Who was Heber in the Bible?

Heber was a Benjamite, recorded as one of the sons of Elpaal in a genealogical list of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:17). He is a relatively minor figure mentioned only in this lineage.

Why is Heber mentioned in 1 Chronicles?

Heber is included to document the detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, establishing the family lines and heritage of God's people. His mention helps trace the lineage from Benjamin through his descendants.

Are there any stories or key events about Heber's life?

No specific stories or key events from Heber's life are recorded in the Bible. The sole reference in 1 Chronicles 8:17 simply lists his name as a son of Elpaal within a genealogy.

Heber

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Heber was a Benjamite, one of the sons of Elpaal. (1Ch.8.17)

Heber

Biography

Heber the Benjamite was a son of Elpaal, listed among the heads of families in the genealogy of Benjamin preserved in 1 Chronicles 8:17. The genealogy of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8 is a particularly complex list, tracing multiple family lines within the tribe that produced Israel's first king, Saul. Heber's placement among the sons of Elpaal situates him within one of the mid-level branches of Benjamite descent. Though no narrative details accompany his name, his inclusion in the tribal register indicates that he was regarded as a significant ancestor within his family clan, and his descendants would have been identifiable members of the Benjamite community.

Significance

Heber the Benjamite represents the historical depth of tribal memory preserved by the Chronicler. The detailed genealogy of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8 reflects the tribe's importance, both for its role in producing Israel's first monarchy and for its loyalty to the Davidic kingdom during the divided monarchy. Every name in that register, including Heber's, was part of a living communal identity. His listing reminds modern readers that behind the biblical text lies a complex social world of families, clans, and tribes whose interrelationships shaped the story of Israel, even when those relationships are accessible only through genealogical fragments.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherBeriahChildShuaChildShomerSiblingMalchiel

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:17

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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