Who was Michael the Benjamite in the Bible?

Michael was a Benjamite, one of the sons of Beriah, listed in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:16). He is a minor figure mentioned only in this lineage, with no further narrative about his life or deeds.

What is the significance of Michael son of Beriah?

His significance lies solely in his inclusion in the genealogy, which was crucial for establishing tribal lineage, inheritance rights, and identity in ancient Israel. As a named descendant, he represents the continuity of the tribe of Benjamin from its patriarch.

What did Michael the Benjamite do in the Bible?

The Bible records no specific events or actions from his life. His mention is purely genealogical, serving to document the family line within the tribe of Benjamin as recorded in 1 Chronicles chapter 8.

Michael

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleSon

Michael, a Benjamite, was one of the sons of Beriah mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin (1Ch.8.16).

Michael

Biography

Michael was a Benjamite, recorded as one of the sons of Beriah in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin preserved in 1 Chronicles 8:16. The Benjamite genealogies in this chapter trace the descendants of the tribe's prominent families, documenting the clans that composed this small but significant tribe throughout Israel's history. Benjamin, though the smallest of Jacob's twelve sons' tribes, played an outsized role in biblical history, producing Israel's first king Saul and providing the territory where Jerusalem, the holy city, was situated on its border with Judah. Michael's listing among Beriah's sons places him within one of the notable Benjamite families, contributing to the preservation of tribal identity and continuity that was essential to Israel's self-understanding as a covenant people organized by divine decree.

Significance

Michael's presence in the Benjamite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8 serves the Chronicler's larger theological purpose of affirming the continued identity and integrity of Israel's tribal structure. The meticulous recording of names like Michael demonstrates that God's covenant extends to every individual within His people, not merely to prominent leaders and prophets. The tribe of Benjamin, despite its near extinction following the horrific events of Judges 19-21, was preserved and restored by God's grace. Michael's place in this genealogy testifies to God's faithfulness in maintaining the tribal lines that would eventually produce figures of great importance, including the apostle Paul. Every recorded name is a testimony to divine preservation.

Authority Records

Wikidata VIAF Library of Congress GND BnF

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:16

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]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

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