TRV
Translation
King James Version
The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz; and by Timna, Amalek.
American Standard Version
The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonnes of Eliphaz, Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Eliphaz: Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 1 verses 28–54
28 ¶ The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.
29 These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
30 Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,
31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
32 Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
33 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
34 And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.
35 The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.
36 The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
37 The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.
39 And the sons of Lotan; Hori, and Homam: and Timna was Lotan's sister.
40 The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.
41 The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
42 The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran.
43 Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
44 And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
48 And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
49 And when Shaul was dead, Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
50 And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
51 Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were; duke Timnah, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth,
52 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
53 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,
54 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom.
All nations but the seed of Abraham are already shaken off from this genealogy: they have no part nor lot in this matter. The Lord's portion is his people. Of them he keeps an account, knows them by name; but those who are strangers to him he beholds afar off. Not that we are to conclude that therefore no particular persons of any other nation but the seed of Abraham found favour with God. It was a truth, before Peter perceived it, that in every nation he that feared God and wrought righteousness was accepted of him. Multitudes will be brought to heaven out of all nations (Rev 7:9), and we are willing to hope there were many, very many, good people in the world, that lay out of the pale of God's covenant of peculiarity with Abraham, whose names were in the book of life, though not descended from any of the following families written in this book. The Lord knows those that are his. But Israel was a chosen nation, elect in type; and no other nation, in its national capacity, was so dignified and privileged as the Jewish nation was. That is the holy nation which is the subject of the sacred story; and therefore we are next to shake off all the seed of Abraham but the posterity of Jacob only, which were all incorporated into one nation and joined to the Lord, while the other descendants from Abraham, for aught that appears, were estranged both from God and from one another.
I. We shall have little to say of the Ishmaelites. They were the sons of the bondwoman, that were to be cast out and not to be heirs with the child of the promise; and their case was to represent that of the unbelieving Jews, who were rejected (Gal 4:22, etc.), and therefore there is little notice taken of that nation. Ishmael's twelve sons are just named here (Ch1 1:29-31), to show the performance of the promise God made to Abraham, in answer to his prayer for him, that, for Abraham's sake, he should become a great nation, and particularly that he should beget twelve princes, Gen 17:20.
II. We shall have little to say of the Midianites, who descended from Abraham's children by Keturah. They were children of the east (probably Job was one of them), and were separated from Isaac, the heir of the promise (Gen 25:6), and therefore they are only named here, Ch1 1:32. The sons of Jokshan, the son of Keturah, are named also, and the sons of Midian (Ch1 1:32, Ch1 1:33), who became most eminent, and perhaps gave denomination to all these families, as Judah to the Jews.
III. We shall not have much to say of the Edomites. They had an inveterate enmity to God's Israel; yet because they descended from Esau, the son of Isaac, we have here an account of their families, and the names of some of their famous men, Ch1 1:35 to the end. Some slight differences there are between some of the names here, and as we had them in Gen. 36, whence this whole account is taken. Three of four names that were written with a Vau there are written with a Jod here, probably the pronunciation being altered, as is usual in other languages. we now write many words very differently from what they were written but 200 years ago. Let us take occasion, from the reading of these genealogies, to think, 1. Of the multitudes that have gone through this world, have acted their part in it, and then quitted it. Job, even in his early day, saw not only every man drawing after him, but innumerable before him, Job 21:33. All these, and all theirs, had their day; many of them made a mighty noise and figure in the world; but their day came to fall, and their place knew them no more. The paths of death are trodden paths, but vestigia nulla retrorsum - none can retrace their steps. 2. Of the providence of God, which keeps up the generations of men, and so preserves that degenerate race, though guilty and obnoxious, in being upon earth. How easily could he cut it off without either a deluge or a conflagration! Write but all the children of men childless, as some are, and in a few years the earth will be eased of the burden under which it groans; but the divine patience lets the trees that cumber the ground not only grow, but propagate. As one generation, even of sinful men, passes away, another comes (Ecc 1:4; Num 32:14), and will do so while the earth remains. Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 28–54. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:36 is a crucial verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records that initiate the book of Chronicles, meticulously listing seven sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau. Far from being a mere enumeration, this verse serves to establish the historical continuity of nations, including those related to Israel by kinship, thereby affirming tribal identities and subtly highlighting God's sovereign hand in the unfolding history of all peoples, even those who would later become formidable adversaries to His chosen nation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: The book of 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping and meticulously detailed genealogical account, commencing with Adam and systematically tracing the lines through the patriarchs, various tribes, and clans of Israel. This exhaustive record-keeping is not merely an exercise in historical documentation but serves a profound theological purpose: to establish the legitimate identity and heritage of the post-exilic community returning to Judah. Verse 36 flows directly from 1 Chronicles 1:35, which introduces Esau's sons, setting the stage for the specific enumeration of Eliphaz's descendants. While the Chronicler's primary focus is on the continuity of God's covenant promises through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he also acknowledges the broader family tree, including Esau's line, which forms the nation of Edom, underscoring God's universal sovereignty.
Historical & Cultural Context: For the post-exilic community returning to Judah after decades of Babylonian captivity, these genealogies were of paramount importance. They provided a vital link to their past, affirming their identity as the people of God, establishing land rights, validating claims to priestly and royal offices, and reinforcing the continuity of the divine covenant despite the trauma of exile. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies functioned as legal documents, historical records, and social charters, meticulously preserving the lineage and status of individuals and groups. The inclusion of Esau's descendants, particularly the Edomites, reflects their historical proximity and often contentious relationship with Israel. Eliphaz, as Esau's firstborn, held a significant position, and his descendants, like Teman, became prominent clans or regions within Edom, as seen in the related accounts in Genesis 36:10-14. The meticulous nature of this record underscores the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the divine ordering of nations.
Key Themes: This verse, deeply embedded within the broader genealogies of 1 Chronicles, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the Historical Record and the Bible's commitment to documenting the real, traceable origins of peoples, grounding faith in verifiable history. Secondly, it speaks to the Origin of Nations, showing how specific individuals became the progenitors of significant tribes and nations in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Edomites. Most notably, the inclusion of Amalek is profoundly significant. As a grandson of Esau through Eliphaz and his concubine Timna (as explicitly stated in Genesis 36:12), Amalek became the ancestor of the Amalekites, who would emerge as a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel. Their hostility began with an unprovoked attack in the wilderness (Exodus 17:8), leading to a divine command for their perpetual remembrance and eventual eradication (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). This enmity culminated in King Saul's failure to fully execute God's judgment against them (1 Samuel 15:2-3). Thus, this seemingly simple genealogical entry subtly foreshadows centuries of conflict and divine judgment, demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign orchestration of history.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 1:36, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is Genealogy. This is not merely a dry list of names but a foundational literary structure that serves multiple purposes: it establishes historical Continuity, linking the post-exilic community to their ancient roots and the promises made to their patriarchs; it provides Legitimacy for tribal claims, land ownership, and priestly succession; and it functions as a form of Historical Record, demonstrating the real, traceable origins of peoples and nations within God's overarching plan. Furthermore, the specific inclusion of "Amalek" within this list serves as a subtle but powerful instance of Foreshadowing. By listing the progenitor of Israel's most persistent enemy within the family tree of Esau, the Chronicler subtly hints at the future conflicts and divine judgments that will unfold, demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign orchestration of history, even involving those who would oppose His people. This foreshadowing adds dramatic weight to a seemingly mundane list of names.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:36, though a simple list of names, profoundly underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over all of human history and the origins of nations. It demonstrates that even the lineages of peoples outside the direct covenant line of Israel, including those who would become their adversaries, are known to God and recorded within His divine narrative. The Chronicler's detailed record-keeping reflects a theological conviction that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and their descendants, highlighting His intentionality and precision in shaping the destinies of both covenant and non-covenant peoples. This verse reminds us that no detail is too small for God's grand design, and that the roots of future conflicts and divine judgments are often established in the seemingly mundane facts of lineage, all under His watchful eye.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous recording of genealogies, even seemingly obscure ones like 1 Chronicles 1:36, invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in every detail of human history. It reminds us that God's plan is not haphazard but unfolds with precision through specific individuals and their lineages, whether they are part of His covenant people or not. This should instill in us a deep trust in God's overarching control, knowing that He orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, the formation of peoples, and even the origins of future conflicts, all within His wise and purposeful design. It challenges us to see beyond the immediate and appreciate the long-term, generational impacts of choices and the divine hand at work in seemingly ordinary historical records. Understanding these "roots" of history can deepen our appreciation for the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan and His faithfulness across millennia, affirming that His purposes will ultimately prevail.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?
Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was addressed, they provided a vital link to their heritage, establishing their identity as the people of God and reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant promises despite the exile. They were essential for proving tribal affiliations, validating land claims, and confirming eligibility for priestly or royal duties. For example, the lineage of the priests was critical for temple worship, and the Davidic line was central to the hope of a restored monarchy. These lists underscore the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy, demonstrating that God's plan unfolds through real people in real history, as seen in the detailed tracing from Adam through to the return from exile.
Is there a discrepancy regarding Timna in this verse, as Genesis 36:12 lists her as Eliphaz's concubine?
Answer: Yes, there appears to be an apparent discrepancy. Genesis 36:12 explicitly states that Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz and the mother of Amalek. However, 1 Chronicles 1:36 lists Timna among the "sons" of Eliphaz. Scholars offer several interpretations for this: (1) It could refer to a different individual named Timna, who was indeed a son, or a geographical region/clan named after her. (2) "Timna" here might represent a tribal or clan name descended from Eliphaz, rather than a direct biological son, a common practice in ancient genealogies where individuals sometimes represent larger groups. (3) Less likely, it could be a scribal error or a unique genealogical convention where a significant female progenitor (especially of a key line like Amalek) is listed in a way that emphasizes her foundational role. The primary purpose of the genealogy remains intact, regardless of this minor variation, which is to trace the lineage of the Edomite clans and their connection to Israel's history.
Why is Amalek specifically highlighted as significant among Eliphaz's sons?
Answer: Amalek is highly significant because he is the progenitor of the Amalekites, who became one of Israel's most persistent and formidable enemies throughout their history. Their hostility began with an unprovoked attack on the Israelites shortly after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8), leading to a unique and severe divine command for their perpetual remembrance and ultimate eradication (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). This enmity continued through the period of the Judges and reached a climax with King Saul's failure to completely destroy them as commanded by God (1 Samuel 15:2-3). The inclusion of Amalek in this genealogy, therefore, serves as a subtle foreshadowing of centuries of conflict and divine judgment, highlighting God's comprehensive knowledge of all nations and their roles in His unfolding plan.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:36 meticulously details the lineage of Esau, a line not chosen for the covenant blessings that flow through Jacob, it nonetheless contributes to a Christ-centered understanding of history. The meticulous recording of all nations, even those destined to be adversaries like Amalek, underscores God's universal sovereignty. He is not merely the God of Israel but the God of all creation, orchestrating the rise and fall of every people group within His grand redemptive plan. The inclusion of these lineages, even those of "the seed of the serpent" (Genesis 3:15), foreshadows the cosmic spiritual warfare that culminates in Christ. Ultimately, all genealogies, whether of covenant or non-covenant lines, point to the ultimate fulfillment in the genealogy of Jesus Christ himself, who, as the Lamb of God, came to redeem not just Israel but people from every tribe and language and people and nation. Thus, even a list of Esau's descendants reminds us that God's plan encompasses all humanity, leading to the day when salvation is offered to all who believe, transcending the boundaries of earthly lineage and culminating in the universal reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords.