In the Bible, “Ben” means “son” in Hebrew, often used as a prefix in names to signify lineage, such as “Benjamin,” which means “son of the right hand.” It highlights familial relationships and heritage throughout biblical texts.
Scripture
16 Then they journeyed from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor.
17 And when she was in her hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for you have another son.”
18 And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Meaning of “Ben” in the Bible
The term “Ben,” meaning “son” in Hebrew, is significant in the biblical context as it emphasizes lineage, heritage, and the importance of familial relationships within the narrative of the Scriptures. It is often used as a prefix to names, denoting familial ties and often carrying implications of status or roles within a family structure. For instance, in Genesis 35:18, Rachel names her son “Benjamin,” which translates to “son of the right hand.” This name symbolizes favor and strength, reflecting not only Rachel’s personal sentiment but also setting Benjamin apart within the family of Jacob. Thus, the application of “Ben” also serves to highlight the concept of blessing and destiny tied to one’s lineage.
Moreover, the broader theological implications of the usage of “Ben” in biblical texts extend to the understanding of sonship in a spiritual sense. The New Testament takes this concept of sonship further by describing Jesus as the “Son of God,” reinforcing His divine nature and unique relationship with God the Father (John 1:14). This title signifies not only His identity but also the transformative relationship believers can have through faith. The idea of “ben” reiterates the themes of inheritance, belonging, and relationship within the community of faith, as seen in Romans 8:15, where Paul speaks of believers receiving a spirit of adoption, allowing them to cry out, “Abba, Father,” thus affirming their place as children of God. Therefore, while “Ben” signifies familial ties, it also points to the broader spiritual truths about identity and relationship with God, which resonate throughout the biblical narrative.
In addition to its application in individual names, the term “Ben” also appears in key narratives that explore themes of identity, responsibility, and the covenantal relationships established within Israel’s history. For example, the Book of Exodus highlights the connection between “Ben” and the concept of sonship through the lenses of both freedom and obligation. When God instructs Moses to declare that Israel is His “firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22), it frames the nation’s identity in terms of divine favor and duty. This aspect of “Ben” underscores the idea that being a son brings not only privileges but also responsibilities to uphold the promises made through covenant, highlighting the importance of adherence to God’s laws.
Additionally, the use of “Ben” extends into prophetic literature, inferring a future hope for the people of Israel. In the prophetic writings, the figure of the “Son of David” emerges as a central herald of messianic hope. This designation, reflecting the lineage of King David, carries the weight of fulfillment of God’s promises to establish a lasting dynasty. As noted in the Psalms, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” (though a slightly different phrasing in various translations), it points to a relational dynamic that is both royal and deeply intimate. Throughout the Bible, the connotation of “Ben” evolves from physical lineage to encompassing spiritual realities, where each son—whether in familial or divine terms—plays a pivotal role in God’s overarching redemptive plan. This illustrates how the designation not only marks an individual’s identity within a family but also intricately connects them to the unfolding narrative of redemption and relationship with God.
The Significance of “Ben” as “Son”
In biblical Hebrew, the term “Ben” translates directly to “son.” This designation carries profound implications, as it often signifies not just biological lineage but also a deeper relational and covenantal connection. In the context of the Old Testament, being a “son” often implies a role within the family structure, including responsibilities, inheritance rights, and the continuation of the family name and legacy. This concept extends to the relationship between God and His people, where believers are referred to as “sons” of God, indicating a special status and relationship characterized by love, guidance, and responsibility.
Symbolism of “Ben” in Covenant Relationships
The term “Ben” also embodies the idea of covenant relationships throughout the Bible. Sons are often seen as heirs to the promises made by God, and their roles within these covenants are crucial. For instance, the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob highlights how the “sons” of these patriarchs are integral to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. The concept of “Ben” thus symbolizes not only familial ties but also the spiritual inheritance and responsibilities that come with being part of God’s chosen people.
The Role of “Ben” in Identity and Purpose
Furthermore, “Ben” signifies identity and purpose within the biblical narrative. Sons are often called to fulfill specific roles and missions, reflecting their father’s character and intentions. This is evident in the way Jesus is referred to as the “Son of God,” emphasizing His unique identity and mission to reveal God’s nature and bring salvation. In a broader sense, the term “Ben” invites believers to understand their identity as children of God, called to live out their faith and purpose in the world, reflecting the values and teachings of their Heavenly Father.
How to Embrace Spiritual Heritage and Identity in Christ
Embracing your spiritual heritage and identity in Christ is a beautiful journey that invites you to reflect on the profound truth that you are a beloved child of God, intricately woven into His divine story. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to illuminate your understanding of who you are in Christ—redeemed, cherished, and called to a purpose. Engage with your faith community, sharing experiences and learning from the rich tapestry of traditions that have shaped your spiritual lineage. Remember, your identity is not just about personal beliefs but also about belonging to a larger family of believers, past and present. As you pray and seek God’s guidance, let His love and grace redefine your self-perception, helping you to embrace both the unique gifts He has given you and the collective wisdom of those who have walked this path before you. In doing so, you’ll find a deeper sense of belonging and a renewed commitment to live out your faith authentically, reflecting Christ’s love in every aspect of your life.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Ben”:
Genesis 49:1-28: 2 “Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob,
listen to Israel your father.
2 “Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob,
listen to Israel your father.
3 Reuben, you are my firstborn,
my might, and the firstfruits of my strength,
preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.
4 Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence,
because you went up to your father’s bed;
then you defiled it—he went up to my couch!
5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords.
6 Let my soul come not into their council; O my glory, be not joined to their company. For in their anger they killed men, and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen.
7 Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce,
and their wrath, for it is cruel!
I will divide them in Jacob
and scatter them in Israel.
8 “Judah, your brothers shall praise you;
your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
your father’s sons shall bow down before you.
9 Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?
10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
11 Binding his foal to the vine
and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,
he has washed his garments in wine
and his vesture in the blood of grapes.
12 His eyes are darker than wine,
and his teeth whiter than milk.
13 “Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon.
14 “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds.
15 He saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, so he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant at forced labor.
16 “Dan shall judge his people
as one of the tribes of Israel.
17 Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider falls backward.
18 I wait for your salvation, O Lord.
19 “Raiders shall raid Gad,
but he shall raid at their heels.
20 “Asher’s food shall be rich,
and he shall yield royal delicacies.
21 Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns.
22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; his branches run over the wall.”
23 The archers bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely,
24 yet his bow remained unmoved;
his arms were made agile
by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob
(from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
25 by the God of your father who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
26 The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.
27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf,
in the morning devouring the prey
and at evening dividing the spoil.”
28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him.
1 Samuel 1:1-20: 1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite.
2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord.
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters.
5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.
6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb.
7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.
8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord.
10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.
11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth.
13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman.
14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.”
15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.
16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”
17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.”
18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.
20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”
1 Samuel 4:19-22: 19 Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.
20 As she was about to die, the women attending her said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer or pay attention.
21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
22 And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”
2 Samuel 12:15-25: 15 Then Nathan went to his house.
16 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.
17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.
18 On the seventh day the child died. But the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.”
19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead.
20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate.
21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.”
22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’
23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
24 Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him
25 and he sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord.
1 Kings 1:5-10: 5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?”
7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him.
8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David’s mighty men were not with Adonijah.
9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent’s Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah.
10 But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.
1 Chronicles 2:1-2: 1 These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,
2 Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
1 Chronicles 4:1-4: 1 The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
2 Reaiah the son of Shobal fathered Jahath, and Jahath fathered Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.
3 These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi.
10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
1 Chronicles 7:1-5: 1 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.
2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being 22,600.
3 The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah, all five of them were chief.
4 According to their generations, with heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty warriors, was twenty thousand two hundred.
5 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.
1 Chronicles 8:1-40: 1 Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,
2 Nohah fathered Ahuzzam, Gera, and Naaman. Naaman fathered Ahuzzam.
3 The sons of Bela: Addar, Gera, Abihud,
4 and Abishur, Gilead’s wife bore him Ahban and Molid.
5 and Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.
6 These are the sons of Ehud (they were heads of fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they were carried into exile to Manahath):
7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, that is, Heglam, who fathered Uzza and Ahihud.
8 And Shaharaim fathered sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives.
9 Joel, Zebadiah the son of Jeroham of Gedor.
10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ houses.
11 All of these were the sons of Jediael according to the heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty warriors, 17,200, ready for service in war.
12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns,
13 Beriah and Shema fathered Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth.
14 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza.
15 and Zebadiah, and Arad, and Eder,
16 Michael, Ispah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.
17 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,
18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.
19 Shallum fathered Jehizkiah, and Jehizkiah fathered Seraiah (now the sons of Seraiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six).
20 And Elienath, Jeroham, Elkanah, and the sons of Elkanah: Amasai, Ahimoth.
21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.
22 and Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him.
23 And Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, and Hananiah the sons of Hatita were the sons of Shashak.
24 Hananiah, Mibsam, and Mishma were his sons.
25 and Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.
26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,
27 Jezer, Shobab, and Ardon.
28 These were heads of fathers’ houses, according to their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.
29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and the name of his wife was Maacah.
30 His firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab,
31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher
32 Mikloth fathered Shimeah. Now these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen.
33 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
34 The sons of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah.
35 and the sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.
36 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza.
37 Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.
38 Azel had six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
39 Jeziel, and Ishmaiah, and Idbash; and the sons of Beriah: Zemirah, and Jeuel.
40 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.
1 Chronicles 9:1-44: 1 So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith.
2 Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.
3 Now the sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death.
4 and Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the sons of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.
5 And of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.
6 And of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel and their kinsmen, six hundred and ninety.
7 Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.
8 and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, son of Reuel, son of Ibnijah;
9 And their kinsmen who were in their villages were obligated to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with these,
10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin,
11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, son of Ahitub, the chief officer of the house of God;
12 and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, son of Jahzerah, son of Meshullam, son of Meshillemith, son of Immer,
13 and their kinsmen, heads of their fathers’ houses, 1,760, mighty men for the work of the service of the house of God.
14 and some of the sons of the priests prepared the mixing of the spices.
15 and Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his fathers’ house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance.
16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, son of Galal, son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.
17 They were all enrolled by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.
18 until then they were in the king’s gate on the east side as the gatekeepers of the camps of the Levites.
19 Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his fathers’ house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance.
20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the chief officer over them in time past; the Lord was with him.
21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
22 All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were 212. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and Samuel the seer established them in their office of trust.
23 So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards.
24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.
25 And their kinsmen who were in their villages were obligated to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with these,
26 for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God.
27 They lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.
28 Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out.
29 Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out.
30 Others of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.
31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes.
32 And some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.
33 Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night.
34 These were heads of fathers’ houses of their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.
35 In Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, and the name of his wife was Maacah,
36 and his firstborn son Abijah, then Zichri, the son of Izhar.
37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah and Mikloth
38 And Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. They also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen.
39 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
40 The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal fathered Micah.
41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.
42 Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his fathers’ house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance.
43 and Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.
44 And some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out.
1 Chronicles 12:1-40: 12:1 Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men who helped him in war.
2 They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen.
3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth;
4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader over them, offered his help to David.
5 From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains.
6 Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the Korahites,
7 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri,
8 From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains.
9 Ezer the chief, Obadiah second, Eliab third,
10 they were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen.
11 They were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen, and their chief was Ahiezer the son of Shemaah, of Gibeah.
12 Of the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains.
13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbannai the eleventh.
14 These Gadites were officers of the army; the least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand.
15 These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
16 Some Benjaminites and Judahites came to the stronghold to David.
17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.”
18 Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” Then David received them and made them officers of his troops.
19 Some of the men of Manasseh deserted to David when he came with the Philistines for the battle against Saul. (Yet he did not help them, for the rulers of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying, “At peril to our heads he will desert to his master Saul.”)
20 As he went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh deserted to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of the thousands in Manasseh.
21 They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army.
22 For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.
23 These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the Lord.
24 The men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops.
25 From Simeon, mighty men of valor for war, 7,100.
26 Of the Simeonites, mighty men of valor for war, 26,000.
27 Jehoiada, the leader of the house of Aaron, and with him 3,700,
28 and Zadok, a young man mighty in valor, and twenty-two commanders from his own fathers’ house.
29 And from the Benjaminites, the kinsmen of Saul, 3,000, of whom the majority had to that point kept their allegiance to the house of Saul.
30 From Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.
31 Of the half-tribe of Manasseh 18,000, who were expressly named to come and make David king.
32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.
33 Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose.
34 Of Naphtali 1,000 commanders with 37,000 men armed with shield and spear.
35 From the Danites who could draw up an army, there were 28,600 men.
36 From Naphtali 1,000 commanders with 37,000 men armed with shield and spear.
37 From the other side of the Jordan, of the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh with all kinds of instruments of war for the battle, 120,000.
38 All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king.
39 They were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them.
40 Moreover those who were near to them, even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.
1 Chronicles 27:1-15: 1 This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000.
2 Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel. And in his division were twenty-four thousand.
3 He was from the sons of Perez, and was chief of all the commanders of the army for the first month.
4 Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division of the second month; in his division were 24,000.
5 The third commander, for the third month, was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; and in his division were 24,000.
6 This is the Benaiah who was a mighty man of the thirty and in command of the thirty; Ammizabad his son was in charge of his division.
7 The fourth for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him; and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
8 The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was Shamhuth the Izrahite.
9 The sixth for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite.
10 The seventh for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim.
11 The eighth for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite of the Zerahites.
12 The ninth for the ninth month was Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite; and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
13 The tenth for the tenth month was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; and in his division were 24,000.
14 The eleventh commander, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah of Pirathon, an Ephraimite.
15 The twelfth for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; and in his division were 24,000.
Nehemiah 3:1-32: 1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel.
2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.
3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired.
5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.
6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
7 And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
8 Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.
9 Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired.
10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired.
11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens.
12 And next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.
13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.
14 And the Dung Gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
15 And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David.
16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men.
17 After him the Levites repaired, Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district.
18 After him their brothers repaired Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah.
19 Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress.
20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section, from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired another section, from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib.
22 And after him the priests, the men of the surrounding area,
23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, repaired beside his own house.
24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress.
25 Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the buttress and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard.
26 and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower.
27 After them the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel.
28 Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house.
29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. And after him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired.
30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber.
31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner.
32 And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.
Nehemiah 7:6-73: 6 These were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town.
7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah.
8 the sons of Parosh, 2,172.
9 The sons of Shecaniah: the sons of Parosh, 372.
10 The sons of Hassenaah, 3,420.
11 the sons of Pahath-moab, namely the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,818
12 The sons of Elam, 1,254.
13 the sons of Adonikam, 666.
14 The sons of Zaccai, 760.
15 the sons of Bani, 646
16 the descendants of Solomon’s servants:
17 the sons of Azgad, 2,322.
18 the sons of Adonikam, 666.
19 the sons of Hashum, 372
20 The sons of Adin, 655.
21 the sons of Rehum, 621.
22 the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 125
23 the sons of Bezai, 323.
24 The men of Ramah and Geba, 621.
25 The sons of Gibeon, 95.
26 the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 125
27 who were the sons of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five.
28 The men of Bethel and Ai, 223.
29 the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743
30 The men of Ramah and Geba, 621.
31 the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two.
32 the men of Bethel and Ai, 123
33 the men of the other Nebo, 52
34 The sons of Jericho, 345
35 the sons of Senaah, 3,630.
36 The sons of Jericho, 345
37 the sons of Immer, 1,052
38 the sons of Senaah, 3,630.
39 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, namely the house of Jeshua, 973.
40 The sons of Immer, 1,052.
41 The sons of the Levites who went up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Zerubbabel and Jeshua had appointed, were 74.
42 The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, in all 139.
43 The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
44 The singers: the sons of Asaph, 148.
45 The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, 138.
46 the temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
48 The sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai,
49 the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,
50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephisim,
51 the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah,
52 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
54 The sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
55 The sons of servants of Solomon: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
56 the sons of Jediael, the sons of Jeshaiah, the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah.
57 the sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,
58 the sons of Senaah, 3,630.
59 The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove their fathers’ houses or their descent, whether they belonged to Israel:
60 All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon’s servants were 392.
61 These were the people of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove their fathers’ houses or their descent, whether they belonged to Israel:
62 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, six hundred forty-two.
63 The priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).
64 These sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but it was not found there, so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
65 The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food until a priest with Urim and Thummim should arise.
66 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty,
67 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337. And they had 245 singers, male and female.
68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six, their mules two hundred forty-five,
69 their camels 675, their donkeys 6,720.
70 Now some of the heads of fathers’ houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 basins, 30 priests’ garments and 500 minas of silver.
71 Some of the heads of families gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 basins, 30 priests’ garments and 500 minas of silver.
72 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, 973
73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel, lived in their towns. And when the seventh month had come, the people of Israel were in their towns.
Matthew 1:1-17: 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,
4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of David the king.
7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph,
8 and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah,
9 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud,
10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah,
11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.
13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud,
15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
Luke 3:23-38: 23 Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,
24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
27 …the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er
29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim,
31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,
33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah.
3 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
3 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,
38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.