Who was Bilhan in the Bible?

Bilhan was a Benjamite, the son of Jediael, and the father of seven sons who became heads of families within the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:10). He is listed in a genealogy, indicating his place in the lineage of the tribe.

Why is Bilhan mentioned in the Bible?

Bilhan is mentioned to establish the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, showing its growth and the families that descended from him. His inclusion highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in Israel's history.

What do we know about Bilhan's life and family?

The Bible records that Bilhan had seven sons: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Kenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. These sons are described as heads of families, warriors, and mighty men of valor in their clan (1 Chronicles 7:10-11).

Bilhan

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSonFather

Bilhan, a Benjamite, was the son of Jediael and had seven sons who were heads of families.

Bilhan

Biography

Bilhan was a Benjamite, identified in 1 Chronicles 7:10 as the son of Jediael, who was himself a son of Benjamin. He appears in the tribal genealogy of Benjamin as the father of seven sons: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. All seven are noted as "heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors" (1 Chronicles 7:11), suggesting that Bilhan's lineage was distinguished for military prowess and tribal leadership. His genealogical position places him as an important link in the Benjamite tribal structure during the period of the monarchy. The specific notation of his descendants' valor indicates that the Chronicler valued his line's contribution to Israel's military strength and communal organization.

Significance

Bilhan's genealogical prominence in 1 Chronicles reflects the importance of tribal identity and continuity in Israel's national life. The Chronicler's careful attention to Benjamite lineages, including this one, speaks to the theological purpose of genealogy in Scripture: demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying his covenant people across generations. Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob's sons and a tribe nearly annihilated in the civil conflict of Judges 20-21, nevertheless endured. Bilhan's line of mighty warriors stands as testimony to God's restorative power. The tribe of Benjamin would later produce notable figures including King Saul and the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5), and genealogies like this one trace the threads of that continuing story.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 7:10

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]

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