Introduction:
Samlah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical and historical records of the Edomite kings. His brief mention provides insight into the early monarchic structures outside of Israel and highlights the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern peoples.

Biblical References:
Samlah is referenced in two primary passages within the Old Testament: Genesis 36:36-37 and 1 Chronicles 1:47-48. These passages are part of genealogical lists that document the rulers of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob.

Genesis 36:36-37 :
"When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place. When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the river reigned in his place."

1 Chronicles 1:47-48 :
"When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place. When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the river reigned in his place."

Historical Context:
Samlah's reign is situated within the list of Edomite kings who ruled before any king reigned over the Israelites. This period is significant as it reflects the established governance among the Edomites, a neighboring and often rival nation to Israel. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, and their kingship is noted to have existed prior to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, as indicated in Genesis 36:31: "These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites."

Geographical Context:
Samlah is identified as being from Masrekah, though the exact location of Masrekah is not definitively known today. It is presumed to be a city or region within Edom, which was located to the southeast of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The mention of Masrekah provides a glimpse into the regional divisions and urban centers within Edom during this time.

Significance:
While Samlah's reign is not detailed extensively in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of documenting leadership and lineage in the ancient world. The Edomite kingship, including Samlah's rule, serves as a backdrop to the unfolding narrative of Israel's own development as a nation under God’s covenant. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, hold a complex relationship with the Israelites, marked by both kinship and conflict.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the mention of Edomite kings like Samlah highlights the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations. Despite the enmity that often existed between Edom and Israel, the biblical record acknowledges the legitimacy and historical reality of Edom's rulers. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which God interacts with and governs the nations, fulfilling His purposes throughout history.

Conclusion:
Samlah's brief mention in the biblical genealogies of Edom provides a window into the early monarchic traditions of Israel's neighbors. His reign, though not elaborated upon, is part of the larger tapestry of biblical history that illustrates the complex relationships and divine orchestration of events among the peoples of the ancient Near East.Samlah

his raiment; his left hand; his astonishment

Samlah

(garment), (Genesis 36:36,37; 1 Chronicles 1:47,48) one of the kings of Edom, successor to Hadad or Hadar.

SAMLAH

sam'-la (samlah; Salama): One of the kings of Edom, of the city of Masrekah. He reigned before the Israelites had kings (Genesis 36:36, 37 1 Chronicles 1:47, 48). The fact that the city is mentioned in connection with the name of the king suggests that Edom was a confederacy at this time and the chief city was the metropolis of the whole country.

8072. Samlah -- a king of Edom
... 8071, 8072. Samlah. 8073 . a king of Edom. Transliteration: Samlah Phonetic
Spelling: (sam-law') Short Definition: Samlah. Word ...
/hebrew/8072.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxvi
... And Hadad died, and there ruled in his stead Samlah from Masrekah. And Samlah
died, and there ruled in his stead Shaul from Rehoboth-hannahar. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Samlah (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SAMLAH. sam'-la (samlah; Salama): One of the
kings of Edom, of the city of Masrekah. ...Samlah (4 Occurrences). ...
/s/samlah.htm - 7k

Masrekah (2 Occurrences)
... Vineyard of noble vines, a place in Idumea, the native place of Samlah, one of
the Edomitish kings (Genesis 36:36; 1 Chronicles 1:47). Int. ...
/m/masrekah.htm - 7k

Succeeded (81 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:36 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. ... Genesis
36:37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place. ...
/s/succeeded.htm - 28k

Reigned (206 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:36 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. ... Genesis
36:37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place. ...
/r/reigned.htm - 37k

Rehoboth (4 Occurrences)
... NIV). Genesis 36:37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned
in his place. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/r/rehoboth.htm - 10k

Reho'both (3 Occurrences)
... land.' (See RSV). Genesis 36:37 And Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth
by the River reigned in his stead. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/r/reho'both.htm - 7k

Euphra'tes (33 Occurrences)
... mountain of Gilead. (See RSV). Genesis 36:37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth
by the river, reigned in his place. (See RSV). Exodus 23 ...
/e/euphra'tes.htm - 16k

Dieth (192 Occurrences)
... Avith; (YLT). Genesis 36:36 and Hadad dieth, and reign in his stead doth
Samlah of Masrekah; (YLT). Genesis 36:37 and Samlah dieth ...
/d/dieth.htm - 34k

Masre'kah (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. ... 1 Chronicles
1:47 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. ...
/m/masre'kah.htm - 6k

Shaul (10 Occurrences)
... Shaul (10 Occurrences). Genesis 36:37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the
river, reigned in his place. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shaul.htm - 10k

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