Who was Binea in the Bible?

Binea was a descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan, mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. He is listed as the son of Moza and the father of Rephaiah in 1 Chronicles 9:43.

Why is Binea significant in the Bible?

Binea's significance lies in his lineage, as he is part of the recorded genealogy of King Saul. This connection preserves the family line of Israel's first king, showing God's faithfulness to Saul's house despite his downfall.

What key events was Binea involved in?

The Bible does not record any specific events in Binea's life. His mention is purely genealogical, serving to document the continuation of Saul's family line after his death, as seen in 1 Chronicles 8:37 and 9:43.

Binea

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleKing

Binea was a descendant of King Saul and his son Jonathan.

Binea

Biography

Binea appears in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 8:37 and 9:43 as a descendant in the line of King Saul through his son Jonathan. The genealogy traces: Saul begat Jonathan, Jonathan begat Merib-baal (also known as Mephibosheth), Merib-baal begat Micah, Micah begat Pithon, Melech, Tahrea (or Tarea), and Ahaz, Ahaz begat Jehoaddah (or Jarah), who begat Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri, Zimri begat Moza, Moza begat Binea. Binea in turn fathered Raphah (or Rephaiah), who begat Eleasah, who begat Azel. This places Binea several generations after Jonathan and Saul, likely within the period of the divided monarchy. He is known only through these genealogical notices, but his listing preserves the survival of Saul's royal line beyond the tragedies of his reign.

Significance

Binea's genealogical position within the line of Saul and Jonathan carries profound theological resonance. After Saul's catastrophic reign and death, and the tragic disability of Mephibosheth, one might expect the Saulide line to fade. Instead, the Chronicler carefully traces its continuation for many generations. This reflects a theological truth: God's faithfulness to his people transcends the failures of individual leaders. David's covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:15-17), that his kindness would not be cut off from Jonathan's house, finds genealogical expression in descendants like Binea. The preservation of this lineage also demonstrates God's sovereign control over history; even the family of a rejected king continues within the framework of Israel's ongoing story.

Verse Appearances (2)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 8:37 1 Chronicles 9:43

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]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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