The Forgotten Woman in the Unbroken Lineage
The book of Chronicles, written after the Babylonian exile, serves a profound purpose: to re-establish the identity, history, and lineage of God’s people. Amidst the lists of patriarchs, kings, and heroes, the record preserves the name of Baara, a woman whose life is summarized by a single, poignant verse in the genealogy of Benjamin.
The name Baara is interpreted by various scholars to mean “the burning one” or, from a similar root, “brutish.” Her brief presence in Scripture highlights the harsh realities and complex human dramas that unfolded even within the covenant line of Israel.
Her Place in the Genealogies
Baara is introduced as one of the wives of Shaharaim, a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin. Her story is embedded in a context of displacement and marital upheaval, which was common during the unsettled periods of Israel’s history. The verse paints a complex domestic picture:
1 Chronicles 8:8 (KJV): “And Shaharaim begat children in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives.”
This verse tells us several critical details:
- A Time of Displacement: Shaharaim (and thus Baara) lived in Moab, the country east of the Dead Sea, indicating a period when some Israelites had fled their homeland, perhaps due to famine or warfare.
- Marital Complexity: Shaharaim is noted to have “sent them away” (referring to his wives Hushim and Baara), which is a clear reference to divorce or dismissal, illustrating the fragility of human covenants even among God’s people.
- The Unbroken Line: Despite the separation and the setting in a foreign land (Moab), the Chronicler meticulously records her name and place, showing that God’s covenant purpose continues even through human instability.
The Theological Significance
Baara’s story is not detailed, but her inclusion in the inspired KJV genealogy carries deep theological weight for the “Defence of the Truth.”
- God’s Meticulous Remembrance: Her single mention underscores the fact that no life is insignificant to God. The Holy Spirit, through the Chronicler, ensured that the name of this woman, whose marriage ended in dismissal, was preserved. In a book primarily focused on the great male lines of descent, Baara’s name is kept in the record, reminding us that God accounts for every soul in His grand tapestry.
- The Sovereignty Over Human Failure: The narrative surrounding Shaharaim, Hushim, and Baara is one of broken human covenants and difficult choices (“sent them away”). Yet, this human failure did not derail the divine promise. The genealogy continues, demonstrating that God’s eternal plan for the Messiah and the restoration of Israel is not contingent upon the flawless obedience of individuals, but on His own sovereign faithfulness.
- A Witness to the Hardship of Life: Baara stands as a silent witness to the suffering and affliction experienced by many individuals whose lives intersect with the great biblical story. Her name, potentially meaning “brutish” or related to “a flame,” might reflect a difficult personality or a challenging life, yet she is still recorded as part of the lineage that would one day return to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:4 mentions a descendant from this lineage).
The Lesson for the Waiting Heart
Baara’s story, though brief, encourages those who feel overlooked or forgotten. The hope of the Lord’s Return is not just for the famous prophets and kings, but for every person recorded in the book of life—even those whose earthly stories were marked by affliction, displacement, or divorce. God remembers the details that the world discards.
Let us find comfort in the meticulous care of the Almighty, knowing that every single life is woven into the final, glorious outcome of God’s redemptive plan.