1 Chronicles 1:44

KJV

And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Bela {H1106} was dead {H4191}, Jobab {H3103} the son {H1121} of Zerah {H2226} of Bozrah {H1224} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Bela died, Yovav the son of Zerach from Botzrah took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:44 records a specific transition of power within the ancient kingdom of Edom, noting Jobab, son of Zerah, from Bozrah, as the successor to King Bela. This concise genealogical entry is embedded within the extensive and meticulously preserved ancestral records that open the book of 1 Chronicles, highlighting the Chronicler's commitment to historical detail and the comprehensive scope of God's sovereign oversight, even concerning nations outside the direct covenant line of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 1 initiates the book with a vast genealogical record, tracing humanity from Adam through Noah, Shem, Abraham, and then branching into various lineages including Ishmael, Keturah's descendants, and Esau (Edom). Verses 1:43-54 specifically list the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over Israel, directly paralleling the account found in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Descendants of Esau"). This verse, therefore, is part of a non-Israelite genealogy, setting a comprehensive historical stage before the Chronicler's primary focus shifts to the tribes of Israel, the Davidic monarchy, and the Levitical priesthood. Its placement underscores the Chronicler's intention to present a universal history, even as it narrows to the covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and inhabited the mountainous region south and east of the Dead Sea. Bozrah was a prominent and strategically important city within Edom, often identified as its capital or a major stronghold. The practice of meticulously listing kings and their successions was common throughout the ancient Near East, serving as vital historical records that legitimized dynasties and provided chronological frameworks. The Chronicler, writing for the post-exilic community returning to Judah, utilized these ancient records not merely as dry historical facts but as a means to establish a continuous historical narrative, reminding the returning exiles of their deep roots, God's enduring faithfulness through long stretches of history, and His sovereign hand over all nations, including their neighbors.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Genealogical Integrity:** The meticulous recording of lineages, both Israelite and non-Israelite, underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and the profound importance of ancestry in ancient identity, land claims, and covenant relationships. This dedication to precise lineage is evident from [Adam's lineage](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Line of Adam") to the detailed tribal records that follow in Chronicles.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** Even the succession of kings in a non-Israelite kingdom like Edom is deemed worthy of inclusion in God's inspired Word. This subtly but powerfully demonstrates that God's overarching plan encompasses all of humanity and that He presides over the rise and fall of all empires, not solely Israel. This echoes the prophetic declarations found in books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah") and [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah"), where God pronounces judgment and blessing upon various nations.
* **Historical Continuity:** By reproducing records found in earlier foundational books like [Genesis](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Descendants of Esau"), the Chronicler reinforces the unity, consistency, and continuity of biblical history. This connection to ancient roots served to reassure the post-exilic community of the enduring nature of God's covenant promises and His faithfulness across generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bela (Hebrew, _Bela'_):** The name of the previous king of Edom, whose death is explicitly stated as the prerequisite for the succession. This individual is distinct from other biblical figures bearing the same name.
* **Jobab (Hebrew, _Yovav'_):** The name of the succeeding king. While the name "Jobab" appears elsewhere in the Bible (e.g., as a son of Joktan in [Genesis 10:29](/genesis/10-29 "Genesis 10:29 - Joktan's Descendants")), here it refers specifically to this Edomite monarch.
* **Bozrah (Hebrew, _Botzrah'_):** A prominent and strategically important city in Edom, often identified as its capital or a significant stronghold. Its inclusion here provides crucial geographical specificity, grounding the historical record in a known location within the ancient Near East.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Bela was dead":** This clause marks the cessation of one reign and the necessary condition for the next, signaling a transition of power. It implicitly highlights the mortality of earthly rulers and the cyclical nature of succession in human kingdoms.
* **"Jobab the son of Zerah":** This identifies the new king by his personal name and establishes his paternal lineage, a standard and essential practice in ancient Near Eastern records for establishing identity, legitimacy, and hereditary claims to authority.
* **"of Bozrah":** This phrase specifies the city or region from which Jobab hailed, further grounding the historical account in a known geographical location within Edom. This detail adds authenticity and precision to the genealogical record, making it more concrete for the audience.
* **"reigned in his stead":** This concluding phrase succinctly communicates Jobab's assumption of the throne, directly succeeding Bela. It confirms the transfer of royal authority and the continuation of the Edomite monarchy.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:44, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a structured list of ancestors and descendants, meticulously designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. The verse functions as a concise entry within a larger **King List**, a specific type of genealogical record that tracks the succession of rulers within a kingdom. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail, almost verbatim from Genesis, demonstrates **Intertextuality**, where one biblical text references or echoes another, reinforcing the unity, consistency, and divine inspiration of the sacred narrative. The direct, declarative style employed is characteristic of **Historical Record**, aiming for factual accuracy and objective presentation of events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry, detailing the succession of an Edomite king, subtly underscores profound theological truths. It reflects God's meticulous attention to history and His sovereign rule over all nations, not just Israel. The Chronicler's inclusion of such details, even from nations often hostile to Israel, emphasizes that God's overarching plan encompasses all of humanity. It reinforces the idea that every life, every reign, and every historical transition, no matter how distant from the immediate covenant narrative, plays a part in the unfolding of God's grand design. This comprehensive historical record served to remind the post-exilic community of God's faithfulness through generations and His ultimate control over all earthly kingdoms, providing a foundation of hope for their future.

* [Genesis 36:33](/genesis/36-33 "Genesis 36:33 - Jobab Reigns in Edom")
* [Psalm 22:28](/psalms/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - God Reigns Over Nations")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a verse detailing the succession of an ancient Edomite king might seem far removed from contemporary life, it offers valuable insights for reflection. It reminds us that God is the God of all history, meticulously overseeing every detail, even those that appear peripheral to our immediate concerns. Just as He noted the rise and fall of kings in Edom, He is intimately aware of the transitions, changes, and challenges in our own lives and in the world around us. This verse encourages us to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, knowing that He works all things according to His purpose, even when we cannot discern the immediate significance. It calls us to recognize the importance of every life and every role within God's grand narrative, whether prominent or seemingly obscure, and to live with an awareness that our lives are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated story, contributing to His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous attention to historical detail, even in seemingly minor genealogies, deepen your trust in its reliability and God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's control over all nations, past and present, influence your perspective on current global events and leadership?**
* **How might understanding your own life as a small but significant part of God's larger historical narrative impact your daily choices and sense of purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include genealogies of non-Israelite peoples like the Edomites?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of non-Israelite genealogies, such as the list of Edomite kings in [1 Chronicles 1:43-54](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Esau"), serves several important purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates the comprehensive scope of God's historical plan, which encompasses all humanity, not just Israel. It shows that God is sovereign over all nations and their rulers, even those outside the direct covenant line. Secondly, it provides a broader historical context for Israel's own story, showing their relationship to surrounding peoples, particularly those descended from Abraham's family (like Esau). Thirdly, by drawing from earlier biblical texts like [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Descendants of Esau"), the Chronicler reinforces the continuity and accuracy of the biblical record, affirming the shared heritage and divine inspiration of these ancient accounts for the post-exilic community.

**What is the significance of "Bozrah" in this verse?**

Answer: "Bozrah" (Hebrew: בָּצְרָה, _Botzrah_) was a significant city in Edom, often considered its capital or a major stronghold. Its mention in [1 Chronicles 1:44](/1_chronicles/1-44 "1 Chronicles 1:44 - Jobab Reigns in Edom") and other biblical texts (e.g., [Isaiah 34:6](/isaiah/34-6 "Isaiah 34:6 - God's Judgment on Edom and Bozrah") and [Jeremiah 49:13](/jeremiah/49-13 "Jeremiah 49:13 - Bozrah Becomes a Desolation")) lends geographical and historical specificity to the genealogical record. It grounds the account in a known location, adding to the authenticity and historical verifiability of the biblical narrative. For the Chronicler's audience, it would have been a recognizable reference point, connecting the ancient past to their understanding of the broader region.

**How does this verse relate to the book of Genesis?**

Answer: [1 Chronicles 1:44](/1_chronicles/1-44 "1 Chronicles 1:44 - Jobab Reigns in Edom") is nearly identical to [Genesis 36:33](/genesis/36-33 "Genesis 36:33 - Jobab's Reign in Edom"). This direct parallel highlights the Chronicler's reliance on and confirmation of earlier biblical texts. By reproducing these records, the Chronicler emphasizes the historical continuity of God's dealings with humanity from creation through the patriarchs and beyond. It serves to validate the ancient records for the post-exilic community, assuring them that their heritage and the promises of God are rooted in a consistent and reliable historical narrative, extending back to the very foundations of the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:44 directly concerns the succession of an Edomite king, its inclusion within the broader biblical narrative points to the meticulous unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ultimately culminating in Christ. The Chronicler's comprehensive genealogies, including those of non-Israelite nations, underscore God's sovereignty over all kingdoms and peoples, demonstrating that even seemingly peripheral historical details are part of His grand design. This historical precision, tracing lineages and successions, ultimately foreshadows the coming of the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ. Unlike earthly kings whose reigns are finite and marked by death, as seen with Bela, Christ's reign is everlasting and without end, for He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The meticulous recording of human history, from Adam to the various nations, sets the stage for the incarnation of the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), through whom all the families of the earth would ultimately be blessed, fulfilling the promise made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant"). Thus, even a verse about an Edomite king subtly contributes to the vast tapestry of God's providential work, guiding history toward the establishment of His eternal kingdom under the [Messiah](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ").

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.