Who Was Becher in Scripture?
Becher holds a modest but meaningful place in biblical history as one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. We first encounter Becher's name in Genesis 46:21, where Moses records the family members who journeyed with Jacob into Egypt during the great famine. This genealogical notation, though brief, establishes Becher as part of the covenant lineage that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The name Becher, which some scholars suggest means "young camel" or "first-born," appears again in 1 Chronicles 7:6-8, where the writer provides additional details about Benjamin's descendants and their families.
Beyond these genealogical references, Scripture doesn't provide us with detailed narratives about Becher's personal life or accomplishments. Yet this absence of dramatic storytelling shouldn't lead us to dismiss his significance. In the biblical record, genealogies serve a vital purpose—they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations. Becher's inclusion in these genealogies confirms that he was recognized as a legitimate heir of the promises made to the patriarchs, and his descendants formed part of the tribe of Benjamin that would later play crucial roles in Israel's history.
Becher's Place in Benjamin's Line
The tribe of Benjamin held special significance in Israel's story. From this tribe would come King Saul, Israel's first king, and later the apostle Paul, one of Christianity's greatest missionaries. Becher, as a son of Benjamin, represents an important link in this tribal chain. In 1 Chronicles 7:6, we learn that Benjamin had five sons, and Becher was among them. His descendants multiplied and formed family units within the tribe, contributing to Benjamin's strength and size throughout Israel's history.
The genealogical records in Chronicles reveal that Becher's line produced "mighty men of valour" (1 Chronicles 7:7), suggesting that his descendants were respected warriors and leaders within their community. This detail reminds us that spiritual significance often passes through families across generations. The faithfulness of parents in teaching God's ways to their children creates a legacy that impacts not just their immediate family, but entire communities and nations.
What Becher Teaches Us Today
Though Becher's name appears only briefly in Scripture, his presence in the genealogical record carries a profound message for modern believers. God values every person, whether they achieve great prominence or serve faithfully in obscurity. Each of us is part of God's larger story, connected to His covenant promises and part of His redemptive plan. Like Becher, you may never write a bestselling book or lead thousands, yet your faithfulness in your family, workplace, and church contributes to God's kingdom in ways you may never fully understand this side of eternity.
As Canadian Christians, we're called to remember that our lives matter to God. Whether we're recorded in earthly books or not, our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). That's the genealogy that truly counts. Like Becher, let's embrace our role in God's family and trust that He sees and values our faithful service.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).