Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second son, Aharah the third … - 1 Chronicles 8:1

Today’s Scripture Reading (April 5, 2019): 1 Chronicles 8

Writer G. K. Chesterton says that “there are no words to express the abyss between isolation and having one ally. It may be conceded to the mathematician that four is twice two. But two is not twice one; two is two thousand times one.” Everything is easier when we have someone, even just one, who is willing to stand with us.

One of the scripture readings I often use at weddings is from Ecclesiastes.

⁹ Two are better than one,
     because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Chesterton is right. Two aren’t just a little better than one; they are two-thousand times better than one.

The author of Chronicles returns once more to take a second look at the tribe of Benjamin. Specifically, it moves through the genealogy of Saul, the first King of Israel, outlining both his ancestors and his descendants. This section gives honor to Saul, but that is not its only purpose. It is a reminder that the line of Saul was not extinguished with the death of Saul and his sons, and also a reminder that the tribe of Benjamin had been significant allies to Judah. They were the only tribe that chose to stand with David and Judah. Benjamin and Judah understood experientially that two are two thousand times better than one.

Chronicles was written at the end of the Babylonian captivity. It was a reminder to Judah of the history of Israel. And a reminder as the Tribe of Judah prepared to go home; Benjamin was preparing to move with them. Two were always better than one.

One last thought, the reading from Ecclesiastes finishes with the idea that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. I have always considered that an allusion to God, and the difference that he makes in our lives and our alliances – and at a wedding, in our marriages. As Judah and Benjamin prepared to go home, there was a third strand moving with them. The Levites and priests of the Temple were coming with them. They would symbolize the presence of God that would stay with the descendants of the original kings of Israel.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 9