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 are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom
The land of Edom, located to the southeast of Israel, was inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The Edomites were often in conflict with Israel, and their kingship predates the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. This historical context highlights the longstanding enmity between the two nations, which is rooted in the sibling rivalry between Esau and Jacob. The mention of Edomite kings serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of God's prophecy to Rebekah that "two nations are in your womb" (Genesis 25:23).

before any king reigned over the Israelites
This phrase underscores the timeline of governance in the region, indicating that Edom had established a monarchy before Israel. The Israelites were initially led by judges and only later demanded a king, leading to the anointing of Saul as the first king. This distinction emphasizes the unique theocratic leadership of Israel, where God was considered the ultimate ruler until the people's insistence on having a human king (1 Samuel 8).

Bela son of Beor
Bela is listed as the first king of Edom, and his lineage is noted, which was a common practice to establish legitimacy and authority. The name Beor is also associated with Balaam, the prophet in Numbers 22-24, though it is unclear if there is a direct connection. The mention of Bela highlights the historical record-keeping of the Edomites and their structured governance.

His city was named Dinhabah
Dinhabah, the city associated with King Bela, is not well-documented archaeologically, but its mention indicates the presence of urban centers in Edom. The naming of cities after rulers or significant figures was a common practice in the ancient Near East, reflecting the ruler's influence and legacy. This detail provides insight into the political and social organization of Edom during this period.

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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