1 Chronicles 1:21

KJV

Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Hadoram {H1913} also, and Uzal {H187}, and Diklah {H1853},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

Berean Standard Bible

Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

American Standard Version

and Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:21, listing Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah as sons of Joktan, serves as a concise yet profound segment within the extensive genealogies of the Chronicler, meticulously tracing humanity's lineage from Adam. This verse underscores the biblical commitment to historical veracity, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in the meticulous preservation and expansion of human families and nations, thereby establishing the foundational continuity for the eventual emergence of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with an exhaustive genealogical record spanning nine chapters, systematically progressing from Adam through Noah's descendants. [1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan") is specifically situated within the lineage of Shem, Noah's son, and more precisely, it names three of the thirteen sons of Joktan, who was a great-grandson of Shem through Arphaxad and Eber. This meticulous listing, which forms the bedrock of [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel"), functions to establish the historical and theological continuity of the people of Israel, rooting their identity firmly in the earliest human history and divine providence. It bridges the gap between primeval history and the later narratives of the Israelite monarchy, providing a legitimate and unbroken chain of descent for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than mere family trees; they were vital legal, social, and religious documents. They established identity, validated claims to land and inheritance, confirmed tribal affiliations, and legitimized priestly and royal succession. For the post-exilic community to whom the Chronicler wrote, these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing their identity and continuity with their pre-exilic heritage. They affirmed that despite exile and displacement, they were still the legitimate descendants of Abraham, heirs to the covenant promises, and part of God's ongoing plan. The inclusion of names like Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah, representing various peoples, also reflects the broader understanding of humanity's dispersion and the origins of nations, consistent with the narrative in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations").
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Genealogies"):
* **Historical Veracity and Continuity:** The meticulous detail of these names, even obscure ones, underscores the biblical commitment to the reality of its historical narrative. It asserts that the lineage of God's people is not mythical but grounded in actual individuals and their historical progression, a theme reinforced throughout [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam").
* **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness:** Even in what might appear to be a dry list, this verse subtly highlights God's sovereign hand in preserving a chosen line through the vast tapestry of human history. It demonstrates His faithfulness in overseeing the spread of humanity and meticulously guiding the path that would eventually lead to the nation of Israel and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham").
* **The Global Scope of God's Plan:** By tracing lineages that encompass not only the direct ancestors of Israel but also other nations (like those descended from Joktan), the Chronicler implicitly acknowledges the broader human family and God's overarching plan for all peoples, even as He works specifically through Israel. This echoes the "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), showing a universal dimension to God's dealings with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadoram (Hebrew, _hăḏōrām'_):** This proper noun, along with Uzal and Diklah, represents one of the sons of Joktan. While its precise etymology is debated (possibly related to "glory" or a place name), its significance here lies in its function as a progenitor of a clan or tribe. The inclusion of such specific names, even those not extensively developed elsewhere, emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to detailed historical record-keeping and the tangible reality of the lineages being presented.
* **Uzal (Hebrew, _’ūzāl'_):** Another proper noun, likely referring to a historical individual who became the ancestor of a distinct people group. Uzal is often associated geographically with Sana'a in Yemen, suggesting the widespread dispersion of Joktan's descendants into the Arabian Peninsula. Its presence in this list grounds the biblical narrative in known ancient geography and tribal movements, affirming the historical reality of these early populations.
* **Diklah (Hebrew, _diqlāh'_):** This proper noun, also a son of Joktan, is thought to be related to "palm grove" or "date palm" and is often associated with a region known for such vegetation, possibly in Arabia. Like the other names, Diklah signifies a distinct tribal or geographical entity descended from Joktan, contributing to the comprehensive "Table of Nations" presented in a concise form within the genealogies. The specificity of these names, despite their brevity, highlights the Chronicler's intention to present a complete and verifiable historical record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,"**: This concise phrase, part of a longer enumeration of Joktan's sons (1 Chronicles 1:20-23), serves to meticulously list three specific individuals who became progenitors of distinct clans or tribal groups. The inclusion of "also" (implied from the preceding context of listing other sons) emphasizes their equal standing within this lineage. Each name represents a unique branch of the human family tree, stemming from Joktan, a descendant of Shem. The purpose of this breakdown is not to analyze a complex sentence structure, but rather to highlight that each name, though brief, carries the weight of representing a historical person and the subsequent development of a people group, contributing to the vast tapestry of humanity's spread after the flood. Their very presence underscores the Chronicler's commitment to a thorough and verifiable record of origins.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan") and the surrounding chapters is **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a list but a structured form of historical record-keeping that establishes lineage, identity, and continuity. Within this, **Enumeration** is prominently used, as the verse simply lists names in succession, creating a comprehensive inventory of descendants. The repetitive use of "and" (implied in the KJV translation, explicit in the Hebrew connective waw) functions as **Polysyndeton**, creating a sense of exhaustive listing and emphasizing the multitude of descendants. Furthermore, the entire genealogical section serves as a **Foundation** or **Grounding** for the subsequent historical narratives of Israel, providing the necessary historical and theological backdrop for understanding God's covenant dealings with His chosen people. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly obscure names, lends an air of **Verisimilitude**, enhancing the perceived truthfulness and historical accuracy of the biblical account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan"), though a mere listing of names, profoundly contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of God's meticulous involvement in human history. It reflects the divine order and intentionality in the dispersion of humanity post-flood, demonstrating that even the formation of diverse nations and tribes was not chaotic but part of a sovereign plan. The Chronicler's decision to include such detailed genealogies, even for non-Israelite lines like Joktan's, underscores the universal scope of God's creative and providential work, providing a comprehensive backdrop against which the specific history of Israel unfolds. This attention to every branch of humanity's tree reinforces the truth that every life and every people group is known and accounted for by the Creator, laying the groundwork for the ultimate redemptive plan that encompasses all nations.

* [Genesis 10:29](/genesis/10-29 "Genesis 10:29 - Sons of Joktan") - Provides the original source for the listing of Joktan's sons, demonstrating the Chronicler's reliance on and affirmation of earlier biblical traditions.
* [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Luke 3:36 - Genealogy of Jesus through Shem") - Shows how later biblical genealogies, including that of Jesus, meticulously trace back through Shem, highlighting the importance of these early records for establishing the lineage of the Messiah.
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Made All Nations from One Man") - Paul's declaration that God "made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth" resonates with the genealogical records, emphasizing the common origin and divine orchestration of all humanity's dispersion.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a verse like [1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan") might initially appear dry or irrelevant to modern readers, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God carries profound implications for our understanding of God and ourselves. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who oversees not only grand historical movements but also the specific individuals and lineages that comprise them. This attention to seemingly small historical facts assures us of His comprehensive involvement in every aspect of creation and history, down to the very names of individuals who lived millennia ago. It strengthens our faith in the historical reality of the biblical narrative, affirming that the events and people described are rooted in actual history, not myth or legend. Furthermore, it encourages us to appreciate our own heritage and the historical threads that connect us to the past, recognizing that every life, no matter how seemingly small, plays a part in a larger divine story. Just as these names were preserved, so too are our lives known and valued by God, affirming His personal care for each of us within His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, even for seemingly obscure names, strengthen your trust in the historical reliability of Scripture?**
* **What does God's attention to individual lineages and the spread of nations in early history reveal about His character and His sovereign plan for humanity?**
* **In what ways can understanding our own personal or cultural heritage enrich our appreciation for God's work across generations?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive and detailed genealogies in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Genealogies"), including [1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan"), serve several crucial purposes for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. Firstly, they establish the historical continuity and legitimacy of the returned exiles, connecting them directly to their ancestral roots, Abraham, and even Adam, thereby affirming their identity as God's covenant people. Secondly, they validate claims to land, tribal inheritance, and priestly or royal lineage, which were essential for rebuilding society. Thirdly, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen line despite the challenges of exile and dispersion, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His promises. Finally, they provide a comprehensive historical framework for the subsequent narrative, rooting Israel's story within the broader context of human history, as seen in the "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations").

**What is the significance of names like Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah, which are not prominent figures in the Bible?**

Answer: The significance of names like Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah in [1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan") lies primarily in their function within the genealogical record rather than their individual prominence. These names represent specific individuals who became the progenitors of various clans or tribes, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula, as descendants of Joktan, a son of Eber. Their inclusion underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and completeness, demonstrating that the biblical narrative is grounded in real people and the actual dispersion of humanity. While not central figures in redemptive history, their presence affirms the breadth of God's creation and His meticulous oversight of all peoples, laying the groundwork for the later focus on the specific lineage leading to Israel and ultimately to the Messiah. They are part of the larger "Table of Nations" found in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), which maps the early spread of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 1:21](/1_chronicles/1-21 "1 Chronicles 1:21 - Descendants of Joktan") might seem far removed from the person of Jesus Christ, its inclusion within the meticulous genealogies of 1 Chronicles is profoundly Christ-centered. The ultimate purpose of these extensive lists, tracing humanity from Adam through Noah, Shem, and then to Abraham, David, and ultimately to the exilic period, is to establish the unbroken historical lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. Every name, including Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah, contributes to the grand tapestry of humanity's spread, from which God sovereignly chose a specific line—the line of Shem, then Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David—to bring forth the promised Messiah. Jesus Christ is the culmination of all these genealogies, the true heir of the Abrahamic covenant (as seen in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")) and the Davidic throne (as affirmed in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Davidic Kingship")). He is the "seed" through whom all the nations, represented by the descendants of Joktan and others, would ultimately be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Blessing Through Abraham")). Thus, even these seemingly obscure names in a genealogical list point to God's meticulous, long-term plan to bring salvation to humanity through the historical person of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.