Who was Zichri in the Bible?

Zichri was a Benjamite, a son of Jeroham and a descendant of Shaharaim, as recorded in a genealogy in 1 Chronicles 8:27. He is listed among the family heads and warriors of the tribe of Benjamin.

Why is Zichri mentioned in the Bible?

Zichri is mentioned to establish the lineage and family structure of the tribe of Benjamin, showing God's faithfulness to His people through generations. His inclusion in the genealogy (1 Chronicles 8) highlights the importance of every individual in Israel's history.

Are there any stories about Zichri in the Bible?

No, there are no specific stories or key events recorded about this Zichri. His mention is solely within a genealogical list, which was crucial for establishing tribal heritage, inheritance rights, and the Messianic line.

Zichri

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Zichri was another son of Jeroham, a Benjamite, and a descendant of Shaharaim (1Ch.8.27).

Zichri

Biography

Zichri, described as another son of Jeroham, is listed in the Benjamite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8:27 among the heads of families residing in Jerusalem. This Zichri is distinct from the Zichri in verse 23 who is also identified as a son of Jeroham, which may indicate that more than one Jeroham appears in this complex genealogical section, or that the name was repeated within the same family line. The genealogical list in which he appears was compiled to document the Benjamite families with recognized claims to Jerusalem, particularly relevant in the postexilic period when Nehemiah resettled the holy city. Zichri's family connection to Jerusalem through the Benjamite lineage would have carried both civic and religious significance for his descendants.

Significance

This Zichri exemplifies the careful, sometimes repetitive genealogical record-keeping that characterizes the early chapters of Chronicles. The apparent duplication of a Zichri son of Jeroham within the same chapter highlights the complexity of ancient Israelite family records and the Chronicler's commitment to preserving received genealogical traditions intact. Theologically, the repeated naming of Benjamite family heads in connection with Jerusalem underscores the profound importance the Chronicler places on legitimate, documented connection to the holy city. Jerusalem was not merely a geographic location but the dwelling place of God's name and the center of covenantal worship; establishing one's ancestral claim to it was a declaration of one's standing within the community of faith.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:27

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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