The Son Whom the LORD Created
Beraiah is a figure whose entire identity is revealed in his name and his placement within the tribal records of the Old Testament. He is one of the descendants of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob.
The Meaning of the Name
The name Beraiah (Hebrew: Bĕrâ’yâh) is a beautiful compound name that carries a profound theological meaning: “The LORD hath created,” or “Jah hath created.” This name, incorporating the sacred form of God’s name (Yah/Jah), signifies that his parents recognized and dedicated him as a creative act of divine providence.
The Single Scriptural Mention
Beraiah is mentioned only once in the Bible, found in the highly detailed genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin in the Book of 1 Chronicles. This list establishes the families and “chief men” who lived in the territory.
“And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimei;” (1 Chronicles 8:21, KJV)
This verse places Beraiah as one of the sons of Shimei (also known as Shimhi), who was a prominent figure and one of the heads of the paternal houses of Benjamin. This lineage places Beraiah’s family in the context of the tribe that would give Israel its first king, Saul, and later, the Apostle Paul (who identified himself as a Benjamite).
A Lesson in Divine Creation and Identity
While no personal story or narrative is attached to Beraiah, his inclusion in the sacred text, alongside the meaning of his name, delivers an enduring lesson on the Christian identity:
- Identity Rooted in God’s Act: The name “The LORD hath created” declares that a person’s existence is not an accident but a direct, deliberate act of God. For the believer, this name is an ancient echo of the truth that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Ephesians 2:10, KJV). Beraiah’s name is a concise theological statement that all being originates with the Creator.
- Meticulous Preservation: The chronicler’s dedication to preserving the name of a chief man like Beraiah underscores the truth that every link in the chain of God’s people is important. The Lord is a God of order who preserves the record of His chosen, ensuring the continuity of the tribes that formed the foundation for the promised Seed, the Messiah.