1 Chronicles 1:30

KJV

Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,

KJV (with Strong's)

Mishma {H4927}, and Dumah {H1746}, Massa {H4854}, Hadad {H2301}, and Tema {H8485},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mishma, Dumah, Masa, Hadad, Teima,

Berean Standard Bible

Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,

American Standard Version

Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:30, a concise yet profound verse, meticulously lists five of the twelve sons of Ishmael: Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema. Situated within the extensive genealogies that open the book of Chronicles, this verse serves as a crucial link in the historical continuity of God's dealings with humanity, specifically highlighting the fulfillment of divine promises concerning Ishmael's descendants and underscoring the Chronicler's emphasis on comprehensive historical record-keeping, even for nations outside the direct covenant line of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 1:30 is embedded within the expansive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. This meticulous tracing of lineage begins with Adam and progresses through the patriarchal lines, establishing the historical and theological foundation for the nation of Israel. Specifically, verses 1:28-34 detail the descendants of Abraham, first through Ishmael (vv. 29-31), then through Keturah (vv. 32-33), and finally focusing on Isaac's line through Esau (v. 34) before narrowing to Jacob/Israel. The inclusion of Ishmael's sons, nearly identical to the list found in [Genesis 25:13-15](/genesis/25-13 "Genesis 25:13-15 - Ishmael's Descendants"), underscores the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive and accurate historical account, validating the continuity of God's promises and providing a complete picture of the family of Abraham. This serves to ground the identity of the post-exilic community in their divinely ordained heritage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th to early 4th century BCE), a time when the returned exiles were seeking to re-establish their identity, land claims, and religious practices. Genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital documents that authenticated tribal affiliations, land rights, priestly lineages, and royal claims. For the Chronicler's audience, understanding their "roots" back to Adam and Abraham was paramount for national and spiritual restoration. The inclusion of Ishmael's descendants, who formed significant neighboring tribes and nations in the Arabian peninsula (such as the Dumah, Tema, and Massa, known from Assyrian inscriptions and later Arab history), reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of inter-tribal relationships and the broader geopolitical landscape. It also subtly acknowledges God's providential oversight not just of Israel, but of all peoples, as even these "non-covenant" lines were part of His grand design.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the Ishmaelite genealogy, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness to All His Promises**. While Isaac was the son of promise through whom the covenant line would continue, God also promised Abraham that Ishmael would be the father of twelve princes and a great nation ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Promise to Ishmael")). The listing of Ishmael's sons in 1 Chronicles 1:30 serves as a tangible demonstration of this divine fidelity. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Record-Keeping**. The Chronicler's exhaustive genealogies emphasize that God is intimately involved in the details of history, meticulously preserving the lineage of all peoples, not just Israel. This meticulousness affirms the reliability of God's historical interaction with humanity. Lastly, it subtly touches upon **Universal Scope of God's Plan**, showing that even those outside the direct covenant line of Israel are part of God's broader narrative, contributing to the tapestry of human history under His providential hand, as seen in the broader account of Abraham's descendants in [Genesis 25](/genesis/25 "Genesis 25 - Abraham's Descendants and Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mishma (מִשְׁמָע, _Mishma'_):** This name likely means "hearing" or "report." While its direct significance for the tribe is not explicitly stated, the very act of "hearing" God's word and "reporting" His deeds is central to the biblical narrative. In a genealogical context, it might subtly allude to the transmission of ancestral stories or the heeding of divine pronouncements, even among those outside the primary covenant line.
* **Dumah (דוּמָה, _Dumah'_):** Meaning "silence" or "stillness," Dumah is also a known oasis and ancient settlement in northwestern Arabia (modern Dumat al-Jandal). Its inclusion here grounds the genealogical list in geographical reality, suggesting that these names represent actual tribes or regions that were known entities in the ancient world, often interacting with or bordering Israel. The name itself might evoke a sense of desolate quietude characteristic of desert regions.
* **Tema (תֵּמָא, _Tema'_):** This name refers to a significant oasis and trading post in ancient northwestern Arabia, known for its strategic location on trade routes connecting Mesopotamia, Syria, and Egypt. Its mention here indicates the historical and geographical reality of Ishmael's descendants as established peoples who played a role in the broader regional economy and politics. The name itself is likely related to the Hebrew word for "south" or "desert," fitting its geographical location.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mishma,"**: The first son listed in this verse, representing a distinct tribal group descended from Ishmael. His inclusion signifies the continuation of Ishmael's lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation.
* **"and Dumah,"**: The second son mentioned, identifying another significant tribal entity. As noted, Dumah also designates a specific geographical location, reinforcing the historical reality of these descendants as established peoples in the Arabian landscape, known to the Chronicler's audience.
* **"Massa,"**: The third son, whose name can mean "burden" or "utterance." Massa is also associated with a tribal group in Arabia, sometimes linked to prophetic utterances (cf. Proverbs 30:1, 31:1, which refer to "the words of Agur son of Jakeh, an oracle" or "the words of King Lemuel, an oracle," where "oracle" is *massa*). This suggests a potential connection to wisdom traditions or significant pronouncements within this tribal line.
* **"Hadad,"**: The fourth son, a name common in Semitic cultures, often associated with strength or sharpness, and sometimes with storm deities (like the Canaanite Hadad). Its presence here further diversifies the cultural and linguistic tapestry of Ishmael's descendants, indicating their integration into the broader Semitic world.
* **"and Tema,"**: The fifth son listed, whose name is strongly linked to the prominent Arabian oasis and trading center. This connection highlights the economic and strategic importance of some of Ishmael's descendants, who were not merely nomadic tribes but established communities with influence in the ancient Near East.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:30, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list but a sophisticated literary and theological tool. By meticulously listing names and lineages, the Chronicler establishes **Historical Continuity**, connecting the post-exilic community directly to their foundational patriarchs and, ultimately, to Adam. This provides a sense of identity, legitimacy, and belonging for a people seeking to rebuild. Furthermore, the inclusion of Ishmael's sons, paralleling the account in Genesis, demonstrates **Repetition** as a device to underscore the reliability and consistency of the biblical record. It also highlights **Enumeration**, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to make Ishmael the father of twelve princes, thereby affirming God's faithfulness even to secondary promises. The very act of listing these names, even those outside the direct covenant line, serves to illustrate God's comprehensive oversight of all nations and His meticulous attention to historical detail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:30, seemingly a simple list of names, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to all His declarations. While the primary covenant line passed through Isaac, God did not forget His promise to Abraham concerning Ishmael, ensuring his descendants would become a great nation. This demonstrates a broader aspect of God's character: His sovereignty extends over all peoples and nations, not exclusively Israel. The Chronicler, writing to a community rebuilding after exile, uses these genealogies to remind them of God's enduring plan and His providential hand in shaping history, even through those not directly in the messianic lineage. It underscores that God's word is reliable, and His purposes will be fulfilled, providing a deep foundation of trust for the returning exiles.

* [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Promise Regarding Ishmael")
* [Genesis 25:13-15](/genesis/25-13 "Genesis 25:13-15 - The Twelve Sons of Ishmael")
* [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Descendants are Children of Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by fleeting trends and a disconnection from historical roots, 1 Chronicles 1:30 offers a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of God's plan and the significance of our heritage. This verse, part of a lengthy genealogy, invites us to appreciate God's meticulous care for every individual and every family line, demonstrating that no detail is too small for His divine attention. For the post-exilic community, these names provided a vital link to their past, affirming their identity and their place within God's unfolding story. For us today, it underscores the importance of understanding our spiritual lineage—how we are connected to the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) and the covenant promises of God. It encourages us to find our identity not in transient cultural markers, but in our rootedness in God's eternal purposes and His faithfulness across generations. This seemingly dry list of names becomes a vibrant testament to a God who keeps His word, a truth that builds confidence and security in our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping of Ishmael's descendants challenge or affirm your understanding of God's universal sovereignty?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own spiritual or familial heritage contribute to your sense of identity and purpose?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the idea that God is faithful to *all* His promises, even those that might seem secondary to the main covenant narrative?**

### FAQ

**Why does the book of Chronicles include genealogies for nations outside of Israel, like Ishmael's descendants?**

Answer: The inclusion of non-Israelite genealogies, such as those of Ishmael's sons in [1 Chronicles 1:29-31](/1_chronicles/1-29 "1 Chronicles 1:29-31 - Ishmael's Descendants"), serves several important purposes for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. Firstly, it demonstrates the **comprehensiveness of God's historical oversight**. God's plan is not limited to Israel but encompasses all nations, even those who would become neighbors or adversaries. Secondly, it highlights the **fulfillment of divine promises**. God had promised Abraham that Ishmael would be the father of twelve princes and a great nation ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Promise to Ishmael")). The Chronicler's meticulous listing shows that God is faithful to *all* His word, reinforcing trust in His greater covenant promises to Israel. Thirdly, it provides **historical context and legitimacy**. By showing the broader family of Abraham, the Chronicler grounds Israel's identity within a wider, divinely ordained human history, confirming their place and heritage in the land alongside other established peoples. This meticulous record-keeping was vital for the returned exiles to re-establish their tribal affiliations, land claims, and national identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:30 details the lineage of Ishmael, a line distinct from the messianic promise, it subtly points to Christ in its broader theological implications. The Chronicler's emphasis on God's meticulous record-keeping and His faithfulness to *all* His promises, even those concerning Ishmael, foreshadows the ultimate and comprehensive fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. The very act of tracing lineages, though focused on physical descent, ultimately culminates in the one through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")). In Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")), and a new spiritual family is formed, encompassing people from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The meticulousness with which God preserved the physical lines in the Old Testament finds its ultimate purpose in the singular, perfect lineage of Christ, through whom all who believe, regardless of their earthly heritage, are adopted into God's eternal family ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - One in Christ Jesus")). Thus, even a verse about Ishmael's descendants reminds us of God's expansive love and His sovereign plan to redeem a people for Himself from every corner of the earth through His Son.

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 25:15

Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

Isaiah 21:11

¶ The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?