And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat Micah.
The verse stands within the long genealogical lists that open Chronicles, recording the tribes and their family lines. That extended record runs through 1 Chronicles 4-19. Within it Merib-baal is listed as the son of Jonathan, and Micah as the son of Merib-baal.
The genealogical record preserved proof of hereditary descent needed after the exile for assigning land and maintaining temple service. By doing so it preserved the records of God's children and the integrity of the tribes. Like other long lists of names in the Bible, its value may not be immediately apparent, yet it forms part of the inspired contents of Scripture. Its inclusion shows that God keeps a faithful record of each soul.
The verse stands within the long genealogical lists that open Chronicles, recording the tribes and their family lines. That extended record runs through 1 Chronicles 4-19. Within it Merib-baal is listed as the son of Jonathan, and Micah as the son of Merib-baal.
The genealogical record preserved proof of hereditary descent needed after the exile for assigning land and maintaining temple service. By doing so it preserved the records of God's children and the integrity of the tribes. Like other long lists of names in the Bible, its value may not be immediately apparent, yet it forms part of the inspired contents of Scripture. Its inclusion shows that God keeps a faithful record of each soul.