A Name in the Lineage of King Saul
The lengthy genealogies found primarily in the Book of Chronicles serve as vital historical documents, authenticating the descent of the tribes of Israel even after periods of great upheaval. Bocheru is a name preserved in this record, marking a generation within the specific lineage that traces back to the first king of Israel, Saul.
Bocheru in the Benjamite Genealogy
Bocheru’s identity is defined by his placement within the household of Azel, a prominent descendant of Saul through his son Jonathan (1 Chronicles 8:33–34, KJV). He is listed as one of Azel’s six sons, ensuring the continuity of this branch of the tribe of Benjamin:
“And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.” (1 Chronicles 8:38, KJV)
The same list is meticulously repeated in the next chapter, confirming its importance for the chroniclers during the restoration period:
“And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel.” (1 Chronicles 9:44, KJV)
His inclusion in the post-exilic records highlights the care taken to document all family units, demonstrating that even the lineage of the former, failed monarchy was preserved by God’s providence, not for a renewed throne, but for the historical record.
The Significance of His Name
The Hebrew name Bocheru ($\text{בֹּכְרוּ}$, Bokərû) is often interpreted to mean “his firstborn” or “the firstborn is he.”
While Bocheru is listed as the second son after Azrikam, the meaning of his name being firstborn suggests a specific significance that the Chronicler wished to highlight, perhaps:
- Highlighting Status: It may be a title emphasizing his status as a key inheritor or a chief figure in the family, regardless of his birth order relative to all of his brothers.
- Preserving the Order: It may reflect the determination of the Chronicler to preserve the integrity and birth order of the lineage, symbolizing that the family’s structure remained intact despite the judgment of the Babylonian exile.
In the tradition of biblical genealogies, the meaning of the name often serves as a subtle commentary on the individual’s role or the circumstances of the family. Bocheru, by embodying the idea of the “firstborn,” is a quiet reminder of the priority of birthright and inheritance in God’s covenant structure.
Bocheru and the Unbroken Line
Bocheru’s importance is not in a recorded deed, but in his existence. He represents an unbroken link in the chain of generations. The meticulous preservation of his name assures the reader that God never loses track of His people or the historical details that uphold the veracity of the covenant.
Just as the name Bocheru ensured that the descendants of Saul could trace their lineage and claim their inheritance, the entire structure of biblical genealogy ensures that the line leading to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, is secure and verifiable.