This list of names is unparalleled in the Hebrew Bible. It can be linked to the previous list through the name Elpaal (1 Chronicles 8:18).1 After identifying five heads of families and their sons (Beriah, 1 Chronicles 8:16; Elpaal, 1 Chronicles 8:18; Shimei, 1 Chronicles 8:21; Shashak, 1 Chronicles 8:25; Jeroham, 1 Chronicles 8:27), the list of names concludes with a summary statement: All these were heads of families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem
(1 Chronicles 8:28). This summary statement in 1 Chronicles 8:28 then applies to all those mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:13–28.2 Others, however, conclude that the Chronicler had in mind only the last segment of his genealogies (1 Chronicles 8:26–27).3
Whatever the extent of the reference, the more important fact is that he placed these descendants of Benjamin in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:28). It is likely that Benjaminites faithful to the throne and temple of Jerusalem would have moved there during the divided kingdom. Their territories were often the battlegrounds of wars between the north and south. The Chronicler notes that these Benjamites lived in Jerusalem to establish their prominence in the post-exilic period.4 Further, the geographical locations of Ono and Lod mentioned in the genealogy (1 Chronicles 8:12) also appear as individuals who are among the returnees (Ezra 2:33; Nehemiah 7:37), thus connecting this genealogy to the post-exilic community. It may then be concluded that they rightfully held an exalted position among the tribes.
15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,