Eber עֵ֫בֶר

Male Tribe of Benjamin H5677J 1 book

Son of Shashak, a Benjamite

Who is Eber in the Bible?

Eber was a son of Shashak and a member of the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned in the genealogy recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:22. He appears in a list of Benjamite descendants living in Jerusalem, alongside his brothers Ishpan, Heber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, and Penuel. As a descendant of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Eber was part of the tribe that settled in their allotted region of the Promised Land. His mention in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 8 reflects the importance of documenting family lineages among the Benjamite families, particularly those who lived in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. While Eber himself is not otherwise prominent in biblical narrative, his inclusion in these genealogies demonstrates the continuity of tribal identity and family heritage in Israel's post-exilic community.

Biography

Eber is mentioned briefly in 1Ch.8.22 as one of the sons of Shashak, a descendant of Benjamin. He is listed along with his brothers Ishpan, Heber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, and Penuel.

The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 8 traces the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin was the youngest son of Israel (or 'Jacob') and Rachel, and his descendants settled in the region allotted to them in the Promised Land.

Eber and his brothers are mentioned in the context of the descendants of Jeroham, who is listed as one of the heads of families living in Jerusalem (1Ch.8.27). The mention of these Benjamite descendants living in Jerusalem suggests that this genealogy may have been compiled after the return from the Babylonian exile when many Israelites resettled in Jerusalem.

The inclusion of Eber in this genealogy serves to highlight the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. It also demonstrates the detailed record-keeping of the Chronicler, who sought to preserve the genealogical history of the tribes of Israel.

Apart from this brief mention, no further information is provided about Eber or his specific role within the tribe of Benjamin. His inclusion in the genealogy helps to establish the continuity of the Benjamite lineage and their connection to the larger history of Israel.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Chronicles 1 verse
  • 1 Chronicles 8:22

    "Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,"

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Transliteration Meaning
Named Hebrew עֵ֫בֶר ʿēbēr Eber , the name of two patriarchs and four Israelites