1 Chronicles 1:43
These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor. His city was named Dinhabah.
These were the kings
This phrase introduces a list of monarchs, emphasizing the historical and political significance of Edom. The Hebrew word for "kings" is "מְלָכִים" (melachim), which denotes rulers with sovereign authority. In the context of Edom, these kings ruled independently, highlighting the established governance in Edom before Israel had its own monarchy. This serves as a reminder of the organized societies surrounding Israel and the divine timing in establishing Israel's own kingship.

who reigned in the land of Edom
Edom, known in Hebrew as "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), is a region south of the Dead Sea, traditionally inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The mention of Edom here underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau that he would become a nation (Genesis 25:23). Historically, Edom was a significant neighbor to Israel, often in conflict but also in kinship due to their shared ancestry. This phrase situates the narrative within a broader geopolitical context, reminding readers of the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern peoples.

before any king reigned over the Israelites
This phrase highlights the chronological precedence of Edomite kingship over Israelite monarchy. The Hebrew word "לִפְנֵי" (lifnei) means "before," indicating a time when Israel was still under tribal leadership. This serves as a humbling reminder of Israel's beginnings and God's sovereign plan in establishing their monarchy. It also reflects the patience required in waiting for God's timing, as Israel's kingship was established according to divine purpose rather than human ambition.

Bela son of Beor
Bela, whose name in Hebrew "בֶּלַע" (Bela) means "destruction" or "devouring," was the first king mentioned. His father, Beor, is also noted, which was common in ancient genealogies to establish legitimacy and heritage. This personal detail connects the historical narrative to real individuals, emphasizing the authenticity and continuity of the biblical record. It also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power, as each king's reign is but a chapter in the larger account of God's unfolding plan.

whose city was named Dinhabah
Dinhabah, in Hebrew "דִּנְהָבָה" (Dinhabah), is identified as Bela's city, though its exact location remains uncertain. The mention of a city signifies the organized urban centers in Edom, contrasting with the nomadic beginnings of Israel. This detail highlights the development and civilization of Edom, serving as a backdrop to Israel's own journey towards nationhood. It also reflects the biblical theme of God working through history, using various peoples and places to accomplish His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bela son of Beor
Bela is identified as a king of Edom. His lineage, being the son of Beor, is noted, which is significant in establishing his authority and heritage.

2. Dinhabah
This is the city associated with Bela. It serves as a geographical marker and a center of his reign.

3. Edom
A region and people descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom often had a contentious relationship with Israel throughout biblical history.

4. Kings of Edom
The passage lists the kings who ruled Edom before Israel had its own monarchy, highlighting the established governance in Edom.

5. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who at this point in the account, had not yet established a monarchy.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in History
The listing of Edomite kings before Israel had a king demonstrates God's sovereign plan and timing in establishing leadership among His people.

The Importance of Heritage and Lineage
Bela's identification as the son of Beor underscores the significance of heritage in biblical accounts, reminding us of the importance of spiritual lineage and legacy.

Understanding God's Timing
The fact that Edom had kings before Israel can teach us about waiting on God's timing for leadership and direction in our lives.

The Role of Leadership
The mention of kings highlights the role of leadership in society, prompting us to consider the qualities of godly leadership and how we can support and pray for our leaders.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn about God's timing in leadership from the fact that Edom had kings before Israel?

2. How does understanding the heritage of figures like Bela son of Beor help us appreciate our own spiritual lineage?

3. In what ways does the relationship between Edom and Israel throughout the Bible inform our understanding of conflict resolution and reconciliation?

4. How can we apply the lessons of leadership from the kings of Edom to our roles in our communities and churches today?

5. What does the establishment of kings in Edom before Israel teach us about God's plans and purposes for different nations and peoples?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 36
This chapter provides a genealogical account of Esau's descendants, including the kings of Edom, offering a parallel to the list in 1 Chronicles.

Deuteronomy 2
This passage recounts Israel's journey and interactions with Edom, emphasizing the historical relationship between the two nations.

1 Samuel 8
This chapter describes Israel's request for a king, marking the transition from judges to a monarchy, contrasting with Edom's earlier establishment of kings.
The Relations of Edom and IsraelR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 1:43
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
Bela, Beor, Be'or, Dinhabah, Din'habah, Edom, Israelite, Israelites, Kings, Named, Reigned, Reigning, Resigned, Ruling, Sons, Town
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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