Who was Eber in the Bible?

Eber was a son of Shashak and a descendant of Benjamin, listed in a genealogy of the Benjamite tribe (1 Chronicles 8:22). He is a relatively minor figure, mentioned only in this lineage to establish family heritage.

What is the significance of Eber in the Bible?

Eber's significance lies in his role as a named link in the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. These records were crucial for establishing lineage, tribal identity, and land inheritance in ancient Israel.

Are there any key events in Eber's life?

The Bible records no specific events from Eber's life. His mention is purely genealogical, serving to trace the family line from Benjamin through his father Shashak (1 Chronicles 8:22-25).

Eber

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Eber was a son of Shashak and a descendant of Benjamin, mentioned in the genealogy of the Benjamites. (1Ch.8.22)

Eber

Biography

This Eber was a son of Shashak and a member of the tribe of Benjamin, his name preserved in the detailed Benjamite genealogy recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:22. The genealogical section in which he appears catalogs the heads of families who lived in Jerusalem during the period of the divided monarchy, reflecting the Chronicler's effort to document the tribal roots of those who repopulated Judah after the exile. Eber is listed among a cluster of brothers including Ishpan, Heber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, and Penuel. While no individual deeds are attributed to him, his inclusion affirms his standing as a recognized family head within the tribe of Benjamin.

Significance

The inclusion of this Eber in 1 Chronicles 8 reflects the Chronicler's meticulous concern for tribal identity and genealogical continuity, particularly for Benjamin, the tribe that provided Israel's first king, Saul, and later formed a crucial part of the post-exilic restoration community alongside Judah. These genealogical records served a practical function in the restoration period, establishing land rights and communal standing. Theologically, such lists affirm that God does not lose track of his people; each name preserved in Scripture testifies to the divine faithfulness that sustains individual families within the larger story of Israel's covenant history.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherSalahChildJoktanChildPeleg

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:22

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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