1 Chronicles 1:40

KJV

The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Shobal {H7732}; Alian {H5935}, and Manahath {H4506}, and Ebal {H5858}, Shephi {H8195}, and Onam {H208}. And the sons {H1121} of Zibeon {H6649}; Aiah {H345}, and Anah {H6034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shoval: 'Alyan, Manachat, 'Eival, Sh'fi and Onam. The sons of Tziv'on: Ayah and 'Anah.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah.

American Standard Version

The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:40 is a concise entry within the extensive genealogical records that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing the lineage of the Horites. This verse meticulously lists the sons of Shobal and the sons of Zibeon, two prominent figures among the indigenous inhabitants of Seir, highlighting the chronicler's commitment to comprehensive historical documentation that encompasses even non-Israelite peoples within the broader divine narrative of human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with an unparalleled nine chapters dedicated solely to genealogies, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, the tribes of Israel, and ultimately focusing on the royal line of David. This extensive record-keeping serves as the foundation for the historical narrative that follows, establishing continuity from creation to the post-exilic community. Verse 40, nestled within this vast genealogical framework, specifically details the Horite lineage, a non-Israelite people group. Their inclusion, alongside the descendants of Esau in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - Esau's Descendants and Horites") and other nations, underscores the chronicler's interest in God's sovereign oversight of all humanity, not just Israel, as well as providing a comprehensive historical backdrop for the later interactions between Israel and its neighbors.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written for the post-exilic community returning to Jerusalem, 1 Chronicles aimed to re-establish national identity, land claims, and the legitimacy of the priesthood and monarchy. Genealogies in the ancient Near East were vital documents, serving as legal records, proof of inheritance, and validation of social and religious standing. The Horites, whose chiefs are listed here, were the indigenous inhabitants of Seir (later Edom), a mountainous region south of the Dead Sea. They are mentioned in older texts like [Genesis 14:6](/genesis/14-6 "Genesis 14:6 - Horites in Seir") as being defeated by the eastern kings, and extensively in [Genesis 36:20-30](/genesis/36-20 "Genesis 36:20-30 - Horite Chiefs in Genesis") in connection with Esau's descendants, who intermarried with and eventually displaced them. The chronicler's inclusion of their lineage, even if brief, reflects a comprehensive historical scope, acknowledging the various peoples and their roles within God's unfolding plan.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of these lineages, including non-Israelite ones, highlights several key themes. First, it emphasizes **Divine Precision and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's plan encompasses all peoples and that every individual, regardless of their direct connection to Israel, is known and accounted for in His grand historical narrative. Second, it reinforces the **Historical Veracity of Scripture**, grounding the biblical account in real people, places, and verifiable lineages, affirming that the Bible is not a collection of myths but a factual record of God's interaction with humanity from the very beginning. Finally, the sheer volume of genealogical data underscores the **Significance of Lineage and Identity** in ancient cultures, particularly for the Israelites. These lists were crucial for understanding their heritage, tribal affiliations, land rights, and ultimately, the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come, as seen in later genealogies like those in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shobal (שׁוֹבָל, _Shoval_):** This name, meaning "flowing" or "flowing forth," identifies a prominent Horite chief. His inclusion here, alongside his sons, signifies the importance of his lineage within the Horite tribal structure. While the name itself doesn't carry direct theological weight in this context, its presence underscores the chronicler's detailed cataloging of significant family lines, even among non-Israelite groups, to provide a complete historical tapestry.
* **Zibeon (צִבְעוֹן, _Tziv'on_):** Meaning "dyed" or "hyena," Zibeon is another key Horite chief whose sons are listed. He is notable for being the father of Anah, who is famously mentioned in [Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Genesis 36:24 - Anah Finds Hot Springs") for discovering hot springs in the wilderness while pasturing donkeys. The inclusion of Zibeon and his son Anah here connects this genealogy directly to the earlier Pentateuchal accounts, affirming the consistency of the biblical record regarding the Horite leadership.
* **Anah (עֲנָה, _'Anah_):** This name, meaning "answer" or "affliction," is significant not for its etymological meaning here, but for the individual it represents. Anah is not only a son of Zibeon but also the father of Oholibamah, one of Esau's wives ([Genesis 36:2, 14](/genesis/36-2 "Genesis 36:2 - Esau's Wives")). This connection highlights the intermarriage and integration between the Horites and the Edomites (descendants of Esau), illustrating the complex ethnic landscape of the ancient Near East and the eventual absorption of the Horites into the Edomite nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam."**: This clause meticulously lists five direct descendants of Shobal. The precise enumeration of these names, though seemingly mundane to a modern reader, was crucial for ancient societies. It served to establish tribal subdivisions, identify potential land claims, and validate social hierarchies within the Horite community. For the chronicler, it demonstrates a thoroughness in documenting the historical backdrop against which Israel's story unfolds, acknowledging the structured existence of other nations.
* **"And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah."**: This second clause similarly lists two sons of Zibeon. The brevity of this list compared to Shobal's might indicate differing family sizes or the chronicler's focus on particular lines for their historical significance (e.g., Anah's connection to Esau). The parallel structure with the first clause emphasizes the distinct lineages while maintaining the overall genealogical pattern. This detailed cataloging underscores the biblical commitment to historical accuracy and the recognition of diverse peoples and their internal structures.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:40, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** (or **Annalistic Listing**). This device is characterized by the systematic enumeration of ancestors and descendants, serving not merely as a dry record but as a foundational narrative tool. It establishes historical continuity from creation to the chronicler's present, validates tribal and familial identities, and provides a framework for understanding God's unfolding plan. The meticulous nature of these lists, including the specific names of individuals like Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, Onam, Aiah, and Anah, underscores the **Precision** and **Veracity** that the chronicler attributes to the divine record of human history. Furthermore, the use of **Parallelism** in listing "The sons of Shobal" and "The sons of Zibeon" creates a rhythmic and organized presentation, aiding in the comprehension and retention of this extensive data.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 1:40 may appear as a simple list of names, its theological significance lies in its contribution to the broader narrative of God's meticulous sovereignty over all of creation and history. The inclusion of Horite lineages, a non-Israelite people, demonstrates that God's knowledge and superintendence extend beyond the chosen nation of Israel to encompass all humanity. It speaks to a divine record-keeping that is utterly comprehensive, affirming that every individual, regardless of their prominence or direct role in Israel's covenant history, is known and accounted for in God's grand design. This meticulous attention to detail, even for seemingly obscure figures, subtly reinforces the truth that no life is insignificant to the Creator, and every thread contributes to the unfolding tapestry of His purposes.

* [Genesis 36:20-30](/genesis/36-20 "Horite Chiefs and Dukes")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "God's Knowledge of Our Days")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age where individual identity can feel lost in vast populations, 1 Chronicles 1:40, despite its seemingly dry content, offers a profound spiritual anchor. The chronicler's commitment to recording even the lineages of non-Israelite chiefs reminds us of God's comprehensive knowledge and care for every person. It challenges us to consider that if God meticulously records the names of individuals from ancient, seemingly peripheral tribes, how much more does He know and care for each of us, who are made in His image and live within His active providence? This verse invites us to embrace the value of history, recognizing that our present faith is built upon a long, divinely orchestrated narrative. It encourages us to see ourselves as part of God's ongoing story, where even our seemingly small contributions are woven into His grand, eternal purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping of even "minor" figures in history, as seen in this verse, speak to His character and care for individuals today?**
* **In what ways does understanding the historical and genealogical foundations of faith strengthen your own sense of identity and purpose within God's story?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the inclusion of non-Israelite lineages in the biblical record about God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples?**

### FAQ
**Why are non-Israelite genealogies, like those of the Horites, included in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The inclusion of non-Israelite genealogies, such as those of the Horites in [1 Chronicles 1:38-54](/1_chronicles/1-38 "1 Chronicles 1:38-54 - Horite and Edomite Genealogies"), serves several crucial purposes for the chronicler. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive historical context for Israel's place among the nations, demonstrating God's sovereign oversight of all peoples, not just the chosen nation. These lists often establish the lineage of neighboring peoples with whom Israel would interact, such as the Edomites (descendants of Esau), who intermarried with the Horites. Secondly, it reinforces the **historical veracity** of the biblical narrative, showing that the Bible is grounded in real historical figures and relationships. Finally, it subtly underscores God's universal plan, which ultimately culminates in the Messiah, whose redemptive work extends to all humanity, not just a single ethnic group, as prophesied in passages like [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant, Blessing All Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:40, with its list of Horite sons, seems far removed from Christ, it subtly contributes to the grand tapestry of God's meticulously unfolding plan that culminates in Jesus. The chronicler's exhaustive genealogical records, encompassing even non-Israelite lineages, underscore the divine precision and sovereignty over all of human history. Every name, every family, every nation, no matter how seemingly obscure, is part of a larger narrative orchestrated by God. This meticulous historical tracking ultimately finds its purpose and climax in the genealogies of Jesus Christ, as presented in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), which trace His lineage through Israel back to Adam, the father of all humanity. The inclusion of Horite chiefs reminds us that God’s plan of salvation was never limited to one people but was always intended to encompass all tribes and nations, foreshadowing the universal scope of Christ's redemption. Just as God knew and recorded these ancient names, so too does He know and care for every individual, inviting all into the new family established through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the ancient promises that through Abraham's seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")).

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 36:23

And the children of Shobal [were] these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Genesis 36:24

And these [are] the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this [was that] Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.