Focus on Benjamin: We now come to the discussion of the final son of Israel (see 2:1–2), namely, Benjamin. The Chronicler’s genealogical construction emphasizes the lineages of Judah, Levi, and Benjamin. Whereas Judah occupied the initial position and Levi the middle position, Benjamin now closes the genealogical discussion of the sons of Israel. The significance of Judah lies in this being the tribe of King David. Levi is emphasized in order to focus on that tribe’s connection with the cult and the temple. Benjamin, however, is the other tribe that supported David in his kingship, and its geographical territory enclosed Jerusalem.

As part of the genealogies of the northern tribes, a section on Benjamin was already present in 7:6–12, but there are significant differences between that geneal…