Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:

1 CHRONICLES 8:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 8:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 8:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 8:13 reports that Beriah and Shema were leaders among the families living in Aijalon, and they successfully drove out the people of Gath. This verse highlights their role as heads of their community and their victory over another group.

This part of 1 Chronicles is listing descendants of Benjamin and their achievements. The writer is recording the history of certain family heads, noting that Beriah and Shema, who led families in Aijalon, managed to expel the inhabitants of Gath—likely Philistines—from the area. The verse is part of a larger genealogy showing the strength and influence of Benjamin’s descendants.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:13

  • רָאשֵׁי (rāshê, "heads"): This word means leaders or chiefs, emphasizing that Beriah and Shema were not just ordinary residents but held authority over their families or clans in Aijalon.
  • הוֹשִׁיבוּ (hôshîvû, "drove away"): This verb is often used for causing someone to leave or expelling them. Here, it shows that Beriah and Shema actively removed the inhabitants of Gath, suggesting a significant act of defense or conquest.
  • גַּת (Gath): Gath was a major Philistine city. Mentioning it here highlights that the conflict was with a notable and often hostile neighboring group.

Why 1 Chronicles 8:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that some Benjamite families played a military or protective role, not just living quietly but taking action to secure their territory.
  • The mention of Gath connects this family history to the broader story of Israel’s struggles with the Philistines, showing that local leaders sometimes took initiative apart from the main national narratives.
  • By naming Beriah and Shema as "heads" and recording their victory, the verse gives honor to these individuals and their families, showing the chronicler’s interest in both genealogy and notable deeds.

Where else these words appear

“Shema” Hebrew H8087 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 2:43 And the sons of Hebron; Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:44 And Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkoam: and Rekem begat Shammai.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:

“Beriah” Hebrew H1283 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 46:17 And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:23 And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:16 And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;

“Aijalon” Hebrew H357 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 10:12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
  • Judges 1:35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:69 And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs:

“Gath” Hebrew H1661 · used in 31 verses

  • Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
  • 1 Samuel 27:3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.
  • 2 Kings 12:17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.