1 Chronicles 1:41
The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
The sons of Anah
This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Anah, a figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Edomites. Anah is a name that appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, often associated with the Horites, a group of people who lived in the region of Seir before the Edomites. The name Anah in Hebrew (עֲנָה) can mean "answer" or "response," which may reflect a cultural or familial significance in the naming conventions of the time. Understanding Anah's place in the genealogy helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of the tribes and families in the ancient Near East, highlighting the importance of lineage and heritage in biblical narratives.

Dishon
Dishon is one of the sons of Anah, and his name appears in the genealogical records of the Horites. The name Dishon (דִּישׁוֹן) in Hebrew can be translated as "antelope" or "gazelle," which might suggest attributes of swiftness or grace. In the context of biblical genealogies, names often carry symbolic meanings or reflect characteristics valued by the family or tribe. Dishon's inclusion in the genealogy underscores the continuity of the Horite lineage and their integration into the broader narrative of the Edomites.

The sons of Dishon
This phrase transitions from Dishon to his descendants, emphasizing the continuation of his line. In ancient cultures, the recording of sons and descendants was crucial for maintaining family heritage and property rights. It also served to establish social and political connections within and between tribes. The mention of Dishon's sons highlights the importance of progeny in fulfilling God's promises to multiply and bless the nations, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran
These names represent the sons of Dishon, each contributing to the genealogical record of the Horites. The name Hemdan (חֶמְדָּן) may derive from a root meaning "pleasant" or "desirable," suggesting a positive attribute or hope for the individual. Eshban (אֶשְׁבָּן) is less clear in meaning but is preserved as part of the historical record. Ithran (יִתְרָן) could be related to a root meaning "abundance" or "excellence," indicating a wish for prosperity or distinction. Cheran (כֵּרָן) might be linked to a root meaning "horn," symbolizing strength or power. Each name, while specific to the individual, collectively contributes to the tapestry of biblical history, illustrating the diverse and rich heritage of the peoples mentioned in Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Anah
Anah is a descendant of Seir the Horite, mentioned in the genealogies of Esau's descendants. He is noted for discovering hot springs in the wilderness (Genesis 36:24).

2. Dishon
Dishon is one of the sons of Anah and a chief among the Horites. His lineage is part of the genealogical record of Esau's descendants.

3. Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran
These are the sons of Dishon. Their mention in the genealogies highlights the continuation of the Horite lineage.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect historical events and people, showing the fulfillment of God's promises and the unfolding of His plan through generations.

God's Sovereignty in History
The inclusion of various lineages, such as the Horites, in Scripture demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples, orchestrating history according to His divine purpose.

The Role of Lesser-Known Figures
Even those who seem minor in the biblical account, like Anah and Dishon's descendants, play a part in God's overarching account, reminding us that every life has significance in God's eyes.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogies encourage us to consider our own legacy and the importance of faithfulness to God, impacting future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn about God's character from the inclusion of genealogies like that of Anah and Dishon in the Bible?

2. How does understanding the historical context of the Horites and their relationship with Esau's descendants enhance our reading of 1 Chronicles 1:41?

3. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the genealogies of the Bible, and how does this apply to our lives today?

4. How can the mention of seemingly minor biblical figures encourage us in our own walk with God?

5. Reflect on your own family or spiritual lineage. How can you contribute to a legacy of faithfulness for future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 36
This chapter provides a parallel genealogy of Esau's descendants, including Anah and Dishon, offering a broader context for understanding the lineage and its significance in the history of Edom.

Deuteronomy 2:12
This verse mentions the Horites, the people from whom Anah and Dishon descend, and their displacement by the descendants of Esau, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land.
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
Amram, Anah, Cheran, Dishon, Eshban, Hamran, Hemdan, Ithran, Jithran, Keran, Sons
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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