1 Chronicles 1:35

KJV

The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Esau {H6215}; Eliphaz {H464}, Reuel {H7467}, and Jeush {H3266}, and Jaalam {H3281}, and Korah {H7141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of 'Esav: Elifaz, Re'u'el, Ye'ush, Ya'lam and Korach.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

American Standard Version

The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:35 is a succinct genealogical entry within the expansive opening chapters of the book, meticulously listing five prominent descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. This verse serves as a crucial link in the chronicler's comprehensive tracing of human lineage from creation, establishing the historical continuity not only of God's covenant people but also of the surrounding nations, thereby underscoring divine sovereignty over all of history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with nine chapters of genealogies, a unique and foundational feature. These lists begin with Adam, tracing humanity through Noah and the patriarchs, before narrowing to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Chapter 1 systematically covers the descendants of Adam (1:1), Noah (1:4), Shem (1:17), Abraham (1:28), and then branches into the lineages of Ishmael (1:29-31) and Esau (1:34-42) before focusing on Israel. Verse 35 specifically falls within the section detailing Esau's family, immediately following the statement "These are the sons of Esau" (1:34). This placement highlights the chronicler's intent to establish the broader historical tapestry of nations before delving into the detailed lineage of Israel, emphasizing God's universal governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), addressing a community grappling with identity, land claims, and the re-establishment of temple worship. Genealogies were vital in the ancient Near East for establishing social status, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and priestly legitimacy. For the returning exiles, these meticulous records provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their heritage and God's faithfulness despite the disruption of exile. The inclusion of Esau's lineage (Edom) is significant, as Edom was a neighboring nation with a complex, often antagonistic, relationship with Israel, rooted in the fraternal rivalry of Jacob and Esau (e.g., [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations")). Understanding their shared ancestry provided a historical framework for these interactions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, **Genealogical Precision** underscores the chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and continuity, demonstrating God's meticulous involvement in human history from its very beginning. Second, the focus on **The Lineage of Esau (Edom)** highlights the interconnectedness of nations and the divine orchestration of even those outside the direct covenant line of Jacob, providing context for the long-standing relationship between Israel and Edom, as seen in prophetic judgments against Edom (e.g., [Obadiah 1:1-21](/obadiah/1 "Obadiah - Judgment on Edom")). Third, the broader genealogical framework reinforces the **Sovereignty of God Over History**, showing how His purposes unfold through the generations of all peoples, not just Israel, thereby establishing a universal scope for His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bānîm'_):** While literally "sons," in genealogical lists, this term often functions more broadly to include direct descendants, clans, or prominent figures of a lineage. This broader usage is crucial here, as Korah, listed as a "son" in this verse, is identified in [Genesis 36:16](/genesis/36-16 "Genesis 36:16 - Korah, a Grandson of Esau") as a grandson of Esau through Eliphaz. The chronicler's purpose is not always strict biological precision but rather comprehensive representation of a family line's significant members.
* **Esau (Hebrew, _ʿēśāw'_):** Meaning "hairy" or "rough," Esau is the elder twin brother of Jacob, whose descendants formed the nation of Edom. His inclusion here, alongside Ishmael's lineage, demonstrates the chronicler's commitment to presenting a full historical picture of Abraham's descendants, acknowledging those who did not inherit the covenant promises directly but still played a role in the broader divine narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Esau;":** This introductory phrase explicitly identifies the subject of the following list, linking it directly to the lineage of Esau, the progenitor of the Edomites. It serves as a clear heading for the subsequent names, indicating their relationship to this significant patriarchal figure.
* **"Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.":** This enumeration provides the specific names of five individuals associated with Esau's direct lineage. Eliphaz and Reuel are consistently identified as direct sons of Esau in [Genesis 36:4](/genesis/36-4 "Genesis 36:4 - Esau's Sons Eliphaz and Reuel") and [Genesis 36:10](/genesis/36-10 "Genesis 36:10 - Esau's Sons and Grandsons"). Jeush and Jaalam are also listed as sons of Esau by his wife Oholibamah in [Genesis 36:5](/genesis/36-5 "Genesis 36:5 - Esau's Sons Jeush and Jaalam"). The inclusion of Korah, however, is notable, as he is specified as a grandson of Esau through Eliphaz in [Genesis 36:16](/genesis/36-16 "Genesis 36:16 - Korah, a Grandson of Esau"). This suggests that the chronicler, in compiling these lists, sometimes includes prominent descendants within the "sons" category, perhaps for brevity, emphasis, or to highlight significant clan founders, rather than adhering to a strictly linear father-son relationship in every instance.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:35, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish historical continuity, legitimate claims, and theological connections. The meticulous enumeration of names functions as a form of **Historical Record**, asserting the factual basis of the narrative and the divine ordering of human history. The repetition of names found in earlier books, such as Genesis, serves as **Intertextuality**, reinforcing the unity and consistency of the biblical narrative across different texts and authors. Furthermore, the selection and arrangement of these names, even when slightly abridged or broadened in definition (as with Korah), demonstrate a purposeful **Selection and Emphasis**, guiding the reader's attention to key figures and lineages relevant to the chronicler's post-exilic audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Theologically, 1 Chronicles 1:35, as part of the broader genealogies, underscores God's **sovereignty over all nations** and His meticulous attention to historical detail. Even the lineage of Esau, who represents a people often in conflict with Israel, is carefully recorded, demonstrating that God's plan encompasses all humanity and that He orchestrates the rise and fall of nations. This meticulous record-keeping serves to remind the post-exilic community of their place within a vast, divinely ordered history, providing both comfort in God's faithfulness and a sense of identity rooted in ancient promises. It also subtly highlights the ongoing tension between "the two nations" (Jacob and Esau) prophesied at their birth, a theme that reverberates throughout biblical history. The inclusion of Esau's descendants before the detailed account of Israel's tribes suggests that God's covenant with Abraham had a universal scope, even if its specific promises were channeled through Jacob.
* [Genesis 36:1-19](/genesis/36-1 "Genesis 36:1-19 - The Generations of Esau")
* [Malachi 1:2-3](/malachi/1-2 "Malachi 1:2-3 - Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated")
* [Romans 9:13](/romans/9-13 "Romans 9:13 - Jacob and Esau in God's Election")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 1:35 might seem like a mere list of names, its inclusion in the sacred text invites us to deeper reflection. It reminds us that God is a God of order, detail, and history. Every life, every family, every nation, no matter how seemingly insignificant or antagonistic to God's chosen people, exists within His overarching plan. For us today, this verse encourages us to appreciate the foundational records of our faith, recognizing that even the "dry" parts of Scripture contribute to the grand narrative of God's interaction with humanity. It prompts us to consider our own place within this ongoing story, understanding that our lives, too, are part of a larger divine tapestry. Just as the chronicler meticulously recorded the past to give hope and identity to a people in crisis, so too can we find stability and purpose by rooting ourselves in God's unchanging character and His faithful dealings with generations. It challenges us to see the hand of God not only in the dramatic events but also in the quiet, consistent flow of history and lineage.
#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's emphasis on detailed genealogies, even for non-Israelite nations, challenge our modern tendency to focus only on the "main characters" or dramatic events in history?**
* **What does the careful preservation of Esau's lineage, despite his and Edom's later antagonism towards Israel, reveal about God's comprehensive sovereignty and His purposes for all humanity?**
* **In what ways can understanding our own family history or cultural heritage help us better appreciate God's work across generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prominent in 1 Chronicles, and what was their purpose for the original audience?**

Answer: Genealogies are indeed foundational to 1 Chronicles, occupying the first nine chapters. For the post-exilic community returning to Judah, these lists served several critical purposes. They established legitimate claims to land and property, which had been lost during the exile. They affirmed tribal identities and the right to participate in the re-established temple worship, especially for the priests and Levites (e.g., [1 Chronicles 9:1-34](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Genealogies of Jerusalem's Inhabitants")). Spiritually, they provided a tangible link to their past, reminding them of God's covenant faithfulness from Adam through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, assuring them that God had not abandoned His promises despite the exile. By meticulously tracing their lineage, the chronicler instilled a sense of continuity, identity, and hope in a community striving to rebuild its national and spiritual life, demonstrating that God's plan for His people was still unfolding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:35, a mere list of names from Esau's lineage, seems far removed from Christ, it subtly contributes to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. The very act of meticulous genealogical record-keeping, from Adam onward, underscores God's commitment to history and His sovereign control over every generation, setting the stage for the specific lineage through which the Messiah would come. Though Esau's line diverged from the covenant promises given to Jacob, the inclusion of his descendants in the biblical record highlights that God's plan encompasses all humanity, even those outside the direct line of promise. Ultimately, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ, the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), the [Son of Abraham](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham is Christ"), and indeed the [Son of Man](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"), came not just for the descendants of Jacob but for all nations, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that [in his seed all the families of the earth would be blessed](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Promise to Abraham"). The meticulous record of human history, including the lines of both Jacob and Esau, points to the sovereign God who orchestrates all things, culminating in the incarnation of Christ, who breaks down dividing walls and unites all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage, into [one new humanity in Himself](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace").

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 36:4

And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel;

Genesis 36:5

And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these [are] the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 36:9

¶ And these [are] the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir:

Genesis 36:10

These [are] the names of Esau's sons; Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of Bashemath the wife of Esau.