1 Chronicles 9:39
And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
Original Language Analysis
הוֹלִ֤יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֤יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
2 of 19
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הוֹלִ֤יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֤יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
6 of 19
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הוֹלִ֤יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֤יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
10 of 19
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
1 Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile (c. 450-400 BC) to help returning Jews understand their identity. Including Saul's genealogy here connects the pre-monarchic tribal period to David's kingdom, showing continuity in God's covenant purposes despite Saul's failure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty work through flawed human leaders and failed dynasties?
- What does the preservation of Saul's genealogy teach about God's faithfulness to all Israel's tribes?
Analysis & Commentary
And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul—This genealogy establishes Saul's legitimate royal lineage from Benjamin. The name Esh-baal ('man of Baal') instead of the more familiar Ish-bosheth reveals the original name before later scribes substituted bosheth ('shame') for Baal. Chronicles preserves the authentic form, showing how Israelite names initially incorporated pagan elements before monotheistic reform.
The listing of Saul's genealogy in Chronicles' post-exilic context serves theological purposes: legitimizing Benjaminite claims while explaining why God transferred kingship to Judah. The Chronicler doesn't erase Saul from Israel's history but contextualizes his failed kingship within God's larger plan for David's dynasty.