1 Chronicles 1:30
Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,
Mishma
The name "Mishma" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning "to hear" or "to listen." This name may imply a person or a people who are attentive or obedient, possibly to God or to their leaders. In the context of 1 Chronicles, Mishma is listed as a descendant of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. This highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation (Genesis 17:20). Historically, the descendants of Ishmael, including Mishma, are often associated with the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula, emphasizing the spread and influence of Abraham's lineage.

Dumah
The name "Dumah" is linked to the Hebrew word "דּוּמָה" (dumah), which means "silence" or "stillness." This could symbolize a place of peace or a people known for their quiet strength. Dumah is also mentioned in Isaiah 21:11 as a location, possibly referring to a region in Edom or Arabia. The mention of Dumah in the genealogical record underscores the geographical and cultural diversity of Ishmael's descendants, who settled in various parts of the Near East.

Massa
"Massa" comes from the Hebrew root "מַשָּׂא" (massa), meaning "burden" or "oracle." This name might suggest a people who carry a significant message or responsibility. In the biblical context, Massa is another of Ishmael's sons, and his descendants are thought to have lived in northern Arabia. The name could imply a prophetic role or a community known for its wisdom, as suggested by the mention of Massa in Proverbs 30:1, where it is associated with the sayings of Agur.

Hadad
The name "Hadad" is of Semitic origin and is often associated with a storm or weather deity in ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly among the Arameans and Canaanites. This name might indicate a person or tribe with power or influence, akin to the force of a storm. In the genealogical context, Hadad is listed among the sons of Ishmael, highlighting the integration and interaction of different cultural and religious influences within the broader Abrahamic family.

Tema
"Tema" is derived from the Hebrew root "תֵּימָא" (tema), which may mean "south" or "desert." This name is associated with a region in northwestern Arabia, known for its trade routes and as a center of commerce and culture. The mention of Tema in the genealogy of Ishmael's descendants points to the historical reality of these tribes' involvement in trade and their strategic importance in connecting different parts of the ancient world. The reference to Tema also appears in Job 6:19, indicating its significance as a well-known location during biblical times.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mishma
One of the sons of Ishmael, Mishma is part of the genealogical record that traces the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. His name means "hearing" in Hebrew.

2. Dumah
Another son of Ishmael, Dumah is also the name of a region or tribe associated with the descendants of Ishmael. The name Dumah means "silence" or "stillness."

3. Massa
Massa is listed as one of Ishmael's sons. The name means "burden" or "oracle" in Hebrew, and it is associated with a nomadic tribe.

4. Hadad
Although not much is detailed about Hadad in this specific verse, he is part of the Ishmaelite lineage. The name Hadad is often associated with a storm god in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

5. Tema
Another son of Ishmael, Tema is also a region in Arabia. The name means "desert" or "south country," indicating a geographical connection.
Teaching Points
Understanding Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect historical accounts and fulfill God's promises. They remind us of God's faithfulness across generations.

Significance of Names
The meanings of names in biblical genealogies often reflect character traits or prophetic insights. Reflect on the significance of your own name and identity in Christ.

God's Sovereignty in History
The inclusion of Ishmael's descendants in the biblical record demonstrates God's sovereign plan and His concern for all nations, not just Israel.

Cultural and Geographical Context
Understanding the cultural and geographical context of biblical names and places enriches our comprehension of Scripture and its historical setting.

Legacy and Influence
Consider the legacy you are leaving for future generations. How does your life reflect God's promises and faithfulness?
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy of Ishmael's descendants in 1 Chronicles 1:30 connect to God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael in Genesis 17:20?

2. What can we learn from the meanings of the names listed in 1 Chronicles 1:30, and how might they reflect the character or destiny of these individuals?

3. How does the inclusion of Ishmael's descendants in the biblical record demonstrate God's concern for all nations?

4. In what ways can understanding the geographical and cultural context of biblical names and places enhance our study of Scripture?

5. Reflect on your own family lineage and legacy. How can you ensure that your life reflects God's promises and faithfulness to future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:13-15
This passage provides the original listing of Ishmael's sons, confirming the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 1:30.

Isaiah 21:11-17
This passage references Dumah and Tema, providing prophetic insights and highlighting the regions associated with Ishmael's descendants.

Job 6:19
This verse mentions Tema, indicating the historical and geographical significance of the region in the context of trade and travel.
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies as Symbols of the Solidarity of Our RaceW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to ChristF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to the Church and the WorldF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Israelite DescentW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
NamesW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Antiquity and Unity of ManJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies and HeredityW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies Indicative of Universal BrotherhoodW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies: What We Owe to the PastW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abida, Abimael, Abram, Achbor, Adam, Adbeel, Aholibamah, Aiah, Ajah, Akan, Aliah, Alian, Almodad, Alvah, Alvan, Amalek, Amorites, Amram, Anah, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Aran, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Arvadites, Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Baalhanan, Bedad, Bela, Beor, Bilhan, Cainan, Caphthorim, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Cheran, Dedan, Diklah, Dishan, Dishon, Dodanim, Dumah, Eber, Elah, Elam, Eldaah, Eliphaz, Elisha, Elishah, Enoch, Enosh, Ephah, Epher, Esau, Eshban, Ezar, Ezer, Gatam, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Gomer, Hadad, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Hanan, Hanoch, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Hemdan, Henoch, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Homam, Hori, Hul, Husham, Iram, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Israelites, Ithran, Jaalam, Jakan, Japheth, Jared, Javan, Jebusites, Jerah, Jered, Jetheth, Jetur, Jeush, Jobab, Jokshan, Joktan, Kedar, Kedemah, Kenan, Kenaz, Keturah, Kittim, Korah, Lamech, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lotan, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magdiel, Magog, Mahalaleel, Manahath, Massa, Matred, Medan, Mehetabel, Meshech, Methuselah, Mezahab, Mibsam, Mibzar, Mishma, Mizraim, Mizzah, Nahath, Nahor, Naphish, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nebaioth, Nimrod, Noah, Omar, Onam, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Pinon, Reu, Reuel, Riphath, Sabta, Sabtecha, Samlah, Saul, Seba, Seir, Serug, Seth, Shammah, Shaul, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Shephi, Shepho, Sheth, Shobal, Shuah, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tema, Teman, Temanites, Terah, Timna, Timnah, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zaavan, Zavan, Zemarite, Zemarites, Zephi, Zepho, Zerah, Zibeon, Zidon, Zimran
Places
Avith, Babylon, Bozrah, Dinhabah, Edom, Euphrates River, Masrekah, Midian, Moab, Pai, Rehoboth
Topics
Dumah, Hadad, Massa, Mishma, Tema
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:24-34

     5076   Abraham, life of

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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