Who was Zimri in the Bible?

Zimri was a Benjamite, the son of Jehoadah (also called Jarah). He is only mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin found in 1 Chronicles 8:36 and 9:42.

Why is Zimri included in the Bible's genealogies?

Zimri's inclusion helps preserve the lineage and family history of the tribe of Benjamin. Genealogies were crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of the royal line from which King Saul came.

Did Zimri have any notable descendants?

Yes, the genealogy lists Zimri as the father of Moza. Moza was the father of Binea, who was an ancestor of King Saul, making Zimri part of Saul's ancestral line (1 Chronicles 8:36-37, 9:42-43).

Zimri

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Zimri, a Benjamite, was the son of Jehoadah and is mentioned in the genealogies of Benjamin (1Ch.8.36,36; 9.42,42).

Zimri

Biography

This Zimri was a Benjaminite, recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 8:36 and 9:42 as a son of Jehoadah (also spelled Jarah). He appears within a long genealogical sequence tracing the descendants of Saul through the line of Jonathan, situating him within the most prominent family of the tribe of Benjamin. Zimri himself fathered Moza, and the lineage continues through subsequent generations. His name appears twice in Chronicles, once in each of the two parallel genealogical accounts, reflecting the Chronicler's concern to establish continuity within the Saulide line of Benjamin. Though no biographical narrative is attached to him, his placement in the genealogy of Saul's descendants carried significance for questions of tribal identity and heritage in post-exilic Judah.

Significance

The Chronicler's inclusion of Zimri within the genealogy of Saul's descendants in 1 Chronicles 8–9 reflects the theological concern to preserve the full lineage of Israel's tribes, even including those associated with the dynasty that was superseded by David. The preservation of the Saulide genealogy is not merely historical record-keeping but an affirmation that all of Israel, including Benjaminites of royal descent, had a place in the reconstituted covenant community returning from exile. Zimri's quiet presence in this lineage illustrates that God's purposes for his people encompass entire tribal communities, not merely the prominent or the powerful.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 8:36 1Chr 9:42

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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