Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Al'ian is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is listed among the descendants of Seir the Horite, a group of people who inhabited the land of Edom before the descendants of Esau. The name Al'ian is sometimes rendered as Alvan in various translations of the Bible. Biblical References: Al'ian is mentioned in the context of the genealogies found in the Book of Genesis. Specifically, he appears in Genesis 36, which details the lineage of Esau, also known as Edom, and the chiefs of the Horites. Scriptural Citation: Genesis 36:20-23 : "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom. The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam. Lotan’s sister was Timna. These are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam." Genealogical Context: Al'ian is identified as a son of Shobal, who is one of the sons of Seir the Horite. The Horites were a group of people who lived in the region of Edom, which is located to the southeast of the Dead Sea. The genealogies in Genesis 36 provide insight into the early inhabitants of this region and their connections to the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. Cultural and Historical Significance: The mention of Al'ian and other Horite chiefs in the Bible underscores the complex relationships and interactions between different groups in the ancient Near East. The Horites, as inhabitants of Edom, were eventually assimilated into the Edomite nation. The genealogical records serve to highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to Esau, as his descendants became a significant people group with established territories and leadership. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Al'ian in the biblical genealogies reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and peoples. The genealogies in Genesis demonstrate God's providential hand in history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His divine plan. The descendants of Esau, including those of Horite origin, play a role in the unfolding narrative of God's dealings with humanity. Conclusion: The figure of Al'ian, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of biblical history that illustrates the interconnectedness of various peoples and the fulfillment of divine promises. His inclusion in the genealogical records of Genesis serves as a testament to the historical and theological depth of the biblical narrative. Concordance Al'ian (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 1:40 Thesaurus Al'ian (1 Occurrence)Al'ian. Alian, Al'ian. Alien . Multi-Version Concordance Al'ian (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 1:40 The sons of Shobal: Alian, and ... /a/al'ian.htm - 6k Alian (1 Occurrence) Alien (102 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |