1 Chronicles 1:39

KJV

And the sons of Lotan; Hori, and Homam: and Timna [was] Lotan's sister.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Lotan {H3877}; Hori {H2753}, and Homam {H1950}: and Timna {H8555} was Lotan's {H3877} sister {H269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam; the sister of Lotan was Timna.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Lotan: Hori, and Homam; and Timna was Lotan’s sister.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:39 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive opening chapters of the book, meticulously tracing the lineage of the Horites, who were inhabitants of Seir before the Edomites. This verse specifically names Lotan's sons, Hori and Homam, and notably identifies Timna as Lotan's sister, a detail that provides a crucial link to broader biblical narratives concerning the origins of peoples who interacted with early Israel. It underscores the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive historical record, establishing the intricate web of relationships among ancient Near Eastern groups.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles opens with nine chapters of genealogies, a unique and foundational feature of the book. These lists serve as the bedrock for the subsequent historical narrative, tracing humanity from Adam, through Abraham and Israel, and then detailing various surrounding nations, including the Horites and Edomites. Verse 39 is embedded within the section detailing the "sons of Seir the Horite" (1 Chronicles 1:38), immediately following the enumeration of Seir's direct descendants. The Chronicler's inclusion of these non-Israelite lineages, particularly those connected to Esau, highlights the broader historical stage upon which God's covenant people would operate. The specific mention of Timna here echoes and reinforces the earlier, more detailed account found in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), demonstrating the intertextual coherence of the biblical record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Horites ("cave-dwellers") were an ancient people group inhabiting the mountainous region of Seir (modern Edom) before the arrival of Esau's descendants. Their inclusion in these genealogies reflects the historical reality of intermingling and eventual displacement or absorption of peoples in the ancient Near East. Genealogies in this period were not mere lists of names; they served vital socio-political functions. They established tribal identity, validated claims to land, conferred legitimacy upon leaders, and defined relationships between clans and nations. For the post-exilic community, for whom the Chronicler wrote, these meticulous records were crucial for re-establishing their identity, tribal affiliations, and land rights after the Babylonian captivity, providing a sense of continuity with their ancestral past and God's enduring covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader genealogical sections, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's meticulous oversight of history** by demonstrating a divine interest in the origins and relationships of all peoples, not just Israel. Every individual and nation, whether directly in the covenant line or not, plays a part in the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. Secondly, it highlights the **interconnectedness of humanity**, showing how seemingly disparate groups are woven into a single historical tapestry. The inclusion of figures like Timna, whose offspring (Amalek) would become a persistent adversary of Israel, subtly introduces the theme of **divine providence** and the complex dynamics of the ancient world that God orchestrates. This detailed record-keeping underscores the Bible's commitment to **historical veracity**, grounding its theological claims in concrete, verifiable lineages, even as it points towards the ultimate lineage of the Messiah, as seen in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lotan (Hebrew, _Lôṭān'_):** This name, meaning "covering" or "wrapper," identifies one of the "chiefs" or "dukes" of the Horites in Seir, as also listed in [Genesis 36:20](/genesis/36-20 "Genesis 36:20 - Sons of Seir the Horite"). His inclusion here underscores the Chronicler's reliance on and confirmation of earlier Mosaic traditions, solidifying the historical continuity of the biblical narrative concerning the pre-Edomite inhabitants of Seir.
* **Hori (Hebrew, _Ḥôrî'_):** Meaning "cave-dweller" or "noble," Hori is listed as one of Lotan's sons. The name itself is significant as it reflects the very designation of the people group, the Horites, suggesting a connection to their geographical dwelling in caves or their social status. His presence here further details the internal structure and lineage of the Horite clans.
* **Timna (Hebrew, _Timnāʿ'_):** This name, possibly meaning "restraint" or "portion," is uniquely highlighted as Lotan's sister. Her specific mention is crucial because [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Timna and Amalek") identifies her as a concubine of Eliphaz (Esau's son) and the mother of Amalek. This seemingly minor detail in 1 Chronicles 1:39 serves as a vital intertextual link, connecting the Horite genealogy directly to the lineage of Israel's future, formidable enemy, the Amalekites, thereby enriching the historical and prophetic backdrop of the entire biblical narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Lotan; Hori, and Homam:"** This clause explicitly names two of Lotan's male descendants, Hori and Homam. This follows the typical genealogical pattern of listing male offspring to establish lineage and succession. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping here demonstrates a concern for comprehensive historical detail, ensuring that the reader understands the full extent of the Horite family tree, which predated and interacted with the Edomite descendants of Esau.
* **"and Timna [was] Lotan's sister."** This concluding phrase is particularly noteworthy. While genealogies primarily focus on male lines, the inclusion of Timna, identified as Lotan's sister, is a deliberate and significant detail. Her relationship to Lotan establishes her place within the Horite lineage. More importantly, this specific mention serves as a cross-reference to the Genesis account, where Timna's role as the mother of Amalek is highlighted. This seemingly simple statement thus carries profound implications, subtly introducing the ancestral origins of a people group that would become a persistent and formidable adversary to Israel, demonstrating the Chronicler's nuanced approach to historical record-keeping.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:39, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured narrative device that establishes historical continuity, tribal identity, and theological connections. The Chronicler employs **Selection** and **Emphasis** within this genealogical framework; while many names are listed, the specific inclusion of Timna and her relationship to Lotan demonstrates a deliberate choice to highlight a detail that has broader narrative significance (foreshadowing the Amalekites). Furthermore, the meticulous nature of the record-keeping itself serves as a form of **Validation**, lending authority and historical grounding to the biblical narrative. The intertextual connection to [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau") also exemplifies **Allusion** or **Intertextuality**, where a brief mention in one text assumes the reader's knowledge of a more detailed account elsewhere, enriching the current passage with layers of meaning and historical context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 Chronicles 1:39 appears as a simple list of names, its theological significance lies in its contribution to the overarching biblical narrative of God's sovereign control over history and His meticulous attention to detail. The inclusion of Horite genealogies, even for those outside the direct covenant line of Israel, underscores the truth that all nations and individuals exist within God's grand design. It reminds us that God is not just the God of Israel, but the God of all creation, orchestrating the movements of peoples and the rise and fall of nations to accomplish His ultimate purposes. The specific mention of Timna, whose progeny (Amalek) would become a sworn enemy of Israel, subtly highlights the reality of conflict and opposition within God's historical plan, yet always under His ultimate dominion. This detailed record-keeping serves to ground the redemptive narrative in concrete historical realities, demonstrating that God's promises and plans unfold within the tangible framework of human history.

* [Genesis 36:20](/genesis/36-20 "Genesis 36:20 - The Sons of Seir the Horite")
* [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Deuteronomy 2:12 - Horites Displaced by Edomites")
* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Importance of Genealogies for Returning Exiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 1:39, like many genealogical passages, challenges us to look beyond the surface of seemingly dry lists and discern the profound truths embedded within them. It invites us to contemplate God's incredible attention to detail, His sovereign hand orchestrating the lives of individuals and nations, and the interconnectedness of all history. For the original audience, the returning exiles, these genealogies were a vital anchor, re-establishing their identity and their place within God's covenant story. For us today, it serves as a powerful reminder that our lives, our families, and even the broader sweep of human history are not random but are known and overseen by a God who works all things according to the counsel of His will. It encourages us to trust in His providence, even when circumstances seem chaotic or insignificant, knowing that every detail, every person, and every historical event is part of His unfolding plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, even for non-Israelite peoples, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over all of history?**
* **What does the inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Timna, whose story has broader implications, teach us about the significance of every individual within God's grand narrative?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's attention to historical detail in passages like this strengthen your faith in His personal care for your own life and circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so prominent in 1 Chronicles, and what is their purpose?**

Answer: Genealogies are exceptionally prominent in 1 Chronicles, comprising its first nine chapters, because they serve as the foundational framework for the entire book. Their primary purpose for the post-exilic community was multifaceted: to establish and validate the identity of the returning exiles, confirming their lineage and tribal affiliations after the disruption of the Babylonian captivity ([Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Genealogies for Returning Exiles")); to demonstrate continuity with Israel's past, particularly with the Davidic covenant and the priestly lines; and to emphasize God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His promises through generations. By meticulously tracing lineages from Adam to their present, the Chronicler affirmed that God's plan was unfolding precisely as intended, providing hope and stability for a community seeking to rebuild.

**What is the significance of Timna being mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of Timna as Lotan's sister in 1 Chronicles 1:39 is significant because it provides a crucial intertextual link to the book of Genesis. [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Timna, Concubine of Eliphaz and Mother of Amalek") reveals that Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, one of Esau's sons, and that she bore him Amalek. The Amalekites would later become a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout its history, from the wilderness wanderings ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")) to the time of King Saul ([1 Samuel 15:1-9](/1_samuel/15-1 "1 Samuel 15:1-9 - Saul and the Amalekites")). By including this seemingly minor detail, the Chronicler subtly connects the Horite lineage to the origins of a significant adversary, enriching the historical backdrop and demonstrating the intricate, divinely orchestrated relationships between nations in the ancient world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:39 details the lineage of non-Israelite Horites, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader theological principle that God's meticulous oversight of all history, including the genealogies of every nation, ultimately converges on His redemptive plan culminating in Jesus Christ. The very existence of such detailed records, even for peoples seemingly peripheral to Israel's direct covenant line, underscores God's sovereignty over all humanity and His preparation of the world for the advent of His Son. Just as the Chronicler meticulously traces human lineage to establish the historical reality of God's covenant with Israel and the Davidic line, so too do the New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") anchor the Incarnation in concrete history. The fact that Christ's own genealogy includes Gentiles (like Rahab and Ruth) demonstrates that God's plan of salvation, though focused through Israel, was always intended to encompass all peoples, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Thus, even the seemingly obscure details of Horite families contribute to the grand tapestry of human history that God wove, preparing the stage for the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/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.