Definition: And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 12:29. It’s a really important detail about the lineage and leadership of the Israelites in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse tells us that a significant portion of the children of Benjamin (a group within the larger Israelite family) were closely connected to Saul, who was later the King of Israel. Let’s unpack it a little further: “And of the children of Benjamin…” : This refers to the descendants of Benjamin, a specific branch of the line that included leaders like Samuel. “…the kindred of Saul…” : “Kindred” means family or group. So, this means the children of Benjamin were related to Saul – they shared a common ancestor and lineage. “Three thousand…” : This is the key part! The verse states that there were three thousand children of Benjamin who were closely linked to Saul. Why was this significant? This was a really important detail because it established a strong connection between Saul and his family. It meant: Political Influence: Saul was a powerful leader, and having a large group of his descendants close by gave him a huge advantage in political matters. Leadership Continuity: It showed that the lineage of Saul wasn't just about royal blood; it was also about the continuity of leadership within his family. In short, it’s a historical detail showing how Saul’s family was deeply involved in the leadership of Israel. Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, I could: Give you more context about the Old Testament period. Explain what "kindred" means and how it relates to genealogy.