Who was Pithon in the Bible?

Pithon was a descendant of King Saul and a member of the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned only in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. He is listed as a son of Micah and a great-grandson of Saul (1 Chronicles 8:35, 9:41).

Why is Pithon mentioned in the Bible?

Pithon's inclusion in the genealogy of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:35) helps establish the royal lineage of King Saul and demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving the tribe's family records. His mention shows that Saul's line continued, even after his kingdom ended.

What is the significance of Pithon's genealogy?

Pithon's genealogy connects him directly to King Saul, the first king of Israel, highlighting the importance of tribal and family heritage in the Old Testament. It serves as a historical record that affirms the continuity of the Benjaminite line from which Saul came.

Pithon

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleKing

Pithon, a descendant of King Saul, mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles.

Pithon

Biography

Pithon was a descendant of King Saul through the Benjaminite line, recorded in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8:35 and 9:41. He was a son of Micah (Merib-baal's son), making him a great-grandson of Jonathan and a great-great-grandson of Saul. His brothers included Melech, Tarea (Tahrea), and Ahaz. Pithon's genealogy traces the survival and continuation of Saul's family line well beyond the dynasty's political collapse after the battle of Gilboa. While the kingship passed to the house of David, Saul's descendants continued as recognized members of the tribe of Benjamin, maintaining their tribal identity and family heritage. The double recording of this genealogy in 1 Chronicles 8 and 9 underscores the Chronicler's interest in preserving the complete tribal lineage of Benjamin within post-exilic Israel.

Significance

Pithon's genealogical record demonstrates that God's providential care extended even to the family of Saul after the kingdom was transferred to David's line. The continuation of Saul's descendants through multiple generations shows that the rejection of Saul's dynasty did not entail the annihilation of his family. This genealogy served an important function for the post-exilic community by establishing legitimate tribal identities for the returned exiles. Pithon's listing affirms the Chronicler's theological vision that all Israel, including the line of the rejected king, remained part of God's covenant people. The survival of Saul's line alongside David's demonstrates God's complex mercy and the enduring significance of every Israelite family.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 8:35 1Chr 9:41

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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