants. This shows that even though Saul’s reign ended, Jonathan’s line continued. The focus on Merib-baal and Micah keeps Jonathan’s family in view, showing that God allowed the family line to go on through later generations, all the way down to Azel and his six sons.

Question 5

What is the point of listing Azel’s six sons at the end?

Accepted Answer

The passage ends by naming Azel and his six sons: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. This shows how far the family line from Saul and Jonathan continued. By the time we reach Azel, the genealogy has moved several generations past Saul. Ending with these six sons makes it clear that the family did not die out but grew and spread, and their names are kept in Scripture as part of Israel’s story.

Question 6

Why does this genealogy mention both Gibeon and Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

The passage begins with the family living in Gibeon, but it also notes that some of them dwelt with their brothers in Jerusalem, across from their relatives. This shows that Saul’s wider family was settled in more than one important place. Gibeon was their original town, while Jerusalem later became the main city for Israel. Mentioning both places ties Saul’s family to the tribal town and to the city that would become the center of Israel’s life and kingship.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s view of family history?

Accepted Answer

This passage, though mostly names, shows that God values real people and real families. Each person listed had a place in history, and their names are preserved. It tells us that God does not forget His people, even those who seem small to others. The careful recording of Saul’s line and Jonathan’s descendants reminds us that God works through families over time and that our place in His plan is known to Him, even if it seems hidden to others.

Question 8

Why can genealogies like this feel difficult to understand or read?

Accepted Answer

Genealogies can feel hard to read because they are long lists of names, many of which are unfamiliar. It can be easy to wonder why they matter. But they help tie the Bible’s story together by showing real family connections, tracing how God’s promises move through history. In this passage, the list connects Saul, Jonathan, and their descendants to places like Gibeon and Jerusalem. When we see them that way, they feel less like random names and more like the backbone of the story.

1 Chronicles 9:35

¶ And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife’s name was Maachah:

The Descendants of Saul

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1 Chronicles 9:35

¶ And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife’s name was Maachah:

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The Descendants of Saul

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