The Levite of the Temple Divisions
The name Beno appears only once in the entire biblical record, tucked within the meticulous genealogical and administrative lists compiled in the Book of 1 Chronicles. This single mention places him within the family line of the Levites and their responsibilities toward the service of the Lord.
The Context of the Temple Service
Beno lived during the reign of King David, a period marked by great organization of the priesthood and Levites in preparation for the permanent Temple that Solomon would build. David organized the Levites into twenty-four courses for various duties, including singers, porters, and officers.
Beno is specifically identified as a son of Jaaziah, who belonged to the division of the descendants of Merari, one of the three foundational families of the Levites (along with Kohath and Gershon). Merari’s descendants were primarily responsible for the carrying and care of the heavier items of the Tabernacle and, later, for the exterior duties of the Temple area.
The Single Scriptural Mention
Beno’s name is recorded when the chronicler lists the sons of Jaaziah to show which family lines were present and assigned duties:
“The sons of Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri. Of Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.” (1 Chronicles 24:26-27, KJV)
The scripture establishes his lineage and his siblings, but nothing about his personal actions.
The Meaning of the Name
The name Beno (Hebrew: BÄ›nô) is generally interpreted to mean “his son” or “son of him”. The simplicity of the name, functioning almost as a descriptive phrase, suggests that its primary purpose in the text is to maintain the completeness of the genealogical record.
A Lesson in Ordered Ministry
The inclusion of names like Beno, even without an accompanying story, delivers a vital message to the reader:
- Divine Order and Completeness: The fact that the Holy Spirit inspired the recording of Beno and his brothers demonstrates the importance of divine order and the principle that every single Levite was accounted for and had a designated part in the Lord’s service. The preparation for God’s house was meticulous, planned years in advance, and depended on the organization of every family line.
- Serving the Unseen: Beno’s life, unseen by narrative, highlights the need for dedicated service in the “outward business” of the church—the tasks of administration, logistics, and maintenance that are essential for the spiritual work to proceed. His existence is a testament to those whose faithful service is known not by public fame, but by their placement in God’s perfect administrative plan.