1 Chronicles 1:47

When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.

Study Bible

When Hadad died
The mention of Hadad here refers to a king of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. The Edomite kings are listed in 1 Chronicles 1 and Genesis 36, showing the historical lineage and political structure of Edom. Hadad's death marks a transition in leadership, which was common in ancient monarchies. The name Hadad is also associated with a storm god in ancient Near Eastern cultures, indicating the possible influence of surrounding cultures on Edom.

Samlah from Masrekah
Samlah is noted as the successor to Hadad, indicating a continuation of the Edomite monarchy. Masrekah, his place of origin, is not well-documented archaeologically, but its mention suggests it was a significant location within Edom. The transition of power to Samlah highlights the political stability and continuity in Edom, despite the lack of hereditary succession, as these kings were not necessarily from the same family line. This reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern practice of kingship, where leadership could be based on merit or conquest rather than direct descent.

reigned in his place
The phrase indicates the orderly succession of kingship, a common theme in the historical books of the Bible. This orderly transition contrasts with the often tumultuous changes in leadership seen in Israel and Judah, emphasizing the relative stability of Edom during this period. The concept of reigning "in his place" also underscores the idea of divine sovereignty and providence in the establishment of rulers, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. This can be connected to Romans 13:1, which speaks of God's ordination of governing authorities.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hadad
A king mentioned in the genealogies of Edom. His death marks a transition in leadership.

2. Samlah
The successor to Hadad, who reigned from Masrekah. His reign signifies continuity in the Edomite leadership.

3. Masrekah
A location associated with Samlah, indicating his origin or the place from which he ruled.

Teaching Points

The Transience of Earthly Leadership
The death of Hadad and the rise of Samlah remind us of the temporary nature of human authority. Earthly leaders come and go, but God's sovereignty remains constant.

God's Sovereignty in History
The genealogies and transitions of power in Edom reflect God's overarching control over nations and history. Believers can trust in God's plan, even when human leadership changes.

The Importance of Legacy
The mention of these kings in Scripture, though brief, underscores the importance of the legacy we leave behind. Our actions and leadership can have lasting impacts beyond our lifetime.

Continuity and Change
The transition from Hadad to Samlah illustrates the balance between continuity and change. In our lives, we should seek to maintain core values while being open to necessary changes.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn about the nature of leadership from the transition between Hadad and Samlah?

2. How does the brief mention of these kings in 1 Chronicles 1:47 reflect the broader account of God's sovereignty in the Bible?

3. In what ways can the concept of legacy, as seen in the genealogies, influence our daily decisions and long-term goals?

4. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles and Genesis 36 help us understand the historical context of Israel's relationship with Edom?

5. Reflect on a time when a change in leadership affected you personally. How can the biblical perspective on leadership transitions guide your response to such changes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 36
This chapter provides a parallel genealogy of the Edomite kings, offering additional context to the reigns of Hadad and Samlah.

1 Kings 11
Discusses another Hadad, an adversary of Solomon, highlighting the ongoing tension between Israel and Edom.

Romans 9
Paul references the descendants of Esau (Edom) to discuss God's sovereignty and election, providing a theological backdrop to the historical accounts.