Who was Bocheru in the Bible?

Bocheru was a descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin, specifically listed as a son of Azel. He is mentioned in a genealogy that traces the lineage of Saul's family (1 Chronicles 8:38, 9:44).

Why is Bocheru mentioned in the Bible?

Bocheru's mention serves to document the extended lineage of King Saul, preserving the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. This highlights the Bible's attention to historical detail and family heritage within Israel's history.

Are there any stories about Bocheru in the Bible?

No, there are no specific stories or key events recorded about Bocheru's life. The Bible only lists his name in genealogical records, indicating his place in Saul's family line without further narrative (1 Chronicles 8:38).

Bocheru

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleKingSon

Bocheru was a son of Azel and a descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.

Bocheru

Biography

Bocheru is listed in 1 Chronicles 8:38 and 9:44 among the six sons of Azel, a descendant of Merib-baal (Mephibosheth), the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul of the tribe of Benjamin. His brothers were Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan, all identified as sons of Azel. The Chronicler's careful preservation of Saul's post-Davidic lineage through Jonathan's son Mephibosheth and his descendants serves the genealogical purpose of documenting the continuation of the Saulide family line. Bocheru's personal history is entirely unknown beyond this genealogical notice, but his position within the line of Jonathan reflects the covenant David made to show kindness to the house of Jonathan forever (1 Samuel 20:15), a promise that ensured the survival and dignity of this lineage.

Significance

Bocheru's place in the genealogical line descending from Saul and Jonathan represents the enduring fruit of a covenant of friendship. David's oath to Jonathan: "you shall not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever" (1 Samuel 20:15), was no empty promise. The survival and multiplication of Jonathan's line through Mephibosheth to Azel and his sons, including Bocheru, is a living testimony to covenantal faithfulness across generations. This principle resonates deeply with the New Testament's portrayal of God's covenant loyalty: what God promises, he keeps, even when those who receive his grace are disabled, marginalized, or forgotten (cf. Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9). Bocheru's obscure existence is sustained by a promise made long before his birth, a pattern that characterizes all who live within God's covenant care.

Verse Appearances (2)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 8:38 1 Chronicles 9:44

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]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources