1 Chronicles 1:51
Then Hadad died. Now the chiefs of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,
When Hadad died
The mention of Hadad's death marks a transition in leadership within the Edomite lineage. Hadad is a name associated with several rulers in Edom, and it is also linked to a storm god in ancient Near Eastern cultures, indicating the possible influence of surrounding pagan practices on Edom. The death of a leader often signifies a period of change or instability, which is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the transient nature of human power and the enduring sovereignty of God.

the chiefs of Edom
The term "chiefs" refers to tribal leaders or chieftains, known in Hebrew as "allufim." These were not kings but rather clan leaders who held significant authority within their respective tribes. Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often had a contentious relationship with Israel. The chiefs' role highlights the decentralized nature of Edomite governance, contrasting with the more centralized monarchy of Israel. This structure reflects the tribal and familial organization common in the ancient Near East.

Timna
Timna is both a person and a place name in the Bible. As a chief, Timna represents one of the clans of Edom. The name is also associated with a region rich in copper mines, indicating the economic activities that might have been prevalent in Edom. The dual reference to both a person and a place underscores the interconnectedness of geography and genealogy in biblical times, where land and lineage were deeply intertwined.

Alvah
Alvah, another chief of Edom, is a name that appears only in genealogical records. The scarcity of additional information about Alvah suggests the often-limited historical records of minor figures in ancient texts. However, each name in these genealogies serves to affirm the historical reality of these peoples and their roles in the unfolding biblical narrative, reminding readers of the vast tapestry of human history under God's providence.

Jetheth
Like Alvah, Jetheth is a relatively obscure figure, known only from genealogical listings. The inclusion of such names, even with minimal context, highlights the importance of every individual in God's creation. It serves as a reminder that while some may seem insignificant in the grand narrative, each person has a place and purpose within God's plan. This reflects the biblical theme of God's intimate knowledge and care for all people, regardless of their prominence in human history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hadad
A king of Edom, mentioned in the genealogies of Edom's rulers. His death marks a transition in leadership.

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

3. Chief Timna
One of the chiefs of Edom, indicating a position of leadership or authority within the Edomite tribal structure.

4. Chief Aliah
Another leader among the Edomites, part of the tribal hierarchy.

5. Chief Jetheth
Also a chief in Edom, representing the governance system in place after Hadad's death.
Teaching Points
Leadership Transition
The death of Hadad and the mention of new chiefs highlight the importance of leadership transitions. In our lives, we should be prepared for changes in leadership and understand how they can impact communities.

Genealogical Importance
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the importance of heritage and history. As believers, we should value our spiritual heritage and learn from the past to guide our future.

Edom's Role in Biblical History
Understanding Edom's place in biblical history helps us see the broader account of God's plan. We should recognize how different nations and peoples fit into God's redemptive account.

Conflict and Reconciliation
The history of Edom and Israel is marked by conflict. This serves as a reminder of the need for reconciliation and peace in our relationships, both personal and communal.

God's Sovereignty
The rise and fall of leaders and nations in the Bible demonstrate God's sovereignty over history. We can trust that God is in control, even when human leadership changes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the transition of leadership from Hadad to the chiefs of Edom reflect on the importance of leadership in our own communities?

2. In what ways can understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles help us appreciate our own spiritual heritage?

3. How does the historical relationship between Edom and Israel inform our understanding of conflict and reconciliation in our lives today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the rise and fall of leaders in the Bible about God's sovereignty and our response to leadership changes?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Edom's history to our current relationships and interactions with others, especially those with whom we may have conflicts?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 36
Provides a parallel genealogy of Edom, offering additional context and details about the descendants of Esau and the chiefs of Edom.

Obadiah 1
Discusses the judgment against Edom, highlighting the ongoing conflict and prophetic significance of Edom in relation to Israel.

Numbers 20:14-21
Describes the refusal of Edom to allow Israel passage through their land, illustrating the historical tensions between the two nations.
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
Aliah, Al'iah, Alvah, Chief, Chiefs, Died, Duke, Dukes, Edom, Hadad, Jetheth, Timna, Timnah
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

Links
1 Chronicles 1:51 NIV
1 Chronicles 1:51 NLT
1 Chronicles 1:51 ESV
1 Chronicles 1:51 NASB
1 Chronicles 1:51 KJV

1 Chronicles 1:51 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 1:50
Top of Page
Top of Page