I Chronicles 1:43-54 · Bible study
1 Chronicles 1:43-54 Commentary: Edom's Kings Before Israel
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does the Chronicler record Edom's kings before Israel had any king? This study explores the theological meaning of this anticipation and contrast.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The Chronicler records Edom’s kings and chiefs to show that human power is temporary, setting the stage for Israel’s divinely ordained monarchy.
- Key words: alluph (chief/leader of a thousand) contrasts with melek (king), highlighting a shift from monarchy to clan rule.
- Main debate: Whether the list is purely historical (Barnes, Gill) or intentionally theological (Matthew Henry, many moderns).
- Theological theme: God’s sovereignty over nations; the contrast between Edom’s fading kingship and the enduring promise to Judah.
- Best use: To teach that God works through all history, even the records of non-covenant peoples, to accomplish his purposes.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
43These 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.
44When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place.
45When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.
46When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith.
47When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.
48When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place.
49When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place.
50When Baal-hanan died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.
51Then Hadad died. Now the chiefs of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,
52Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,
53Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,
54Magdiel, and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.
WEB World English Bible 2000
43Now these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel: Bela the son of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
44Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place.
45Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.
46Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith.
47Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
48Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his place.
49Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
50Baal Hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
51Then Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
52chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
53chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
54chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.
KJV King James Version 1769
43Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
44And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
45And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
46And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
47And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
48And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
49And when Shaul was dead, Baal–hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
50And when Baal–hanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
51Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were; duke Timnah, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth,
52Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
53Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,
54Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
43Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel: Bela the son of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
44And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
45And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
46And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead; and the name of his city was Avith.
47And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
48And Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his stead.
49And Shaul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
50And Baal-hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his stead; and the name of his city was Pai: and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.
51And Hadad died. And the chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
52chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
53chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
54chief Magdiel, chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
43And these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before the reigning of a king of the sons of Israel: Bela son of Beor, and the name of his city is Dinhabah.
44And Bela dieth, and reign in his stead doth Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrali;
45and Jobab dieth, and reign in his stead doth Husham from the land of the Temanite;
46and Husham dieth, and reign in his stead doth Hadad, son of Bedad (who smiteth Midian in the field of Moab) and the name of his city is Avith;
47and Hadad dieth, and reign in his stead doth Samlah from Masrekah;
48and Samlah dieth, and reign in his stead doth Shaul from Rehoboth of the River;
49and Shaul dieth, and reign in his stead doth Baal-Hanan son of Achbor;
50and Baal-Hanan dieth, and reign in his stead doth Hadad, and the name of his city is Pai, and the name of his wife is Mehetabel daughter of Matred, daughter of Me-Zahab; Hadad also dieth.
51And chiefs of Edom are: chief Timnah, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
52chief Aholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
53chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
54chief Magdiel, chief Iram. These are chiefs of Edom.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
43And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before there reigned a king over the children of Israel: — Bela the son of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
44And Bela died; and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
45And Jobab died; and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
46And Husham died; and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the fields of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
47And Hadad died; and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
48And Samlah died; and Saul of Rehoboth on the river reigned in his stead.
49And Saul died; and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
50And Baal-hanan died; and Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife's name was Mehetabel the daughter of Matred, daughter of Mezahab.
51And Hadad died. And the chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
52chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
53chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
54chief Magdiel, chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
43Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there was a king over the children of Israel: Bale the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Denaba.
44And Bale died, and Jobab the son of Zare of Bosra, reigned in his stead.
45And when Jobab also was dead, Husam of the land of the Themanites reigned in his stead.
46And Husam also died, and Adad the son of Badad reigned in his stead, and he defeated the Madianites in the land of Moab: the name of his city was Avith.
47And when Adad also was dead, Semla of Masreca reigned in his stead.
48Semla also died, and Saul of Rohoboth, which is near the river, reigned in his stead.
49And when Saul was dead, Balanan the son of Achobor reigned in his stead.
50He also died, and Adad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Phau, and his wife was called Meetabel the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezaab.
51And after the death of Adad, there began to be dukes in Edom instead of kings: duke Thamna, duke Alva, duke Jetheth,
52Duke Oolibama, duke Ela, duke Phinon,
53Duke Cenez, duke Theman, duke Mabsar,
54Duke Magdiel, duke Hiram. These are the dukes of Edom.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Chronicles 1:43
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this passage is a near-verbatim repetition of Genesis 36:31-39, taken up by the Chronicler to document Edom's early monarchy. Keil and Delitzsch note the wording is “verbally exact” except for the heading and subscription. The list records eight kings who reigned in Edom before any king ruled Israel, then transitions to a series of “chiefs” (Hebrew alluphim), indicating a shift from centralized monarchy to clan-based leadership after Hadad's death. The Cambridge Bible suggests the chiefs list is topographical, naming regions or clan centers. Barnes sees the slight textual differences as evidence the Chronicler abridged from Genesis. The consensus is that the Chronicler includes this material to set Edom's history alongside Israel's, emphasizing that Edom's political power preceded Israel's but ultimately gave way to a different structure, while Israel's monarchy would come under divine promise.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Purely historical record: Barnes and Gill see it as an abridged copy from Genesis, serving only to document Edom's rulers.
- Theological contrast: Matthew Henry and Wesley emphasize that Edom's kings' mortality highlights the temporary nature of worldly power compared to God's promises.
- Anticipation of Israel's monarchy: The phrase 'before any king reigned over Israel' (v.43) and cross-references like Genesis 49:10 point forward to the Davidic line.
What is clear: The passage is a table of Edom's early kings and chiefs, taken from Genesis 36, and it demonstrates that Edom had a functioning monarchy before Israel did.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Source of the passage | It is a close repetition of Genesis 36:31-39. | Some see it as a direct copy (Keil, Delitzsch); others as an abridgment (Barnes). |
| Identification of figures | The names are Edomite kings and chiefs from before Israel's monarchy. | Clarke's Targum identifies Bela with Balaam and Jobab with Job; most modern scholars do not accept this. |
| Transition from kings to chiefs | After Hadad's death the list shifts from kings to chiefs (alluphim). | Some interpret this as a literal change in Edom's governance (Ellicott, Cambridge); others see it as a literary device to contrast with Israel's enduring dynasty. |
| Theological purpose | The passage highlights Edom's early kingship in contrast to Israel's later monarchy. | Whether the Chronicler's main point is historical completeness (Gill) or theological contrast (Matthew Henry, Wesley). |
Historical & Cultural Context
Edom (the land of Esau’s descendants, named “red” after the stew) lay south and southeast of Palestine. By the time of the Chronicler (post-exilic, likely 5th, 4th centuries BC), Edom had been a recurrent neighbor and adversary of Israel. The phrase “before any king reigned over the children of Israel” (v.43) is significant: Israel did not have a king until Saul, around 1020 BC, but Edom had a functioning monarchy long before that. The list of kings shows a non-dynastic pattern, each king dies and is replaced by someone from a different city or clan, not necessarily his son. This contrasts with the Davidic dynasty, where the throne passed from father to son by covenant.
The shift from kings to “chiefs” (Hebrew alluphim, literally “leaders of a thousand” per Cambridge) in vv.51-54 suggests a change in Edom’s political structure. Ellicott’s commentary proposes that after Hadad’s death the country was governed by clan heads without central authority. The city names, Bozrah, Avith, Pai, are Edomite settlements; the Targum identifies Rehoboth by the River as a city on the Euphrates. This list roots Edom in real geography and history.
For the Chronicler’s original audience, who had returned from exile and were rebuilding under Persian rule, this record of Edom’s kings served a dual purpose: it demonstrated God’s sovereignty over all nations (their rise and fall), and it highlighted that Israel’s eventual monarchy was not an accident of history but part of a larger divine plan that included neighboring peoples.
Textual Notes
The supplied commentaries note no significant textual variants within Chronicles for this passage. The list closely follows Genesis 36:31-39, with minor differences: the name of the last king appears as “Hadad” here and “Hadar” in some manuscripts of Genesis (the KJV of Genesis has “Hadar”); the Cambridge Bible identifies the repeated phrase “Hadad died also” in v.51 as a copyist’s error taken from v.47. The BSB spells “Pau” in v.50 while other versions have “Pai”. These variations do not affect the meaning of the passage.
Reception History
In early Jewish tradition, the Targum of Chronicles (cited by Clarke) reads the list allegorically, identifying Bela with Balaam and Jobab with Job, and interpreting the wealth of Mehetabel's family as emblematic of worldly riches renounced. Christian interpreters of the Reformation period, such as Matthew Henry and John Wesley, treated the passage as a straightforward genealogical record that underscores the mortality of human power and the sovereignty of God. Wesley's notes focus on the brevity of life: “All these and all theirs had their day… How soon are we to tread them?” In modern scholarship, the passage is valued for its historical information about Edom's political structure and its literary function in Chronicles as a foil to the Davidic covenant.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Edom’s kings came first, but they did not last. The Chronicler records eight kings who reigned and died. Their power was real but temporary. Israel’s monarchy, promised through Judah (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17), would have an enduring quality because it was rooted in God’s covenant.
- Governance shifted from kings to chiefs. After Hadad’s death, Edom’s centralized monarchy gave way to a league of chieftains. This change shows that no human political structure is permanent. It prepares the reader to see Israel’s monarchy as differently grounded, not just a political institution but a vehicle for God’s purpose.
- The Chronicler places Edom within Israel’s story. By including Edom’s history in the genealogies that lead to David (ch.2), the Chronicler affirms that God works through all peoples, yet he chooses one line through which to bring redemption. Edom’s early kings are a backdrop for the greater King to come.
Five-point outline
- Historical record (vv.43-51a): A list of eight Edomite kings who reigned “before any king reigned over Israel.” Each king died and was succeeded by another from a different location.
- Cultural details (vv.43,46,48,50): The names of cities (Dinhabah, Avith, Pai) and a queen (Mehetabel) root the list in real life. These details remind us that Edom was not a myth but a concrete neighbor.
- Military note (v.46): Hadad son of Bedad “struck Midian in the field of Moab.” This brief victory is recorded, perhaps to underscore that Edom’s kings wielded real power, yet even that did not secure their dynasty.
- Transition to chiefs (v.51b-54): “Then Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were…” The monarchy ends; clan rule begins. The word “chief” (alluph) suggests a return to tribal organization.
- Theological point (the whole unit): Edom’s kingship was a historical fact, but it was not the fulfillment of God’s promise. That fulfillment would come through Judah (Genesis 49:10) and reach its culmination in Christ, the King of kings.
Illustration hooks
- A family tree on the wall. Most people have a genealogy or family history. This passage is like a sticky note in the Bible’s family album, it shows that God keeps track of every tribe and nation, even those outside the covenant.
- “First” doesn’t mean “forever.” Edom had kings first, but Israel’s monarchy outlasted Edom’s and produced the Messiah. Think of an older sibling who achieves success early, while the younger sibling’s later success has deeper roots.
- A change of government. Edom went from kings to chiefs. Many nations have switched political systems over time. The lesson: no human government is the final word, only God’s kingdom endures.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does the Bible include this boring list of names? It shows that God is Lord of history, even the history of nations outside Israel.
- Is there any prophecy about Edom in the Old Testament? Yes, several prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Obadiah) pronounce judgment on Edom. This genealogy helps readers see who those prophecies address.
- How does this help my faith today? It reminds us that political power is temporary, but God’s purposes through his chosen people (and ultimately through Christ) are everlasting.
Leading a Discussion
This passage is a list of names from a long time ago. At first glance it may seem unimportant. But the Chronicler deliberately included it to make a point about God's sovereignty and the uniqueness of Israel's monarchy. As you discuss, consider why the writer would copy this from Genesis 36 and place it right before the genealogy of David.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What similarities and differences do you see between the list of kings (vv.43-50) and the list of chiefs (vv.51-54)? (Think about titles, places, and the information given.)
- Observation: Read Genesis 36:31-39. How closely does this passage match it? Why do you think the Chronicler included it?
- Interpretation: The phrase “before any king reigned over the children of Israel” (v.43) appears also in Genesis 36:31. What is the significance of that timing? What does it imply about Israel’s later monarchy?
- Interpretation: The transition from kings to chiefs after Hadad’s death is unique to Chronicles (Genesis 36:40-43 lists chiefs but does not explicitly connect them to the end of kingship). What might the Chronicler be suggesting about Edom’s political fate?
- Interpretation: How do cross-references like Numbers 24:17-19 (“a star out of Jacob”) and Genesis 49:10 (“the scepter will not depart from Judah”) shape your understanding of why Edom’s kingship is mentioned?
- Application: If God keeps track of Edom’s kings and chiefs, what does that tell you about his involvement in the nations and your own life?
- Application: This passage contrasts temporary human power with God’s enduring plan. In what areas of life do you need to remember that earthly success is not the final measure of significance?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 36:31 | These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel. |
| Genesis 36:43 | chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the father of the Edomites. |
| Genesis 49:10 | The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs. The obedience of the peoples will be to him. |
| Numbers 24:17 | I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and crush all the sons of Sheth. |
| Numbers 24:19 | Out of Jacob shall one have dominion, and shall destroy the remnant from the city.” |
| Isaiah 34:6 | Yahweh’s sword is filled with blood. It is covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams; for Yahweh has a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom. |
| Isaiah 63:1 | Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? Who is this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” |
| Jeremiah 49:13 | For I have sworn by myself,” says Yahweh, “that Bozrah will become an astonishment, a reproach, a waste, and a curse. All its cities will be perpetual wastes.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke draws heavily on the Targum, the ancient Jewish paraphrase, to supply details the biblical text leaves out. He reports Targumic identifications such as Bela with Balaam, and Jobab possibly with Job, along with legendary explanations of names like Mezahab. For him these traditions fill gaps in the historical record.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the small differences between Chronicles and Genesis actually support the idea that the Chronicler abbreviated the earlier text. The minor variations fit the pattern of a writer condensing a familiar source.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible commentary treats the Edomite list of dukes as topographical, not chronological, taking "dukes" to mean leaders of a thousand. It notes a scribal error in the repeated phrase "Hadad died" and points out textual differences from Genesis, such as "Hadad"
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill observes that the list of Edomite kings and dukes in this passage follows the same order given earlier in Genesis. His point is that the two accounts are consistent with each other, presenting the same sequence of rulers from Esau’s descendants.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch notes that the Chronicler’s list of Edomite chiefs records place-names, not personal names, resolving the puzzle of female names like Timna and Aholibamah. The brief heading in 1 Chronicles relies on the fuller explanation in Genesis 36, where the names clearly refer to dwelling-places named after the chiefs.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange sees a deliberate design in 1 Chronicles 1: the chronicler structured his genealogies to produce 70 descendants from Noah and another 70 from Abraham, using the sacred number as a symbolic frame for world history. The bare names, he insists, are not dead lists but, like fossils, can be awakened to tell their story.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley uses the list of Edom's dukes to reflect on mortality: every person in that long record had their day, made their noise in the world, and then vanished into darkness. The path of death is well-worn, and we will tread it soon ourselves.