Abishua
Abishua was a descendant of Benjamin and one of the sons of Bela mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin.
Biography
This Abishua appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin as one of the sons of Bela (1 Chronicles 8:4). Bela was Benjamin's firstborn son, and his descendants are listed in an intricate genealogy that traces the tribal families who resettled in Jerusalem and the surrounding region. While no narrative account elaborates on this Abishua's deeds or character, his inclusion in the tribal register is significant, it situates him within the broader story of Benjamin's survival and reconstitution as a tribe. The Benjaminites occupied a pivotal geographic and political position in Israel, serving as the bridge between the northern and southern territories.
Significance
Though Abishua of Benjamin is known only through a genealogical list, his presence in 1 Chronicles 8 reflects the biblical conviction that every individual within the covenant community matters to God. The detailed tribal registers of Chronicles served a theological purpose: they affirmed that Israel's identity was rooted in specific families and persons, not abstract ideals. For post-exilic readers, these lists provided essential continuity with the past, reinforcing the promise that God had preserved his people and would restore the full community of Israel according to his covenant faithfulness.
Verse Appearances (1)
1Chr
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]