From Underdogs to Kings: The Curious Case of Benjamin and Saul

As I read through 1 Chronicles 7-10, I noticed again the long lists of genealogies that appear throughout the Bible. These chapters, in particular, dedicate considerable space to tracing family lines, which might seem like dry historical record-keeping at first. But looking closer, the focus on the tribe of Benjamin, especially in chapter 8, raised some interesting questions for me—particularly in light of Saul’s story in chapter 10.

Benjamin: The Little Tribe That Could?

Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob, and his tribe was one of the smallest in Israel. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin had a complicated past. One of the darker episodes in Israel’s early history involves Benjamin nearly being wiped out because of a violent conflict (as told in Judges 19-21). So, seeing the Chronicler give this tribe a detailed genealogy made me wonder about its significance. Why give so much space to Benjamin’s line, especially here?

Saul Steps Into the Spotlight (Briefly)

The genealogy in chapter 8 leads directly to Saul, Israel’s first king. It seems like the Chronicler is giving weight to Saul’s roots, offering a kind of recognition to the tribe of Benjamin through him. This feels like more than just historical record; it feels intentional, like a way of acknowledging that Benjamin and Saul have a place in Israel’s larger story, even if that story is complicated.

The Rise and Fall (and Moral of the Story)

But then, in chapter 10, Saul’s death is recounted. The Chronicler offers a summary of Saul’s final battle against the Philistines, but the focus is more on the reasons for his downfall than on the events themselves. Saul dies because he was unfaithful, the text says, specifically mentioning his consulting of a medium. This explanation seems less about the battle and more about framing Saul’s death within a moral lens.

History’s Balancing Act

What stands out here is the tension between honoring Saul’s origins and acknowledging his failure. The Chronicler doesn’t erase Saul’s place in history—he traces his lineage and gives it space—but he also doesn’t shy away from presenting the reasons for Saul’s downfall. I find myself wondering how often this happens in the way histories are told. How do we balance honoring someone’s place in a larger story while still recognizing their mistakes?

Why These Stories Still Matter

It also made me think about the Chronicler’s audience—likely a community rebuilding after exile, trying to reconnect with their history. These genealogies, and the stories they point to, may have served as a way to anchor them, to remind them of where they came from, even if the past wasn’t perfect.

Reading these chapters reminded me that history isn’t just about the highlights. It’s about the full picture—genealogies, triumphs, failures, and everything in between. Saul’s story, tied so closely to the tribe of Benjamin, is part of that larger picture. And even though his reign ended in failure, his story is still given space here. That feels worth reflecting on.