1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles

Family History From Adam to Noah

¹ The first generations of people were Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah.+ 1:1-3 This list of names gives the name of a man, followed by his descendants.

⁴ The sons of Noah were Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Japheth’s Descendants

⁵ The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.

⁶ The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Riphath,+ 1:6 Riphath Or “Diphath.” and Togarmah.

⁷ The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.

Ham’s Descendants

⁸ The sons of Ham were Cush,+ 1:8 Cush That is, Ethiopia. Mizraim,+ 1:8 Mizraim That is, Egypt. Put, and Canaan.

⁹ The sons of Cush were Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca.

The sons of Raamah were Sheba and Dedan.

¹⁰ Nimrod, a descendant of Cush, grew up to become the strongest and bravest soldier in the world.

¹¹ Mizraim was the father of the people of Lud, Anam, Lehab, Naphtuh, ¹² Pathrus, Casluh, and Caphtor. ( The Philistines came from Casluh.)

¹³ Canaan was the father of Sidon. Sidon was his first child. Canaan was also the father of the Hittites, ¹⁴ Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, ¹⁵ Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, ¹⁶ Arvadites, Zemarites, and the people from Hamath.

Shem’s Descendants

¹⁷ Shem’s sons were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. Aram’s sons were+ 1:17 Aram’s sons were This is found in one Hebrew copy and some copies of the ancient Greek version. It is also found in the standard Hebrew text of Genesis 10:23, but not here. Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech.+ 1:17 Meshech Or “Mash.” See Genesis 10:23.

¹⁸ Arphaxad was the father of Shelah. Shelah was the father of Eber.

¹⁹ Eber had two sons. One son was named Peleg,+ 1:19 Peleg This name means “division.” because the people on the earth were divided into different languages during his lifetime. Peleg’s brother was named Joktan. ²⁰ ( Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, ²¹ Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, ²² Ebal,+ 1:22 Ebal Or “Obal.” See Genesis 10:28. Abimael, Sheba, ²³ Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these men were Joktan’s sons.)

²⁴ Shem’s descendants were Arphaxad, Shelah, ²⁵ Eber, Peleg, Reu, ²⁶ Serug, Nahor, Terah, ²⁷ and Abram. ( Abram is also called Abraham.)

Abraham’s Family

²⁸ Abraham’s sons were Isaac and Ishmael. ²⁹ These are their descendants:

Ishmael’s first son was Nebaioth. His other sons were Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, ³⁰ Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, ³¹ Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were Ishmael’s sons.

³² Abraham also had sons by Keturah, his slave woman. They were Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.

Jokshan’s sons were Sheba and Dedan.

³³ Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.

These men were the descendants of Keturah.

Isaac’s Descendants

³⁴ Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac’s sons were Esau and Israel.

³⁵ Esau’s sons were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

³⁶ Eliphaz’s sons were Teman, Omar, Zepho,+ 1:36 Zepho Or “Zephi.” Gatam, and Kenaz. Also Eliphaz and Timna had a son named Amalek.

³⁷ Reuel’s sons were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

The Edomites

³⁸ Seir’s sons were Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.

³⁹ Lotan’s sons were Hori and Homam.+ 1:39 Homam Or “Heman.” See Genesis 36:22. Lotan had a sister named Timna.

⁴⁰ Shobal’s sons were Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Zibeon’s sons were Aiah and Anah.

⁴¹ Anah’s son was Dishon.

Dishon’s sons were Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Keran.

⁴² Ezer’s sons were Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

Dishan’s sons were Uz and Aran.

The Kings of Edom

⁴³ There were kings in Edom long before there were kings in Israel. These are the names of the kings of Edom:

Bela was the son of Beor. The name of Bela’s city was Dinhabah.

⁴⁴ When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah became the new king. Jobab came from Bozrah.

⁴⁵ When Jobab died, Husham became the new king. Husham was from the country of the Temanites.

⁴⁶ When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad became the new king. Hadad defeated Midian in the country of Moab. Hadad’s city was named Avith.

⁴⁷ When Hadad died, Samlah became the new king. Samlah was from Masrekah.

⁴⁸ When Samlah died, Shaul became the new king. Shaul was from Rehoboth by the Euphrates River.

⁴⁹ When Shaul died, Baal Hanan son of Acbor became the new king.

⁵⁰ When Baal Hanan died, Hadad became the new king. Hadad’s city was named Pau.+ 1:50 Pau Or “Pai.” Hadad’s wife was named Mehetabel. Mehetabel was Matred’s daughter. Matred was Mezahab’s daughter. ⁵¹ Then Hadad died.

The leaders of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, ⁵² Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, ⁵³ Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, ⁵⁴ Magdiel, and Iram. This is a list of the leaders of Edom.

Israel’s Sons

¹ Israel’s sons were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, ² Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Judah’s Sons

³ Judah’s sons were Er, Onan, and Shelah. Bathshua+ 2:3 Bathshua This name means “the daughter of Shua.” See Genesis 38:2. from Canaan was their mother. The LORD killed Er, the first son, because he saw that he was evil. ⁴ Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar gave birth to Perez and Zerah.+ 2:4 Judah had sexual relations with his own daughter-in-law, Tamar, and caused her to be pregnant. See Genesis 38:12-30. So Judah had five sons.

⁵ Perez’s sons were Hezron and Hamul.

⁶ Zerah had five sons. They were Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Darda.

⁷ Zimri’s son was Carmi. Carmi’s son was Achar.+ 2:7 Achar Or “Achan.” See Josh. 7:11. Achar was the man who brought many troubles to Israel. Achar kept the things he took in battle, but he was supposed to give them all to God.

⁸ Ethan’s son was Azariah.

⁹ Hezron’s sons were Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb.+ 2:9 Caleb Literally, “Kelubai.”

Ram’s Descendants

¹⁰ Ram was Amminadab’s father, and Amminadab was Nahshon’s father. Nahshon was the leader of the people of Judah.+ 2:10 Nahshon … Judah Nahshon was leader of the tribe of Judah at the time the Israelites came out of Egypt. See Num. 1:7; 2:3; 7:12.¹¹ Nahshon was Salmon’s father. Salmon was Boaz’s father. ¹² Boaz was Obed’s father. Obed was Jesse’s father. ¹³ Jesse was Eliab’s father. Eliab was Jesse’s first son. Jesse’s second son was Abinadab. His third son was Shimea. ¹⁴ Nethanel was Jesse’s fourth son. Jesse’s fifth son was Raddai. ¹⁵ Ozem was Jesse’s sixth son, and David was his seventh son. ¹⁶ Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah’s three sons were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. ¹⁷ Abigail was Amasa’s mother. Amasa’s father was Jether. Jether was from the Ishmaelites.

Caleb’s Descendants

¹⁸ Caleb was Hezron’s son. Caleb had children with his wife Azubah. Azubah was the daughter of Jerioth.+ 2:18 Or “Caleb had children with Azubah his wife and with Jerioth.” Azubah’s sons were Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. ¹⁹ When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath. Caleb and Ephrath had a son. They named him Hur. ²⁰ Hur was Uri’s father. Uri was Bezalel’s father.

²¹ Later when Hezron was 60 years old, he married Makir’s daughter. Makir was the father of Gilead. Hezron had sexual relations with Makir’s daughter, and she gave birth to Segub. ²² Segub was Jair’s father. Jair had 23 cities in the country of Gilead. ²³ But Geshur and Aram took Jair’s villages. Among them were Kenath and the small towns around it. There were 60 small towns in all. All these towns belonged to the sons of Makir, the father of Gilead.

²⁴ After Hezron died in the town of Caleb Ephrathah, his wife Abijah had his son, who was named Ashhur. Ashhur was the father of Tekoa.

Jerahmeel’s Descendants

²⁵ Jerahmeel was Hezron’s first son. Jerahmeel’s sons were Ram, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. Ram was Jerahmeel’s first son. ²⁶ Jerahmeel had another wife named Atarah. Onam’s mother was Atarah.

²⁷ Jerahmeel’s first son, Ram, had sons. They were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.

²⁸ Onam’s sons were Shammai and Jada. Shammai’s sons were Nadab and Abishur.

²⁹ Abishur’s wife was named Abihail. They had two sons. Their names were Ahban and Molid.

³⁰ Nadab’s sons were Seled and Appaim. Seled died without having children.

³¹ Appaim’s son was Ishi. Ishi’s son was Sheshan. Sheshan’s son was Ahlai.

³² Jada was Shammai’s brother. Jada’s sons were Jether and Jonathan. Jether died without having children.

³³ Jonathan’s sons were Peleth and Zaza. This was the list of Jerahmeel’s children.

³⁴ Sheshan did not have sons. He only had daughters. Sheshan had a servant from Egypt named Jarha. ³⁵ Sheshan let his daughter marry Jarha. They had a son. His name was Attai.

³⁶ Attai was Nathan’s father. Nathan was Zabad’s father. ³⁷ Zabad was Ephlal’s father. Ephlal was Obed’s father. ³⁸ Obed was Jehu’s father. Jehu was Azariah’s father. ³⁹ Azariah was Helez’s father. Helez was Eleasah’s father. ⁴⁰ Eleasah was Sismai’s father. Sismai was Shallum’s father. ⁴¹ Shallum was Jekamiah’s father, and Jekamiah was Elishama’s father.

Other Descendants of Caleb

⁴² Caleb was Jerahmeel’s brother. Caleb had some sons. His first son was Mesha. Mesha was Ziph’s father. There was also Caleb’s son Mareshah. Mareshah was the father of Hebron.

⁴³ Hebron’s sons were Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. ⁴⁴ Shema was Raham’s father. Raham was Jorkeam’s father. Rekem was Shammai’s father. ⁴⁵ Shammai’s son was Maon. Maon was Beth Zur’s father.

⁴⁶ Caleb’s slave woman was named Ephah. Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Haran was Gazez’s father.

⁴⁷ Jahdai’s sons were Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.

⁴⁸ Maacah was another slave woman of Caleb. Maacah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhana. ⁴⁹ Maacah was also the mother of Shaaph and Sheva. Shaaph was Madmannah’s father. Sheva was the father of Macbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Acsah.

⁵⁰ This is a list of Caleb’s descendants: Hur was Caleb’s first son. He was born to Ephrathah. Hur’s sons were Shobal, the founder+ 2:50 founder Literally, “father.” The person who started the city. of Kiriath Jearim, ⁵¹ Salma, the founder of Bethlehem, and Hareph, the founder of Beth Gader.

⁵² Shobal was the founder of Kiriath Jearim. This is a list of Shobal’s descendants: Haroeh, half the people in Manahti, ⁵³ and the tribes from Kiriath Jearim. These are the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites, and Mishraites. The Zorathites and the Eshtaolites came from the Mishraites.

⁵⁴ This is a list of Salma’s descendants: the people from Bethlehem, Netophah, Atroth Beth Joab, half the people from Manahti, the Zorites, ⁵⁵ and the families of scribes who lived at Jabez, Tirath, Shimeath, and Sucah. These scribes are the Kenites who came from Hammath. Hammath was the founder of Beth Recab.

David’s Sons

¹ Some of David’s sons were born in the town of Hebron. This is a list of David’s sons:

David’s first son was Amnon. Amnon’s mother was Ahinoam. She was from the town of Jezreel.

The second son was Daniel. His mother was Abigail from Carmel in Judah.

² The third son was Absalom. His mother was Maacah, daughter of Talmai. Talmai was the king of Geshur.

The fourth son was Adonijah. His mother was Haggith.

³ The fifth son was Shephatiah. His mother was Abital.

The sixth son was Ithream. His mother was Eglah, David’s wife.

⁴ These six sons were born to David in Hebron.

David ruled as king in Hebron for seven years and six months. He ruled as king in Jerusalem 33 years. ⁵ These are the children born to David in Jerusalem:

There were four sons from Bathsheba,+ 3:5 Bathsheba The standard Hebrew text has “Bathshua.” the daughter of Ammiel. They were Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. ⁶ There were nine other sons. They were Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. ⁹ They were all David’s sons. Their sister was named Tamar. David also had other sons by his slave women.

Kings of Judah After David’s Time

¹⁰ Solomon’s son was Rehoboam. Rehoboam’s son was Abijah. Abijah’s son was Asa. Asa’s son was Jehoshaphat. ¹¹ Jehoshaphat’s son was Jehoram. Jehoram’s son was Ahaziah. Ahaziah’s son was Joash. ¹² Joash’s son was Amaziah. Amaziah’s son was Azariah. Azariah’s son was Jotham. ¹³ Jotham’s son was Ahaz. Ahaz’s son was Hezekiah. Hezekiah’s son was Manasseh. ¹⁴ Manasseh’s son was Amon. Amon’s son was Josiah.

¹⁵ This is a list of Josiah’s sons: The first son was Johanan. The second son was Jehoiakim. The third son was Zedekiah. The fourth son was Shallum.

¹⁶ Jehoiakim’s sons were Jehoiachin, his son, and Zedekiah, his son.+ 3:16 This can be interpreted in two ways: “This Zedekiah was the son of Jehoiakim and the brother of Jehoiachin” or “This Zedekiah is the son of Jehoiachin and the grandson of Jehoiakim.”

David’s Family After Babylonian Captivity

¹⁷ This is a list of Jehoiachin’s children after Jehoiachin became a prisoner in Babylon: His children were Shealtiel, ¹⁸ Malkiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.

¹⁹ Pedaiah’s sons were Zerubbabel and Shimei. Zerubbabel’s sons were Meshullam and Hananiah. Shelomith was their sister. ²⁰ Zerubbabel had five other sons also. Their names were Hashubah, Ohel, Berekiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab Hesed.

²¹ Hananiah’s son was Pelatiah. His son was Jeshaiah.+ 3:21 Jeshaiah Or “Isaiah.” His son was Rephaiah. His son was Arnan. His son was Obadiah. His son was Shecaniah.+ 3:21 The Hebrew text here is hard to understand.

²² This is a list of Shecaniah’s descendants: Shemaiah. Shemaiah had six sons: Shemaiah, Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat.

²³ Neariah had three sons. They were Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam.

²⁴ Elioenai had seven sons. They were Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani.

Other Family Groups of Judah

¹ This is a list of Judah’s sons:

They were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

² Shobal’s son was Reaiah. Reaiah was Jahath’s father. Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. The Zorathites are descendants of Ahumai and Lahad.

³ Etam’s sons were Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. And they had a sister named Hazzelelponi.

⁴ Penuel was Gedor’s father, and Ezer was Hushah’s father.

These were Hur’s sons. Hur was Ephrathah’s first son, and Ephrathah was the founder+ 4:4 founder Literally, “father.” The person who started the city. Also in verse 14. of Bethlehem.

⁵ Tekoa’s father was Ashhur. Ashhur had two wives. Their names were Helah and Naarah. ⁶ Naarah had Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons Naarah had with Ashhur. ⁷ The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan, and Koz. ⁸ Koz was the father of Anub and Hazzobebah. Koz also was the father of the tribes of Aharhel. Aharhel was Harum’s son.

⁹ Jabez was a very good man, who was better than his brothers. His mother said, “ I have named him Jabez+ 4:9 Jabez This name is like the Hebrew word meaning “pain.” because I was in much pain when I had him.” ¹⁰ Jabez prayed to the God of Israel and said, “ I pray that you would bless me and give me more land! Be near me and don’t let anyone hurt me! Then I will not have any pain.” God gave Jabez what he asked for.

¹¹ Kelub was Shuhah’s brother. Kelub was Mehir’s father. Mehir was Eshton’s father. ¹² Eshton was the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah. Tehinnah was the father of Ir Nahash.+ 4:12 Tehinnah … Ir Nahash Or “Tehinnah was the founder of the city of Nahash.” Ir means “city.” These men were from Recah.

¹³ The sons of Kenaz were Othniel and Seraiah. Othniel’s sons were Hathath and Meonothai. ¹⁴ Meonothai was Ophrah’s father.

And Seraiah was Joab’s father. Joab was the founder of the Ge Harashim.+ 4:14 Ge Harashim This name also means “Valley of the Skilled Workers.” The people used that name because they were skilled workers.

¹⁵ Caleb was Jephunneh’s son. Caleb’s sons were Iru, Elah, and Naam. Elah’s son was Kenaz.

¹⁶ Jehallelel’s sons were Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.

¹⁷ Ezrah’s sons were Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. Mered was the father of Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. Ishbah was the father of Eshtemoa. Mered had a wife from Egypt. She had Jered, Heber, and Jekuthiel. Jered was Gedor’s father. Heber was Soco’s father. And Jekuthiel was Zanoah’s father. These were the sons of Bithiah. Bithiah was Pharaoh’s daughter. She was Mered’s wife from Egypt.

¹⁹ Mered’s wife was Naham’s sister. Mered’s wife was from Judah.+ 4:19 Mered’s wife … was from Judah This is from the ancient Greek version. The sons of Mered’s wife were the father of Keilah and Eshtemoa. Keilah was from the Garmites. And Eshtemoa was from the Maacathites. ²⁰ Shimon’s sons were Amnon, Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon.

Ishi’s sons were Zoheth and Ben Zoheth.

²¹ Shelah was Judah’s son. Shelah’s sons were Er, Laadah, Jokim, the men from Cozeba, Joash, and Saraph. Er was the father of Lecah. Laadah was the father of Mareshah and the tribes of linen workers at Beth Ashbea. Joash and Saraph married Moabite women. Then they went back to Bethlehem.+ 4:21-22 married … Bethlehem Or “They ruled in Moab and Jashubi Lehem.” The writings about this family are very old. ²³ These sons of Shelah were workers who made things from clay. They lived in Netaim and Gederah and worked for the king.

Simeon’s Children

²⁴ Simeon’s sons were Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul. ²⁵ Shaul’s son was Shallum. Shallum’s son was Mibsam. Mibsam’s son was Mishma.

²⁶ Mishma’s son was Hammuel. Hammuel’s son was Zaccur. Zaccur’s son was Shimei. ²⁷ Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but Shimei’s brothers did not have many children. Shimei’s brothers did not have large families. Their families were not as large as the other tribes in Judah.

²⁸ Shimei’s descendants lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar Shual, ²⁹ Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, ³⁰ Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, ³¹ Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri, and Shaaraim. They lived in these towns until David became king. ³² The five villages near these towns were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Token, and Ashan. ³³ There were also other villages as far away as Baalath. This is where they lived. And they also wrote the history about their family.

³⁴ This is the list of men who were leaders of their tribes: They were Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah (Amaziah’s son), Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah, Joshibiah son of Seraiah, Seraiah son of Asiel, Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, and Ziza (Shiphi’s son). Shiphi was Allon’s son, and Allon was Jedaiah’s son. Jedaiah was Shimri’s son, and Shimri was Shemaiah’s son.

These men’s families grew to be very large. ³⁹ They went to the area outside the town of Gedor to the east side of the valley. They went to that place to look for fields for their sheep and cattle. ⁴⁰ They found good fields with plenty of grass. They found plenty of good land there. The land was peaceful and quiet. Ham’s descendants lived there in the past. ⁴¹ This happened during the time that Hezekiah was king of Judah. These men came to Gedor and fought against the Hamites. They destroyed the tents of the Hamites. They also fought against the Meunites who lived there. These men destroyed all the Meunites. There are no Meunites in this place even today. So these men began to live there. They lived there because the land had grass for their sheep.

⁴² Five hundred people from the tribe of Simeon went to the hill country of Seir. Ishi’s sons led these men. The sons were Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel. The Simeonite men fought against the people living in that place. ⁴³ There were only a few Amalekites still living, and these Simeonites killed them. Since that time until now, the Simeonites have lived in Seir.

Reuben’s Descendants

¹ Reuben was Israel’s first son. Reuben should have received the special privileges of the oldest son. But he had sexual relations with his father’s wife. So those privileges were given to Joseph’s sons. In the family history, Reuben’s name is not listed as the first son. Judah became stronger than his brothers, so the leaders came from his family. But Joseph’s family got the other privileges that belong to the oldest son.

Reuben’s sons were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

⁴ These are the names of Joel’s descendants: Shemaiah was Joel’s son. Gog was Shemaiah’s son. Shimei was Gog’s son. ⁵ Micah was Shimei’s son. Reaiah was Micah’s son. Baal was Reaiah’s son. ⁶ Beerah was Baal’s son. King Tiglath Pileser of Assyria forced Beerah to leave his home. So Beerah became the king’s prisoner. Beerah was a leader of the tribe of Reuben.

⁷ Joel’s brothers and all his tribes are listed just as they are written in the family histories: Jeiel was the first son, then Zechariah, ⁸ and Bela. Bela was Azaz’s son. Azaz was Shema’s son. Shema was Joel’s son. They lived in the area of Aroer all the way to Nebo and Baal Meon. ⁹ Bela’s people lived to the east as far as the edge of the desert, near the Euphrates River. They lived there because they had many cattle in the land of Gilead. ¹⁰ When Saul was king, Bela’s people fought a war against the Hagrites. They defeated the Hagrites. Bela’s people lived in the tents that had belonged to the Hagrites. They lived in those tents and traveled throughout the area east of Gilead.

Gad’s Descendants

¹¹ The people of Gad lived across the river from Reuben, in the area of Bashan. They spread all the way to the town of Salecah. ¹² Joel was the first leader in Bashan. Shapham was the second leader. Then Janai became the leader.+ 5:12 Then Janai became the leader Or “Then there was Janai, and then Shaphat was in Bashan.”¹³ The seven brothers in their families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber. ¹⁴ They were the descendants of Abihail. Abihail was Huri’s son. Huri was Jaroah’s son. Jaroah was Gilead’s son. Gilead was Michael’s son. Michael was Jeshishai’s son. Jeshishai was Jahdo’s son. Jahdo was Buz’s son. ¹⁵ Ahi was Abdiel’s son. Abdiel was Guni’s son. Ahi was the leader of their family.

¹⁶ The people in the tribe of Gad lived in the area of Gilead. They lived in the area of Bashan, in the small towns around Bashan, and in all the pastures in the area of Sharon all the way to the borders.

¹⁷ During the time of Jotham and Jeroboam, all these people’s names were written in the family history of Gad. Jotham was the king of Judah and Jeroboam was the king of Israel.

Some Soldiers Skilled in War

¹⁸ From half the tribe of Manasseh and from the tribes of Reuben and Gad there were 44,760 brave men ready for war. They were skilled in war. They carried shields and swords. And they were also good with bows and arrows. ¹⁹ They started a war against the Hagrites and the people of Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. ²⁰ The men from the tribes of Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad prayed to God during the war. They asked God to help them because they trusted him, so God helped them. He allowed them to defeat the Hagrites and those who were with the Hagrites. ²¹ They took the animals that belonged to the Hagrites. They took 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, 2000 donkeys, and 100,000 people. ²² Many Hagrites were killed because God helped the people of Reuben win the war. Then the tribes of Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad settled in the land of the Hagrites. They lived there until the time when the Israelites were taken into captivity.

²³ Half the tribe of Manasseh lived in the area of Bashan all the way to Baal Hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon. They became a very large group of people.

²⁴ These were the family leaders from half the tribe of Manasseh: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were all strong, brave, and famous men, and they were leaders in their families. ²⁵ But they sinned against the God their ancestors had worshiped. They began worshiping the false gods of the people God had destroyed, the people who had lived in the land before them.

²⁶ The God of Israel made King Pul of Assyria want to go to war. He was also called Tiglath Pileser. He fought against the tribes of Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad. He forced them to leave their homes and made them prisoners. Pul took them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and near the Gozan River. Those tribes from Israel have lived in those places since that time until today.

Levi’s Descendants

¹ Levi’s sons were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

² Kohath’s sons were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

³ Amram’s children were Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.

Aaron’s sons were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. ⁴ Eleazar was Phinehas’ father. Phinehas was Abishua’s father. ⁵ Abishua was Bukki’s father. Bukki was Uzzi’s father. ⁶ Uzzi was Zerahiah’s father. Zerahiah was Meraioth’s father. ⁷ Meraioth was Amariah’s father. Amariah was Ahitub’s father. ⁸ Ahitub was Zadok’s father. Zadok was Ahimaaz’s father. ⁹ Ahimaaz was Azariah’s father. Azariah was Johanan’s father. ¹⁰ Johanan was Azariah’s father. (Azariah is the one who served as priest in the Temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem.) ¹¹ Azariah was Amariah’s father. Amariah was Ahitub’s father. ¹² Ahitub was Zadok’s father. Zadok was Shallum’s father. ¹³ Shallum was Hilkiah’s father. Hilkiah was Azariah’s father. ¹⁴ Azariah was Seraiah’s father. Seraiah was Jehozadak’s father.

¹⁵ Jehozadak was forced to leave his home when the LORD sent the people of Judah and Jerusalem away. Through Nebuchadnezzar, the Lord caused them all to be made prisoners in another country.

Other Descendants of Levi

¹⁶ Levi’s sons were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

¹⁷ The names of Gershon’s sons were Libni and Shimei.

¹⁸ Kohath’s sons were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

¹⁹ Merari’s sons were Mahli and Mushi.

This is a list of the families in the tribe of Levi. They are listed with their fathers’ names first:

²⁰ These were Gershon’s descendants: Libni was Gershon’s son. Jahath was Libni’s son. Zimmah was Jahath’s son. ²¹ Joah was Zimmah’s son. Iddo was Joah’s son. Zerah was Iddo’s son. Jeatherai was Zerah’s son.

²² These were Kohath’s descendants: Amminadab was Kohath’s son. Korah was Amminadab’s son. Assir was Korah’s son. ²³ Elkanah was Assir’s son. Ebiasaph was Elkanah’s son. Assir was Ebiasaph’s son. ²⁴ Tahath was Assir’s son. Uriel was Tahath’s son. Uzziah was Uriel’s son. Shaul was Uzziah’s son.

²⁵ Elkanah’s sons were Amasai and Ahimoth. ²⁶ Zophai was Elkanah’s son. Nahath was Zophai’s son. ²⁷ Eliab was Nahath’s son. Jeroham was Eliab’s son. Elkanah was Jeroham’s son. Samuel was Elkanah’s son. ²⁸ Samuel’s sons were his oldest son Joel, and Abijah.

²⁹ These are Merari’s sons: Mahli was Merari’s son, Libni was Mahli’s son, Shimei was Libni’s son, and Uzzah was Shimei’s son. ³⁰ Shimea was Uzzah’s son. Haggiah was Shimea’s son. Asaiah was Haggiah’s son.

The Temple Musicians

³¹ These are the men David chose to take care of the music at the tent of the LORD’S house after God’s Holy Box was put there. ³² These men served by singing at the Holy Tent. The Holy Tent is also called the Meeting Tent. These men served until Solomon built the LORD’S Temple in Jerusalem. They served by following the rules given to them for their work.

³³ These are the names of the men and their sons who served with music:

The descendants from the Kohath family were Heman the singer who was Joel’s son; Joel was Samuel’s son; ³⁴ Samuel was Elkanah’s son; Elkanah was Jeroham’s son; Jeroham was Eliel’s son; Eliel was Toah’s son; ³⁵ Toah was Zuph’s son; Zuph was Elkanah’s son; Elkanah was Mahath’s son; Mahath was Amasai’s son; ³⁶ Amasai was Elkanah’s son; Elkanah was Joel’s son; Joel was Azariah’s son; Azariah was Zephaniah’s son; ³⁷ Zephaniah was Tahath’s son; Tahath was Assir’s son; Assir was Ebiasaph’s son; Ebiasaph was Korah’s son; ³⁸ Korah was Izhar’s son; Izhar was Kohath’s son; Kohath was Levi’s son; Levi was Israel’s son.

³⁹ Heman’s relative was Asaph. Asaph served by Heman’s right side. Asaph was Berekiah’s son. Berekiah’s was Shimea’s son. ⁴⁰ Shimea was Michael’s son. Michael was Baaseiah’s son. Baaseiah was Malkijah’s son. ⁴¹ Malkijah was Ethni’s son. Ethni was Zerah’s son. Zerah was Adaiah’s son. ⁴² Adaiah was Ethan’s son. Ethan was Zimmah’s son. Zimmah was Shimei’s son. ⁴³ Shimei was Jahath’s son. Jahath was Gershon’s son. Gershon was Levi’s son.

⁴⁴ Merari’s descendants were the relatives of Heman and Asaph. They were the singing group on Heman’s left side. Ethan was Kishi’s son. Kishi was Abdi’s son. Abdi was Malluch’s son. ⁴⁵ Malluch was Hashabiah’s son. Hashabiah was Amaziah’s son. Amaziah was Hilkiah’s son. ⁴⁶ Hilkiah was Amzi’s son. Amzi was Bani’s son. Bani was Shemer’s son. ⁴⁷ Shemer was Mahli’s son. Mahli was Mushi’s son. Mushi was Merari’s son. Merari was Levi’s son.

⁴⁸ Heman and Asaph’s brothers were from the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Levi was also called Levites. The Levites were chosen to do the work in the Holy Tent. The Holy Tent was God’s house. ⁴⁹ But only Aaron’s descendants were permitted to burn incense on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense. Aaron’s descendants did all the work in the Most Holy Place in God’s house. They also did the ceremonies to make the Israelites pure. They followed all the rules and laws that Moses, God’s servant, commanded.

Aaron’s Descendants

⁵⁰ These were Aaron’s sons: Eleazar was Aaron’s son. Phinehas was Eleazar’s son. Abishua was Phinehas’ son. ⁵¹ Bukki was Abishua’s son. Uzzi was Bukki’s son. Zerahiah was Uzzi’s son. ⁵² Meraioth was Zerahiah’s son. Amaraiah was Meraioth’s son. Ahitub was Amariah’s son. ⁵³ Zadok was Ahitub’s son. Ahimaaz was Zadok’s son.

Homes for the Levite Families

⁵⁴ These are the places where Aaron’s descendants lived. They lived in their camps in the land that was given to them. The Kohath families got the first share of the land that was given to the Levites. ⁵⁵ They were given the town of Hebron and the fields around it. This was in the area of Judah. ⁵⁶ But the fields farther from town and the villages near the town of Hebron were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. ⁵⁷ The descendants of Aaron were given the city of Hebron. Hebron was a city of safety.+ 6:57 city of safety A special city where an Israelite could run to in order to escape the angry relatives of a person who was accidentally killed by that Israelite. See Num. 35:6-34 and Josh. 20:1-9. Also in verse 67. They were also given the cities of Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, ⁵⁸ Hilen, Debir, ⁵⁹ Ashan, Juttah, and Beth Shemesh. They got all the cities and the fields around them. ⁶⁰ From the tribe of Benjamin they got the cities of Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth. They got all the cities and the fields around them.

Thirteen cities were given to the Kohath families.

⁶¹ The rest of Kohath’s descendants got ten towns from half the tribe of Manasseh.

⁶² The tribes that were the descendants of Gershon got 13 cities. They got the cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the part of Manasseh living in the area of Bashan.

⁶³ The tribes that were the descendants of Merari got 12 cities. They got the cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. They got them by throwing lots.

⁶⁴ So the Israelites gave those towns and fields to the Levites. ⁶⁵ All those cities came from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. They decided which Levite family got which city by throwing lots.

⁶⁶ The tribe of Ephraim gave some of the Kohath families some towns. Those towns were chosen by throwing lots. ⁶⁷ They were given the city of Shechem. Shechem is a city of safety. They were also given the towns of Gezer, ⁶⁸ Jokmeam, Beth Horon, ⁶⁹ Aijalon, and Gath Rimmon. They also got fields with those towns. Those towns were in the hill country of Ephraim. ⁷⁰ And from half the tribe of Manasseh, the Israelites gave the towns of Aner and Bileam to the Kohath families. The Kohath families also got fields with those towns.

Other Levite Families Get Homes

⁷¹ The Gershon families got the towns of Golan in the area of Bashan and Ashtaroth from half the tribe of Manasseh. They also got the fields near those towns.

⁷² The Gershon families also got the towns of Kedesh, Daberath, Ramoth, and Gannim from the tribe of Issachar. They also got the fields near those towns.

⁷⁴ The Gershon families also got the towns of Mashal, Abdon, Hukok, and Rehob from the tribe of Asher. They also got the fields near those towns.

⁷⁶ The Gershon families also got the towns of Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim from the tribe of Naphtali. They also got the fields near those towns.

⁷⁷ The rest of the Levites, from the Merari families, got the towns of Jokneam, Kartah, Rimmono, and Tabor from the tribe of Zebulun. They also got the fields near those towns.

⁷⁸ The Merari families also got the towns of Bezer in the desert, Jahzah, Kedemoth, and Mephaath from the tribe of Reuben. The tribe of Reuben lived on the east side of the Jordan River, east of the city of Jericho. These Merari families also got the fields near those towns.

⁸⁰ And the Merari families got the towns of Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, Heshbon, and Jazer from the tribe of Gad. They also got the fields near those towns.

Issachar’s Descendants

¹ Issachar had four sons. Their names were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.

² Tola’s sons were Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel. They were all leaders of their families. Those men and their descendants were strong soldiers. Their families grew. By the time David was king, there were 22,600 men ready for war.

³ Uzzi’s son was Izrahiah. Izrahiah’s sons were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. All five of them were leaders of their families. ⁴ Their family history shows they had 36,000 soldiers ready for war. They had a large family because they had many wives and children.

⁵ The family history shows there were 87,000 strong soldiers in all the tribes of Issachar.

Benjamin’s Descendants

⁶ Benjamin had three sons. Their names were Bela, Beker, and Jediael.

⁷ Bela had five sons. Their names were Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri. They were leaders of their families. Their family history shows they had 22,034 soldiers.

⁸ Beker’s sons were Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. They all were Beker’s children. ⁹ Their family history shows who the family leaders were. And it also shows they had 20,200 soldiers.

¹⁰ Jediael’s son was Bilhan. Bilhan’s sons were Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Kenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. ¹¹ All of Jediael’s sons were leaders of their families. They had 17,200 soldiers ready for war.

¹² The Shuppites and Huppites were the descendants of Ir. Hushim was the son of Aher.

Naphtali’s Descendants

¹³ Naphtali’s sons were Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum.

And these are the descendants of Bilhah.+ 7:13 Bilhah Jacob’s slave woman and the mother of Dan and Naphtali. See Genesis 30:4-8.

Manasseh’s Descendants

¹⁴ These are Manasseh’s descendants: Manasseh’s Aramean slave woman had a son named Asriel. She also bore Makir, the father of Gilead. ¹⁵ Makir married a woman from the Huppites and Shuppites. Makir’s sister was named Maacah. The name of the second was Zelophehad, who had only daughters. ¹⁶ Makir’s wife Maacah had a son. She named this son Peresh. His brother was named Sheresh. The sons of Sheresh were Ulam and Rakem.

¹⁷ Ulam’s son was Bedan.

These were the descendants of Gilead. Gilead was Makir’s son. Makir was Manasseh’s son. ¹⁸ Makir’s sister Hammoleketh+ 7:18 Hammoleketh Or “the woman who ruled” or “queen.” had Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah.

¹⁹ Shemida’s sons were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.

Ephraim’s Descendants

²⁰ These were the names of Ephraim’s descendants. Ephraim’s son was Shuthelah. Shuthelah’s son was Bered. Bered’s son was Tahath. ²¹ Tahath’s son was Eleadah. Eleadah’s son was Tahath. Tahath’s son was Zabad. Zabad’s son was Shuthelah.

Some men who grew up in the city of Gath killed Ezer and Elead. This happened because Ezer and Elead went there to steal cattle and sheep from those men in Gath. ²² Ephraim was the father of Ezer and Elead. He cried for many days because Ezer and Elead were dead. Ephraim’s family came to comfort him. ²³ Then Ephraim had sexual relations with his wife. She became pregnant and had a son. Ephraim named this new son Beriah+ 7:23 Beriah This is like the Hebrew word meaning “bad” or “trouble.” because something bad had happened to his family. ²⁴ Ephraim’s daughter was Sheerah. Sheerah built Lower Beth Horon and Upper Beth Horon and Lower Uzzen Sheerah and Upper Uzzen Sheerah.

²⁵ Rephah was Ephraim’s son. Resheph was Rephah’s son. Telah was Resheph’s son. Tahan was Telah’s son. ²⁶ Ladan was Tahan’s son. Ammihud was Ladan’s son. Elishama was Ammihud’s son. ²⁷ Nun was Elishama’s son. Joshua was Nun’s son.

²⁸ These are the cities and lands where Ephraim’s descendants lived: Bethel and the villages near it, Naaran to the east, Gezer and the villages near it on the west, and Shechem and the villages near it all the way to Ayyah and the villages near it. ²⁹ Along the borders of Manasseh’s land were the towns of Beth Shan, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, and the small towns near them. The descendants of Joseph lived in these towns. Joseph was the son of Israel.

Asher’s Descendants

³⁰ Asher’s sons were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Their sister was named Serah.

³¹ Beriah’s sons were Heber and Malkiel. Malkiel was Birzaith’s father.

³² Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and of their sister Shua.

³³ Japhlet’s sons were Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s children.

³⁴ Shomer’s sons were Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah,+ 7:34 Jehubbah Or “Hubbah.” and Aram.

³⁵ Shomer’s brother was Helem. Helem’s sons were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.

³⁶ Zophah’s sons were Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, ³⁷ Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.

³⁸ Jether’s sons were Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara.

³⁹ Ulla’s sons were Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia.

⁴⁰ All these men were descendants of Asher. They were leaders of their families. They were the best men. They were soldiers and great leaders. Their family history shows 26,000 soldiers ready for war.

The Family History of King Saul

¹ Benjamin was Bela’s father. Bela was Benjamin’s first son. Ashbel was Benjamin’s second son. Aharah was Benjamin’s third son. ² Nohah was Benjamin’s fourth son. And Rapha was Benjamin’s fifth son.

³ Bela’s sons were Addar, Gera, Abihud, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

⁶ These were the descendants of Ehud. They were leaders of their families in Geba. They were forced to leave their homes and move to Manahath. Ehud’s descendants were Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera. Gera forced them to leave their homes. He was the father of Uzza and Ahihud.

⁸ Shaharaim divorced his wives Hushim and Baara in Moab. After he did this he had some children with another wife. ⁹ Shaharaim had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia, and Mirmah with his wife Hodesh. They were leaders of their families. ¹¹ Shaharaim and Hushim had two sons named Abitub and Elpaal.

¹² Elpaal’s sons were Eber, Misham, Shemed, Beriah, and Shema. Shemed built the towns of Ono and Lod and the small towns around Lod. Beriah and Shema were the leaders of the families living in Aijalon. They forced the people who lived in Gath to leave.

¹⁴ Beriah’s sons were Shashak and Jeremoth, ¹⁵ Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, ¹⁶ Michael, Ishpah, and Joha. ¹⁷ Elpaal’s sons were Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, ¹⁸ Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab.

¹⁹ Shimei’s sons were Jakim, Zicri, Zabdi, ²⁰ Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, ²¹ Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath.

²² Shashak’s sons were Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, ²³ Abdon, Zicri, Hanan, ²⁴ Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, ²⁵ Iphdeiah, and Penuel.

²⁶ Jeroham’s sons were Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, ²⁷ Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zicri.

²⁸ All these men were leaders of their families. They were listed in their family histories as leaders. They lived in Jerusalem.

²⁹ Jeiel was Gibeon’s father. He and his wife, Maacah, lived in the town of Gibeon. ³⁰ His oldest son was Abdon. Other sons were Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, ³¹ Gedor, Ahio, Zeker, and Mikloth . ³² Mikloth was the father of Shimeah. These sons also lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.

³³ Ner was Kish’s father. Kish was Saul’s father, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malki Shua, Abinadab, and Esh Baal.

³⁴ Jonathan’s son was Merib Baal. Merib Baal was Micah’s father.

³⁵ Micah’s sons were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.

³⁶ Ahaz was Jehoaddah’s father. Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri was Moza’s father. ³⁷ Moza was Binea’s father. Raphah was Binea’s son. Eleasah was Raphah’s son. And Azel was Eleasah’s son.

³⁸ Azel had six sons. Their names were Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these sons were Azel’s children.

³⁹ Azel’s brother was Eshek. Eshek had some sons. These were Eshek’s sons: Ulam was Azel’s oldest son. Jeush was Eshek’s second son. Eliphelet was Eshek’s third son. ⁴⁰ Ulam’s sons were strong soldiers who were very good with bows and arrows. They had many sons and grandsons. In all, there were 150 sons and grandsons.

All these men were descendants of Benjamin.

¹ The names of all the Israelites were listed in their family histories. Those family histories were put in the book, The History of the Kings of Israel.

The People in Jerusalem

The people of Judah were made prisoners and forced to go to Babylon. They were taken there because they were not faithful to God. ² The first people to come back and live in their own lands and towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites, and servants who work in the Temple.

³ These are the people from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh who lived in Jerusalem:

⁴ Uthai was Ammihud’s son. Ammihud was Omri’s son. Omri was Imri’s son. Imri was Bani’s son. Bani was a descendant of Perez. Perez was Judah’s son.

⁵ The Shilonites who lived in Jerusalem were Asaiah the oldest son and his sons.

⁶ The Zerahites who lived in Jerusalem were Jeuel and their relatives. There were 690 of them in all.

⁷ These are the people from the tribe of Benjamin who lived in Jerusalem: Sallu was Meshullam’s son. Meshullam was Hodaviah’s son. Hodaviah was Hassenuah’s son. ⁸ Ibneiah was Jeroham’s son. Elah was Uzzi’s son. Uzzi was Micri’s son. And Meshullam was Shephatiah’s son. Shephatiah was Reuel’s son. Reuel was Ibnijah’s son. ⁹ The family history of Benjamin shows there were 956 of them living in Jerusalem. All these men were leaders in their families.

¹⁰ These are the priests who lived in Jerusalem: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jakin, and¹¹ Azariah. Azariah was Hilkiah’s son. Hilkiah was Meshullam’s son. Meshullam was Zadok’s son. Zadok was Meraioth’s son. Meraioth was Ahitub’s son. Ahitub was the important official responsible for God’s Temple. ¹² Also there was Jeroham’s son, Adaiah. Jeroham was Pashhur’s son. Pashhur was Malkijah’s son. And there was Adiel’s son, Maasai. Adiel was Jahzerah’s son. Jahzerah was Meshullam’s son. Meshullam was Meshillemith’s son. Meshillemith was Immer’s son.

¹³ There were 1760 priests. They were leaders of their families. They were responsible for the work of serving in God’s Temple.

¹⁴ These are the people from the tribe of Levi who lived in Jerusalem: Hasshub’s son, Shemaiah. Hasshub was Azrikam’s son. Azrikam was Hashabiah’s son. Hashabiah was a descendant of Merari. ¹⁵ Also living in Jerusalem were Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah. Mattaniah was Mica’s son. Mica was Zicri’s son. Zicri was Asaph’s son. ¹⁶ Obadiah was Shemaiah’s son. Shemaiah was Galal’s son. Galal was Jeduthun’s son. Berekiah was Asa’s son. Asa was Elkanah’s son. Berekiah lived in the small towns near the people of Netophah.

¹⁷ These are the gatekeepers who lived in Jerusalem: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their leader. ¹⁸ Now these men stand next to the King’s Gate on the east side. They were the gatekeepers from the tribe of Levi. ¹⁹ Shallum was Kore’s son. Kore was Ebiasaph’s son. Ebiasaph was Korah’s son. Shallum and his brothers were gatekeepers. They were from the family of Korah. They had the job of guarding the entrance to the Holy Tent. They did this just as their ancestors had done before them. Their ancestors had the job of guarding the entrance to the area where the LORD lived among the people. ²⁰ In the past, Phinehas was in charge of the gatekeepers. Phinehas was Eleazar’s son. The LORD was with Phinehas. ²¹ Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Holy Tent.

²² In all there were 212 men who were chosen to guard the gates of the Holy Tent. Their names were written in their family histories in their small towns. David and Samuel the seer chose these men because they could be trusted. ²³ The gatekeepers and their descendants had the responsibility of guarding the gates of the LORD’S house, the Holy Tent. ²⁴ There were gates on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. ²⁵ The gatekeepers’ relatives who lived in the small towns had to come and help them at certain times. They came and helped the gatekeepers for seven days each time.

²⁶ There were four gatekeepers who were the leaders of all the gatekeepers. They were Levites. They had the job of caring for the rooms and treasures in God’s Temple. ²⁷ They stayed up all night guarding God’s Temple, and they had the job of opening God’s Temple every morning.

²⁸ Some of the gatekeepers had the job of caring for the dishes used in the Temple services. They counted them when they were brought in. They also counted these dishes when they were taken out. ²⁹ Other gatekeepers were chosen to care for the furniture and the special dishes. They also took care of the flour, wine, oil, incense, and special oil.+ 9:29 special oil Or “perfume.” This might be the oil used to anoint priests, prophets, and kings. See Exodus 30:22-38.³⁰ But it was the priests who had the job of mixing the special oil.

³¹ There was a Levite named Mattithiah who had the job of baking the bread used for the offerings. Mattithiah was Shallum’s oldest son. Shallum was from the Korah family. ³² Some of the gatekeepers who were in the Korah family had the job of preparing the bread put on the table every Sabbath.

³³ The Levites who were singers and leaders of their families stayed in the rooms at the Temple. They did not have to do other work because they were responsible for the work in the Temple day and night.

³⁴ All these Levites were leaders of their families. They were listed as leaders in their family histories. They lived in Jerusalem.

The Family History of King Saul

³⁵ Jeiel was Gibeon’s father. Jeiel lived in the town of Gibeon. His wife was named Maacah. ³⁶ Jeiel’s oldest son was Abdon. Other sons were Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, ³⁷ Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth. ³⁸ Mikloth was Shimeam’s father. Jeiel’s family lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.

³⁹ Ner was Kish’s father. Kish was Saul’s father. And Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malki Shua, Abinadab, and Esh Baal.

⁴⁰ Jonathan’s son was Merib Baal. Merib Baal was Micah’s father.

⁴¹ Micah’s sons were Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz. ⁴² Ahaz was the father of Jadah.+ 9:42 Jadah This is from the ancient Greek translation and some Hebrew copies. Most Hebrew copies have “Jarah” for “Jadah” in this verse. Jadah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri was Moza’s father. ⁴³ Moza was the father of Binea. Rephaiah was Binea’s son. Eleasah was Rephaiah’s son. And Azel was Eleasah’s son.

⁴⁴ Azel had six sons. Their names were Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. They were Azel’s children.

The Death of King Saul

¹ The Philistines fought against the Israelites. The Israelites ran away from the Philistines. Many Israelites were killed on Mount Gilboa. ² The Philistines continued chasing Saul and his sons. They caught them and killed them. The Philistines killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki Shua. ³ The fighting was heavy around Saul. The archers shot Saul with their arrows and wounded him.

⁴ Then Saul said to the helper who carried his armor, “ Pull out your sword and use it to kill me. Then these foreigners+ 10:4 foreigners Literally, “uncircumcised.” This means people who did not share in the agreement God made with Israel. See “circumcise, circumcision” in the Word List. will not hurt me and make fun of me when they come.”

But the helper was afraid. He refused to kill Saul. So Saul used his own sword to kill himself by falling on it. ⁵ When the helper saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his own sword and died. ⁶ So Saul and three of his sons died. All of Saul’s family died together.

⁷ When all the Israelites living in the valley saw that their own army had run away and that Saul and his sons were dead, they left their towns and ran away. Then the Philistines came into the towns and lived in them.

⁸ The next day, the Philistines came to take valuable things from the dead bodies. They found Saul’s body and the bodies of his sons on Mount Gilboa. ⁹ The Philistines took things from Saul’s body. They took Saul’s head and armor. They sent messengers through all their country to tell the news to their false gods and to their people. ¹⁰ The Philistines put Saul’s armor in the temple of their false gods. They hung Saul’s head in the temple of Dagon.

¹¹ All the people living in the town of Jabesh Gilead heard everything that the Philistines had done to Saul. ¹² All the brave men from Jabesh Gilead went to get the bodies of Saul and his sons. They brought them back to Jabesh Gilead. They buried the bones of Saul and his sons under the large tree in Jabesh. Then they showed their sadness and fasted for seven days.

¹³ Saul died because he was not faithful to the LORD. He did not obey the LORD’S word. Saul also went to a medium and asked her for advice¹⁴ instead of asking the LORD. That is why the Lord killed Saul and gave the kingdom to Jesse’s son David.

David Becomes King Over Israel

¹ All the Israelites came to David at the town of Hebron. They said to David, “ We are your own flesh and blood.+ 11:1 We are … blood A way of saying they were David’s relatives.² In the past you led us in war. You led us even though Saul was the king. The LORD said to you ‘ David, you will be the shepherd of my people, the Israelites. You will become the leader over my people.’”

³ All the leaders of Israel came to King David at the town of Hebron. David made an agreement with them in Hebron before the LORD. The leaders anointed David. That made him king over Israel. The LORD had promised through Samuel that this would happen.

David Captures Jerusalem

⁴ David and all the Israelites went to the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was called Jebus at that time. The people living in that city were named Jebusites. They⁵ said to David, “ You cannot get inside our city.” But David did defeat them. He took over the fortress of Zion, and it became the City of David.

⁶ David said, “ The one who leads the attack on the Jebusites will become the commander over all my army.” So Joab led the attack. He was Zeruiah’s son. Joab became the commander of the army.

⁷ Then David made his home in the fortress. That is why it is named the City of David. ⁸ David built the city around the fort. He built it from the Millo to the wall around the city. Joab repaired the other parts of the city. ⁹ David continued to grow greater, and the LORD All-Powerful was with him.

The Three Heroes

¹⁰ This is a list of the leaders over David’s special soldiers. These heroes became very powerful with David in his kingdom. They and all the Israelites supported David and made him king, just as the LORD had promised.

¹¹ This is a list of David’s special soldiers:

Jashobeam the Hacmonite+ 11:11 Jashobeam the Hacmonite This is “Josheb Basshebeth the Tahkemonite” in 2 Sam. 23:8. was the leader of the king’s special forces.+ 11:11 king’s special forces A special group of soldiers who formed three-man squads and went on special missions for the king. Jashobeam used his spear to kill 300 men at one time.

¹² Next there was Eleazar son of Dodai+ 11:12 Eleazar son of Dodai Or “Eleazar his cousin.” from Ahoah. Eleazar was one of the Three Heroes.+ 11:12 Three Heroes These were David’s three bravest soldiers. Also in verses 18, 20, 24.¹³ Eleazar was with David at Pasdammim. The Philistines had come to that place to fight a war. There was a field full of barley there. The Israelites ran away from the Philistines. ¹⁴ But the Three Heroes stood there in that field and defended it. They defeated the Philistines. The LORD gave the Israelites a great victory.

¹⁵ Once David was at the cave of Adullam, and three of the Thirty Heroes+ 11:15 Thirty Heroes Or “the king’s special forces.” These men were David’s famous group of very brave soldiers. Also in verses 25, 42. went down to meet him by a rock near the cave. At the same time the Philistine army was camped in the Valley of Rephaim.

¹⁶ Another time David was in the fortress, and a group of Philistine soldiers was stationed in Bethlehem. ¹⁷ David was thirsty for some water from his hometown, so he said, “ Oh, if only I could have some water from that well by the gate in Bethlehem.” ¹⁸ So the Three Heroes+ 11:18 Three Heroes These were David’s three bravest soldiers. Also in verses 19-21. fought their way through the Philistine army and got some water from the well near the city gate in Bethlehem. They took it to David, but he refused to drink it. He poured it on the ground as an offering to the LORD. ¹⁹ David said, “ God, I cannot drink this water. It would be like drinking the blood of the men who risked their lives to get this water for me.” That is why David refused to drink the water. The Three Heroes did many brave things like that.

Other Brave Soldiers

²⁰ Joab’s brother, Abishai, was the leader of the Three Heroes. Abishai used his spear against 300 enemies and killed them. He was as famous as the Three Heroes. ²¹ Abishai was even more famous than the Three Heroes.+ 11:21 Three Heroes Or possibly, “The Thirty Heroes.” He became their leader, even though he was not one of the Three Heroes.

²² Then there was Benaiah son of Jehoiada, from Kabzeel. He was the son of a powerful man.+ 11:22 powerful man That is, a man from the warrior class ready to protect his people in war. Benaiah did many brave things. He killed two of the best soldiers in Moab. One day when it was snowing, Benaiah went down into a hole in the ground and killed a lion. ²³ And Benaiah killed a big Egyptian soldier. That man was about 7 1/2 feet+ 11:23 about 7 1/2 feet Literally, “5 short cubits” (2.22 m). tall. The Egyptian had a spear that was very large and heavy. It was as big as the pole on a weaver’s loom. Benaiah had only a club. He grabbed the spear in the Egyptian’s hands and took it away from him. Then Benaiah killed the Egyptian with his own spear. ²⁴ Benaiah son of Jehoiada did many brave things like that. He was as famous as the Three Heroes. ²⁵ Benaiah was even more famous than the Thirty Heroes, but he was not one of the Three Heroes. David made Benaiah the leader of his bodyguards.

The Thirty Heroes

²⁶ The following men were among the king’s special forces:

Asahel, Joab’s brother;

Elhanan son of Dodai from Bethlehem;

²⁷ Shammoth the Harodite;

Helez the Pelonite;

²⁸ Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa;

Abiezer from Anathoth;

²⁹ Sibbecai the Hushathite;

Ilai from Ahoah;

³⁰ Maharai from Netophah;

Heled son of Baanah from Netophah;

³¹ Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin;

Benaiah the Pirathonite;

³² Hurai from the Brooks of Gaash;

Abiel the Arbathite;

³³ Azmaveth the Baharumite;

Eliahba the Shaalbonite;

³⁴ the sons of Hashem the Gizonite;

Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite;

³⁵ Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite;

Eliphal son of Ur;

³⁶ Hepher the Mekerathite;

Ahijah the Pelonite;

³⁷ Hezro the Carmelite;

Naarai son of Ezbai;

³⁸ Joel, Nathan’s brother;

Mibhar son of Hagri;

³⁹ Zelek the Ammonite;

Naharai the officer from Beeroth, who carried the armor for Joab son of Zeruiah;

⁴⁰ Ira the Ithrite;

Gareb the Ithrite;

⁴¹ Uriah the Hittite;

Zabad son of Ahlai;

⁴² Adina who was the son of Shiza from the tribe of Reuben and was the leader of the tribe and one of the Thirty Heroes;

⁴³ Hanan son of Maacah;

Joshaphat the Mithnite;

⁴⁴ Uzzia the Ashterathite;

Shama and Jeiel sons of Hotham from Aroer;

⁴⁵ Jediael son of Shimri

and his brother Joha the Tizite;

⁴⁶ Eliel the Mahavite;

Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam;

Ithmah the Moabite;

⁴⁷ Eliel; Obed; and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

The Brave Men Who Joined David

¹ This is a list of the men who came to David while he was at Ziklag. This was when David was hiding from Saul son of Kish. These men helped David in battle. ² They could shoot arrows from their bows with either their right or left hand. They could also throw stones from their slings with either their right or left hand. They were Saul’s relatives from the tribe of Benjamin. They were

³ Ahiezer, their leader, and Joash ( sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite); Jeziel and Pelet ( sons of Azmaveth); Beracah and Jehu from the town of Anathoth; ⁴ Ishmaiah the Gibeonite ( a hero and leader of the Thirty Heroes); Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad from the Gederathites; ⁵ Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, and Shemariah; Shephatiah from Haripha; ⁶ Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, all from the tribe of Korah; ⁷ and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from the town of Gedor.

The Gadites

⁸ Part of the tribe of Gad joined David at his fortress in the desert. They were brave soldiers trained for war and skilled with the shield and spear. They looked as fierce as lions, and they could run as fast as gazelles through the mountains.

⁹ Ezer was the leader of the army from the tribe of Gad. Obadiah was the second in command. Eliab was the third in command. ¹⁰ Mishmannah was the fourth in command. Jeremiah was the fifth in command. ¹¹ Attai was the sixth in command. Eliel was the seventh in command. ¹² Johanan was the eighth in command. Elzabad was the ninth in command. ¹³ Jeremiah was the tenth in command. Macbannai was the eleventh in command.

¹⁴ These men were leaders of the Gadite army. The weakest from that group was worth 100 men, and the strongest was worth 1000 men.+ 12:14 The weakest … 1000 men Or “The smallest was commander over 100 men, the greatest over 1000 men.”¹⁵ They were the soldiers who crossed the Jordan River in the first month of the year, when it was flooded over its banks. They chased away the people in the valley who were on both sides of the river.

Other Soldiers Join David

¹⁶ Other men from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah also came to David at the fortress. ¹⁷ David went out to meet them and said, “ If you have come in peace to help me, I welcome you. Join me. But if you have come to spy on me when I have done nothing wrong, may the God of our ancestors see what you did and punish you.”

¹⁸ Amasai was the leader of the Thirty Heroes.+ 12:18 Thirty Heroes Or “The Three” or “the chariot officers.” Then the Spirit came on Amasai, and he said,

“ We are yours, David!

We are with you, son of Jesse.

Peace, peace to you.

Peace to those who help you,

because your God helps you.”

So David welcomed these men into his group and put them in charge of the troops.

¹⁹ Some of the men from the tribe of Manasseh also joined David. They joined him when he went with the Philistines to fight Saul. But David and his men did not really help the Philistines. The Philistine leaders talked about David helping them, but then they decided to send him away. They said, “ If David goes back to his master Saul, our heads will be cut off!” ²⁰ These were the men from Manasseh who joined David when he went to the town of Ziklag: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai. All of them were generals+ 12:20 generals Literally, “leaders over 1000 men.” from the tribe of Manasseh. ²¹ They helped David fight against bad men who were going around the country and stealing things from people. All these men of Manasseh were brave soldiers. They became leaders in David’s army.

²² More and more men came every day to help David. So he had a large and powerful army.

Other Men Join David at Hebron

²³ These are the numbers of the men who came to David at the town of Hebron. These men were ready for war. They came to give Saul’s kingdom to David. That is what the LORD said would happen. This is their number:

²⁴ From the tribe of Judah there were 6800 men ready for war. They carried shields and spears.

²⁵ From the tribe of Simeon there were 7100 men. They were brave soldiers ready for war.

²⁶ From the tribe of Levi there were 4600 men. ²⁷ Jehoiada was in that group. He was a leader from Aaron’s family. There were 3700 men with Jehoiada. ²⁸ Zadok was also in that group. He was a brave young soldier. He came with 22 officers from his family.

²⁹ From the tribe of Benjamin there were 3000 men. They were Saul’s relatives. Most of them stayed faithful to Saul’s family until that time.

³⁰ From the tribe of Ephraim there were 20,800 men. They were brave soldiers. They were famous men in their own families.

³¹ From half the tribe of Manasseh there were 18,000 men. They were called by name to come and make David king.

³² From the family of Issachar there were 200 wise leaders. These men understood the right thing for Israel to do at the right time. Their relatives were with them and under their command.

³³ From the tribe of Zebulun there were 50,000 trained soldiers. They were trained to use all kinds of weapons and were very loyal to David.

³⁴ From the tribe of Naphtali there were 1000 officers. They had 37,000 men with them. These men carried shields and spears.

³⁵ From the tribe of Dan there were 28,600 men ready for war.

³⁶ From the tribe of Asher there were 40,000 trained soldiers ready for war.

³⁷ From the east side of the Jordan River, there were 120,000 men from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. They had all kinds of weapons.

³⁸ All these men were brave fighters. They came to the town of Hebron for one reason— to make David king of all Israel. All the other Israelites also agreed that David should be king. ³⁹ The men spent three days at Hebron with David. They ate and drank, because their relatives had prepared food for them. ⁴⁰ Also, their neighbors from the areas where the tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali live brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and cattle. They brought much flour, fig cakes, raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep. The people in Israel were very happy.

Bringing Back the Box of the Agreement

¹ David talked with all the officers of his army. ² Then he called the Israelites together and said, “ If you think it is a good idea, and if it is what the LORD our God wants, let us send a message to our brothers in all the areas of Israel. Let’s also send the message to the priests and Levites who live with our brothers in their towns and the fields near those towns. Let the message tell them to come and join us. ³ Let’s bring our God’s Holy Box back to us in Jerusalem. We did not pay attention to it while Saul was king.” ⁴ So all the Israelites agreed with David. They all thought it was the right thing to do.