Ahoah is a figure known from the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, an essential but brief mention that links his name to a famous clan of mighty warriors in Israel’s history. The name itself is thought to mean “brotherly” or “brother of rest.”
Ahoah: Son of Bela, Grandson of Benjamin
Ahoah is primarily identified in the Book of Chronicles as one of the immediate descendants of the patriarch Benjamin.
- Genealogy: Ahoah was a son of Bela, who was the firstborn son of Benjamin (one of the twelve sons of Jacob). He is listed among Bela’s numerous descendants in the meticulous genealogies that begin the first book of Chronicles.”And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud, And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,” — 1 Chronicles 8:3-4 (KJV)
- Alternative Names: The detailed nature of the genealogies in Chronicles can sometimes lead to different names referring to the same person or clan leader. Many scholars believe Ahoah may be the same individual called Ahiah in a subsequent verse in the same chapter (1 Chronicles 8:7) and potentially Iri in an earlier genealogy (1 Chronicles 7:7). This variation reflects the challenges and intentions of preserving long family records in the ancient world.
The Legacy of the Ahohites
Ahoah’s greatest significance in the biblical narrative comes from his descendants, who formed a powerful family known by the patronymic name, The Ahohites. This clan produced some of the most notable warriors who served under King David.
- Eleazar the Ahohite: The most famous member of this lineage was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, who was numbered among the three mightiest men of King David’s army. His valor and strength were legendary.”And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:” — 2 Samuel 23:9 (KJV)
- Dodai the Ahohite: Another member of the clan, Dodai the Ahohite, commanded the course of the second month in David’s standing army, a position of high military authority over 24,000 men.”And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand.” — 1 Chronicles 27:4 (KJV)
Thus, Ahoah, though personally mentioned only once in the King James Version, became the patriarch of a distinguished and valiant fighting force within the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe historically known for its fierce warriors (Judges 20:16).
Prophetic Hotspot: The Legacy of Valor
Ahoah’s legacy, represented by the brave Ahohites, provides a powerful illustration of the principle that true worth is measured by faithfulness and action, not merely by position in a birth list. His descendants were not simply names in a book but the very mighty men of valour who secured the throne for King David. This resonates deeply with the spirit of The Lord’s Return, for those who will be counted among the Lord’s faithful at His second coming will not be judged by their earthly status but by the valor and zeal they displayed in defending the truth and remaining steadfast in the face of spiritual opposition. The Ahohites’ loyalty to David foreshadows the loyalty required of those who will be ready for the return of the King of Kings.