1 Chronicles 1:43

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are the kings {H4428} that reigned {H4427} in the land {H776} of Edom {H123} before {H6440} any king {H4428} reigned {H4427} over the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; Bela {H1106} the son {H1121} of Beor {H1160}: and the name {H8034} of his city {H5892} was Dinhabah {H1838}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Following are the kings who ruled in the land of Edom before any king ruled over the people of Isra'el: Bela the son of B'or; the name of his city was Dinhavah.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor. His city was named Dinhabah.

American Standard Version

Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel: Bela the son of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:43 introduces Bela, son of Beor, as the first in a succession of kings who reigned over the land of Edom from his city Dinhabah. This verse notably highlights that these Edomite kings ascended to power before any monarchy was established in Israel. Positioned within the Chronicler's extensive genealogical record, which meticulously traces human lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and into the various nations, this detail serves to historically ground the narrative, acknowledging the broader geopolitical landscape while subtly emphasizing Israel's distinct historical and covenantal trajectory under God's unique guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 1 serves as the foundational chapter for the entire book, meticulously detailing genealogies from Adam through the patriarchs, culminating in the tribes of Israel. Within this comprehensive lineage, verses 32-54 specifically focus on the descendants of Esau, also known as Edom. This section, which includes a list of Edomite chiefs and kings, parallels the account found in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Descendants of Esau"). The inclusion of this detailed Edomite record, particularly the succession of their kings, establishes a crucial historical backdrop. It demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to a holistic historical narrative, acknowledging the broader ancient Near Eastern context and setting the stage for the subsequent focus on the development of the Israelite nation and its eventual monarchy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, a nation descended from Esau (Jacob's twin brother), occupied a rugged, mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea, strategically positioned along important trade routes like the King's Highway. The existence of an established monarchy in Edom, as detailed in this verse and the surrounding passages, indicates a developed political structure common among ancient Near Eastern nations. The explicit statement that Edom had kings "before any king reigned over the children of Israel" is a significant historical observation. It contrasts Edom's early adoption of a monarchical system with Israel's initial period under a divinely-appointed leadership of judges and prophets, prior to their request for a human king, as later recorded in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"). This chronological distinction underscores the unique historical paths and divine governance experienced by these two related nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God in History**, demonstrating that God's providential hand extends not only over Israel but over all nations, orchestrating their rise, their forms of governance, and their timelines. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Israel's Unique Covenantal Identity**. By pointing out that Edom had kings before Israel, the Chronicler subtly emphasizes Israel's distinct journey as a people initially governed directly by God, setting them apart from surrounding nations. This distinction foreshadows Israel's later struggles with adopting a monarchy. Finally, the meticulous recording of these foreign lineages, alongside Israel's, underscores the Bible's commitment to **Historical Accuracy and Detail**, presenting God's unfolding plan within the concrete realities of human history and geography, as seen in the detailed genealogies of [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Edom (אֱדוֹם, _’Ĕḏōwm_):** Meaning "red," this name is deeply significant, tracing back to Esau's birth (his red appearance) and his trade of his birthright for red stew (cf. [Genesis 25:25](/genesis/25-25 "Genesis 25:25 - Esau's Birth") and [Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - Esau Sells His Birthright")). Here, it refers to the nation and its territory, emphasizing its foundational connection to Esau, Jacob's twin brother, and thus its familial relationship (albeit often adversarial) with Israel.
* **kings (מְלָכִים, _məlāḵîm_):** The plural form of "king" (מֶלֶךְ, _meleḵ_), this term denotes a succession of monarchs, indicating an established and continuous system of royal governance in Edom. Its use here highlights the political maturity and stability of Edom as a nation, contrasting with Israel's then-unestablished monarchy.
* **before [any] king reigned over the children of Israel (לִפְנֵי מְלֹךְ-מֶלֶךְ לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, _liḵnê mĕlōḵ-meleḵ liḇnê Yiśrā’ēl_):** This crucial temporal phrase serves as a comparative marker, emphasizing the chronological precedence of Edom's monarchy over Israel's. It draws attention to Israel's unique period of direct divine rule through judges and prophets, prior to their eventual request for a human king, thereby highlighting a distinct aspect of their covenant relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these [are] the kings that reigned in the land of Edom":** This opening clause introduces the specific subject of the verse: a list of rulers who held power over the nation of Edom. It immediately signals a shift in focus within the genealogy to the political leadership of this neighboring people, setting the stage for the enumeration of their monarchs.
* **"before [any] king reigned over the children of Israel;":** This is the most significant clause in the verse, providing a critical chronological and comparative detail. It explicitly states that Edom had established a monarchical system of governance prior to Israel. This observation underscores Israel's distinct historical trajectory, where direct divine rule through judges preceded the establishment of a human monarchy, a development that came much later and was initially met with divine reservation.
* **"Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city [was] Dinhabah.":** This final clause provides the specific identification of the first king in the Edomite succession mentioned here. It names Bela, identifies his father Beor (a common ancient Near Eastern name, also seen with Balaam's father), and specifies his capital city, Dinhabah. This detail grounds the genealogical entry in concrete historical figures and locations, lending authenticity and precision to the Chronicler's record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:43, and indeed throughout the chapter, is **Genealogy**. The Chronicler utilizes this extensive list of names and lineages not merely as a dry record but as a foundational historical framework, establishing the continuity of God's redemptive plan from creation to the formation of Israel. Within this genealogical structure, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** by explicitly stating that Edom had kings "before any king reigned over the children of Israel." This direct comparison highlights the distinct historical and theological paths of the two nations, emphasizing Israel's unique identity and initial form of governance. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names and a city (Bela, Beor, Dinhabah) serves as **Historical Detail**, grounding the narrative in concrete realities and reinforcing the Chronicler's meticulous approach to recording history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:43, though seemingly a mere historical footnote, carries profound theological implications. It underscores God's comprehensive sovereignty, not only over His covenant people, Israel, but over all nations and their historical developments. The Chronicler's inclusion of Edomite kings, and the specific temporal marker "before any king reigned over the children of Israel," highlights that God's plan unfolds according to His own timing and unique design for each people. While other nations swiftly adopted human kings, Israel's journey was distinct, initially guided by direct divine intervention through judges and prophets, emphasizing a theocratic ideal before a human monarchy was established. This detail implicitly prepares the reader for the later narrative of Israel's monarchy, reminding them that even the establishment of kings in Israel was part of God's sovereign, though sometimes permissive, will, ultimately aiming to bring about His redemptive purposes.

* [Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31 - Edomite Kings in Genesis")
* [1 Samuel 8:4-7](/1_samuel/8-4 "1 Samuel 8:4-7 - Israel's Request for a King")
* [Deuteronomy 17:14-15](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-15 - Instructions for a King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly obscure verse from a genealogical list offers deep insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that every detail in God's Word, no matter how seemingly minor or distant, contributes to the grand tapestry of His unfolding plan. The meticulous record of Edomite kings, and the specific note of their precedence over Israel's monarchy, teaches us about God's sovereign oversight of all history, including the rise and fall of nations and the unique paths He ordains for individuals and communities. We are encouraged to trust God's timing for our own lives and for the broader world, recognizing that His ways are not always our ways, and His plans often unfold in unexpected sequences. This verse challenges us to look beyond immediate appearances and to discern God's hand at work in the diverse and often contrasting journeys of humanity, fostering a deeper appreciation for His wisdom and faithfulness in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over all nations, even those outside the covenant, deepen your understanding of His character?**
* **What does the Bible's meticulous attention to historical detail, even in genealogies, teach us about the reliability and comprehensive nature of God's Word?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compare our journey or progress with others, and how does God's unique timing for Israel (and for us) challenge that tendency?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include a list of Edomite kings in a book primarily focused on Israel?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary aim is to establish the lineage of Israel, particularly Judah and the Davidic line, as a foundation for the post-exilic community. However, including Edomite kings serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive historical record, acknowledging the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East and demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy. Secondly, it sets up a significant contrast with Israel's unique journey, highlighting that other nations had established monarchies earlier. This distinction underscores Israel's peculiar covenant relationship with God, where they initially functioned as a theocracy under judges before desiring a human king. Lastly, it implicitly affirms God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, showing His hand in the affairs of all peoples.

**What is the significance of Edom having kings "before any king reigned over the children of Israel"?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial chronological marker that highlights Israel's distinct historical and covenantal path. While other nations, like Edom, adopted human kings as a standard form of governance early in their development, Israel initially functioned as a theocracy, led by judges and prophets under direct divine guidance. The eventual request for a king by Israel, as recorded in [1 Samuel 8:4-5](/1_samuel/8-4 "1 Samuel 8:4-5 - Israel's Request for a King"), was a significant turning point, representing a desire to be "like all the nations." The Chronicler's note here subtly emphasizes Israel's unique identity as a people set apart by God, whose monarchy was a later, divinely permitted, but not initially desired, development. It underscores the unique nature of God's relationship with His chosen people.

**Is this list of kings identical to the one found in Genesis?**

Answer: Yes, the list of Edomite kings in [1 Chronicles 1:43-50](/1_chronicles/1-43 "1 Chronicles 1:43-50 - Kings of Edom") is largely identical to the list found in [Genesis 36:31-39](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31-39 - The Kings of Edom"). This strong parallel demonstrates the Chronicler's reliance on and respect for earlier biblical traditions and documents. It reinforces the historical continuity and reliability of the biblical record, showing that the Chronicler was drawing upon established and authoritative sources for his genealogical and historical accounts, thereby affirming the consistency of divine revelation across different biblical books.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:43 details the early monarchy of Edom, a nation often hostile to Israel, its inclusion within the sweeping genealogies of Scripture ultimately points to Christ. The meticulous tracing of lineages, even of those outside the direct covenant line, underscores God's sovereign control over all of history, orchestrating every detail toward His ultimate redemptive purpose. The note that Edom had kings "before any king reigned over the children of Israel" subtly highlights Israel's unique journey, a path that, though eventually leading to human kings, was always meant to culminate in the perfect, eternal King. The temporary and often flawed reigns of Edomite and even Israelite kings, like Saul and David, served as earthly shadows, pointing forward to the coming of the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), Jesus Christ. All genealogies, all histories, all nations, and all of God's providential dealings are ultimately directed toward the advent of the [Messiah](/john/1-41 "John 1:41 - Andrew finds the Messiah") and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom. Christ is the ultimate King, not merely of a single nation but of all creation, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose reign far surpasses any earthly monarchy, fulfilling all the hopes and promises embedded within the Old Testament narrative, even in its seemingly peripheral details.

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.