1 Chronicles 8:13
Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath: Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:
This verse stands within the long genealogical record running through 1 Chronicles 4-19, including the lists of names in chapters 7-9. Its chapter belongs to a section largely concerned with chronology. It is appointed to be read with 1 Chronicles 9 and Psalm 150.
These lists of names are hard to pronounce and are often considered dry, uninteresting, and a tedious record of names. Yet they contain beautiful gems and items of interest that illuminate the record. The genealogies preserve the records of God's children and the integrity of the tribes, with the genealogy of Judah kept with special care because Christ came through Judah. They show that God is particular in commanding and preserving genealogical records and that He keeps a faithful record of each soul in the books of heaven.