Naaman
Naaman, a descendant of Benjamin, was one of the sons of Ehud mentioned in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles.
Biography
Naaman was a descendant of Benjamin through the line of Ehud, listed in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8:7. The Chronicler places him within a specific branch of the Benjamite tribal structure, connecting him to the clan that settled in the territory allotted to Benjamin after the conquest of Canaan. His association with Ehud is notable, as Ehud was the left-handed judge who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression by assassinating King Eglon (Judges 3:12-30). Naaman appears to have been among those Benjamites who were relocated or who migrated, as the genealogical context in 1 Chronicles 8 traces family movements and settlements. Beyond this genealogical notice, no narrative details about Naaman's life or deeds are preserved in Scripture.
Significance
Naaman's connection to the line of Ehud places him within a family remembered for delivering Israel from foreign oppression. The Chronicler's preservation of such genealogical details served the vital post-exilic function of establishing tribal identity and territorial claims for the returning community. Naaman's record demonstrates the continuity of Benjamite tribal consciousness across centuries of upheaval, from the period of the judges through the monarchy and exile. His inclusion in these records reflects the biblical conviction that God maintains His covenant faithfulness through specific family lines, preserving the identity of each tribe as part of the complete people of God.
Verse Appearances (1)
1Chr
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]