Who was Bokeru?

Bokeru (Hebrew: בֹּקֶרוּ, Boqerû) is a little-known descendant of Benjamin mentioned in a genealogical listing in 1 Chronicles 8:38. His name appears in a record of the descendants of King Saul’s family through his son Jonathan, tracing the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. The name Bokeru may derive from the Hebrew root boqer (בֹּקֶר), meaning “morning” or “dawn,” suggesting a possible meaning of “youthful” or “morning-born.”

Biblical Reference

• 1 Chronicles 8:38 (NIV): “Azel had six sons: and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.”

Context Within 1 Chronicles

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9 serve as a historical and theological prologue to the rest of the book, emphasizing the continuity of Israel‘s tribes following the exile. Chapter 8 specifically details the descendants of Benjamin and leads to the genealogy of King Saul. Bokeru is listed as one of the sons of Azel, a descendant in Saul’s line. This situates Bokeru within a royal and tribal context, even if he himself is not a key narrative figure.

Biblical Significance

Part of Saul’s Legacy

Although Bokeru is not a major character in Scripture, his inclusion in this genealogy is significant. The Chronicler’s meticulous record-keeping highlights the importance of remembering one’s lineage, especially for the returning exiles who needed to reconnect with their identity as God‘s chosen people. Bokeru stands as a witness to the enduring legacy of the tribe of Benjamin and the royal line of Saul, which God used—even in its failure—to point toward a better King.

Preservation of the Line

In post-exilic times, genealogies served more than historical purposes; they were reminders of God‘s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Even minor names like Bokeru affirm that no person is forgotten in God’s redemptive plan. Though he lived in obscurity, Bokeru’s name is preserved forever in Scripture.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Value of the Individual in God’s Story

Though Bokeru is never given a storyline, his presence in Scripture reminds us that God values every life and every lineage. God‘s attention to detail, including seemingly obscure figures, shows His intimate knowledge of and care for His people. Names like Bokeru are part of the tapestry of Israel’s identity and God‘s covenant dealings with them.

God’s Faithfulness to Israel

The Chronicler was writing to an audience returning from exile. For them, reading these genealogies reaffirmed that they still belonged to God’s people, that the promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had not been lost. The inclusion of names like Bokeru gave weight to the idea that Israel’s identity and calling remained intact.

From Saul to the Savior

The line of Saul may have failed in righteousness, but it set the stage for Israel’s desire for a righteous king. Bokeru, as part of this line, is part of a history that ultimately finds fulfillment not in Saul or his descendants, but in Jesus Christ—the true and better King from the tribe of Judah. Where Saul failed, Jesus succeeded. Bokeru, though unnamed in the New Testament, forms part of the long shadow pointing toward the coming of the Messiah.

Application for Today’s Christians

For modern believers, Bokeru represents the many faithful people whose names may not be widely known, but who are not forgotten by God. In the kingdom of God, no role is too small, no person too insignificant. Every believer has a place in God’s family tree—whether well-known or not—and is called to walk faithfully with the Lord.

Genealogies also remind us of the importance of spiritual heritage. They point to the continuity of God’s work across generations. Just as Bokeru was part of something larger than himself, so too are believers today part of the greater story of redemption in Christ.

How Bokeru Points to Jesus

Although Bokeru is not a messianic figure, his position in Saul’s genealogy reminds us that the earthly kingship of Israel was never the ultimate goal. The failures and fragmentation of Saul’s line only served to heighten the expectation for a coming King who would rule in justice and righteousness. Jesus, the Son of David and the fulfillment of all kingship, brings the perfect morning—brighter than any dawn. If Bokeru’s name suggests “morning-born,” then Jesus is the true “Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16), shining over God’s eternal kingdom.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think God chose to preserve the names of people like Bokeru in Scripture?

2. How can the inclusion of lesser-known individuals in the Bible encourage your own walk with God?

3. In what ways are you tempted to think your story is insignificant? How does Scripture counter that idea?

4. How can understanding your spiritual heritage strengthen your faith today?

5. How does the story of Saul’s family, including Bokeru, point you to your need for Christ, the true King?

Though hidden in history, Bokeru’s name is written in the Word of God. He reminds us that God sees every name, knows every heart, and weaves every life into His redemptive plan.