1 Chronicles 1:38

KJV

And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Seir {H8165}; Lotan {H3877}, and Shobal {H7732}, and Zibeon {H6649}, and Anah {H6034}, and Dishon {H1787}, and Ezer {H687}, and Dishan {H1789}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Se'ir: Lotan, Shoval, Tziv'on, 'Anah, Dishon, Etzer and Dishan.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Seir: Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:38 meticulously lists the seven sons of Seir, the progenitor of the Horite clans who were the original inhabitants of the mountainous region of Seir, located in what would later become Edom. This verse is part of the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, serving to establish the historical and ethnic landscape of the ancient Near East, highlighting the diverse peoples with whom Israel interacted and whose histories were intertwined within God's overarching redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the monumental genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 1, which traces human history from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel, as well as significant surrounding nations. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:38 appears immediately after the lineage of Esau (Edom) and his descendants (1 Chronicles 1:34-37). The inclusion of the sons of Seir here serves to introduce the indigenous Horite population of the land of Seir, which the Edomites would eventually inhabit and integrate with. This section of Chronicles mirrors and often abbreviates the genealogical information found in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), indicating the Chronicler's reliance on earlier biblical traditions and his purpose in consolidating these records for his post-exilic audience. The transition from Esau's line to the Horites of Seir is crucial for understanding the subsequent history of Edom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Horites were an ancient people group, often described as "cave-dwellers," who inhabited the rugged, mountainous region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea. Their presence in this land predates the arrival of the Edomites, descendants of Esau. [Genesis 14:6](/genesis/14-6 "Genesis 14:6 - The Horites in Seir") mentions them as being among those conquered by Chedorlaomer and his allies. The listing of Seir's sons in both Genesis and Chronicles underscores their established presence and tribal structure before the Edomite expansion. Over time, the Edomites intermarried with and eventually absorbed or displaced the Horites, leading to a complex ethno-cultural landscape. The Chronicler's inclusion of their genealogy emphasizes the distinct identity of these original inhabitants, providing a complete historical picture of the region that would become significant in Israel's history.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of the Horite lineage in 1 Chronicles 1:38 contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it reinforces the **meticulous preservation of historical record** within biblical literature, demonstrating God's sovereign oversight of all nations, not just Israel. Every people group, even those outside the direct covenant line, has a place in His grand narrative. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **land and inheritance**, showing who originally occupied territories that later became significant for Israel's neighbors. The Horites' connection to Seir sets the stage for understanding the later interactions between Israel and Edom. Thirdly, it underscores the **interconnectedness of ancient peoples**, illustrating how different ethnic groups coexisted, migrated, and intermingled, forming the complex tapestry of the ancient Near East, all under divine providence. This detailed historical framework provides a robust foundation for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Deuteronomy 2:12 - Edomites Dispossess the Horites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seir (Hebrew, _Se'ir'_):** This term refers to both a person (the progenitor of the Horites) and the mountainous region associated with his descendants, located south of the Dead Sea. The name itself possibly means "hairy" or "shaggy," perhaps describing the rugged, forested nature of the terrain. Its inclusion here anchors the genealogy to a specific, identifiable geographical and tribal entity, distinguishing the indigenous inhabitants from the later Edomite settlers.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bānîm'_):** While seemingly straightforward, "sons" in this genealogical context often denotes not just direct offspring but also tribal heads, clans, or descendants who form the foundational families of a lineage. The seven names listed are the primary branches of the Horite people, indicating the structure and extent of their tribal organization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Seir;":** This introductory phrase clearly identifies the subject of the enumeration as the direct descendants or primary tribal divisions originating from Seir, the ancestor of the Horite people. It serves as a heading for the subsequent list, establishing the lineage's source.
* **"Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.":** This is a precise enumeration of the seven primary male descendants of Seir. These names represent the foundational clans or families of the Horites. The repetition of these specific names, identical to those found in [Genesis 36:20-21](/genesis/36-20 "Genesis 36:20-21 - The Sons of Seir the Horite"), emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and his reliance on established biblical records. The order and inclusion of each name are significant for tracing the Horite lineage and its eventual interaction with the Edomites.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:38, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 1, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured record designed to establish lineage, identity, and historical continuity. Within this broader device, **Enumeration** is prominently used, as the verse precisely lists the seven sons of Seir, providing a clear and exhaustive count. The Chronicler's **Repetition** of these names from the book of Genesis serves a crucial purpose: it validates the historical claims, links the present narrative to past divine acts, and demonstrates the continuity of God's dealings with humanity across generations. The very act of recording these names underscores the biblical worldview that history is linear and purposeful, directed by God, and involves real individuals and families.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of the Horite genealogy in 1 Chronicles 1:38, alongside the lineages of Israel and other nations, subtly highlights God's universal sovereignty and meticulous attention to all of humanity, not just His chosen people. While the primary focus of Chronicles is on the Davidic line and the history of Israel, the Chronicler's decision to include these non-Israelite genealogies underscores that God's plan unfolds within the broader context of world history. It demonstrates that He is the God of all nations, orchestrating their movements, settlements, and interactions, even those seemingly peripheral to the main redemptive narrative. This detailed historical record provides a robust foundation for understanding God's faithfulness and His overarching purpose for humanity.

* [Genesis 36:20-21](/genesis/36-20 "The Sons of Seir the Horite")
* [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edomites Dispossess the Horites")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "God Determines Boundaries of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear dry or insignificant, 1 Chronicles 1:38 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand narrative is deeply rooted in historical reality, involving real people, places, and events, not abstract concepts. Every individual, every family, and every nation, regardless of their perceived prominence, plays a part in the unfolding tapestry of divine providence. This verse encourages us to appreciate the meticulous detail of Scripture, recognizing that even seemingly minor details contribute to the larger picture of God's faithfulness and His sovereign control over all of history. It invites us to consider our own place within this ongoing story, understanding that our lives, too, are woven into God's purposeful design. Just as God meticulously recorded the lineages of ancient peoples, He knows and cares for each of us, having a plan for our lives and our place in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 1:38, strengthen your faith in the historical accuracy of Scripture?**
* **What does the inclusion of non-Israelite lineages, such as the Horites, reveal about God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples?**
* **In what ways can recognizing our own place within God's larger historical narrative encourage us in our daily lives?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The extensive and detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve several crucial purposes for the post-exilic Jewish community. Firstly, they established the legitimate lineage for the returned exiles, particularly for priests, Levites, and the Davidic monarchy, ensuring proper worship and governance. Secondly, they provided a sense of continuity and identity, connecting the contemporary community to their rich historical and covenantal past, tracing their roots all the way back to [Adam](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam"). Thirdly, they underscored the fulfillment of God's promises, especially those concerning the perpetuation of the Davidic line and the tribal inheritances. By meticulously recording these lineages, the Chronicler affirmed God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His sovereign control over history, even amidst periods of exile and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:38 directly lists the descendants of Seir, a non-Israelite people, its inclusion within the broader genealogical framework of Scripture ultimately points to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of lineages, both Israelite and non-Israelite, underscores the historical reality through which the Messiah would eventually emerge. These ancient records establish the very fabric of human history, demonstrating that God's sovereign hand orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, preparing the way for the ultimate King. The detailed genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") trace Jesus's lineage back through Abraham and even to Adam, signifying His connection to all humanity and His role as the promised seed who would bless all nations, as foretold in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant"). Thus, even a verse detailing the Horite clans contributes to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness in bringing forth a Savior for all peoples, demonstrating that Christ's reign extends far beyond the boundaries of Israel, encompassing every tribe and tongue, as envisioned in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation").

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.