1 Chronicles 1:45

KJV

And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Jobab {H3103} was dead {H4191}, Husham {H2367} of the land {H776} of the Temanites {H8489} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Yovav died, Husham from the land of the Temani took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:45 meticulously records the succession of kings in Edom, specifically noting that Husham of the land of the Temanites ascended to the throne after the death of King Jobab. This seemingly brief genealogical entry is part of the Chronicler's broader aim to establish a comprehensive historical record from creation to the post-exilic community, underscoring God's sovereign oversight not only of Israel's lineage but also of the rise and fall of surrounding nations, thereby setting the stage for the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 1, which systematically traces human history from Adam through the patriarchs, culminating in the detailed lineages of Israel. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:43-54 provides a list of the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel. This section is nearly identical to the account found in [Genesis 36:31-39](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31-39 - The Kings of Edom"). The Chronicler's inclusion of this Edomite royal succession emphasizes the meticulous nature of biblical history and serves to ground Israel's story within a broader regional and divine historical framework, demonstrating that God's plan encompasses all nations and their rulers, even those outside the direct covenant line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, and was a long-standing neighbor, and often adversary, of Israel. Located southeast of the Dead Sea, its territory was strategically important for trade routes. The "land of the Temanites" refers to a significant region within Edom, named after Teman, a grandson of Esau ([Genesis 36:11](/genesis/36-11 "Genesis 36:11 - Teman, Son of Eliphaz")). Teman was historically known for its wisdom and was a prominent city, as evidenced by figures like Eliphaz the Temanite in the book of Job ([Job 2:11](/job/2-11 "Job 2:11 - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job's Friend")). The practice of recording royal successions was common in the ancient Near East, serving to legitimize rulers and establish historical continuity, a practice the Chronicler also employs to affirm the divine ordering of history.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Historical Continuity**, demonstrating the unbroken flow of human history and the succession of leadership, even in nations distinct from Israel. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the Bible's grounding in real-world events and verifiable lineages. Secondly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating that God's overarching plan encompasses the rise and fall of all earthly rulers and kingdoms, not just those directly related to Israel. This is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, and Removes Kings"). Finally, it contributes to the **Edomite Identity and Relationship with Israel** theme, providing specific details about Edom's early kings, affirming its distinct national identity, and setting the stage for future interactions—both amicable and hostile—between the descendants of Jacob and Esau, as recounted in later biblical narratives such as [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jobab (יוֹבָב, _Yovav_):** This name means "a desert" or "a cry." In this context, Jobab is listed as one of the early kings of Edom, reigning from Bozrah. His death marks a transition point in the Edomite royal line, emphasizing the transient nature of human rule even within established genealogies. The detail of his passing underscores the historical reality of these figures.
* **Husham (חוּשָׁם, _Husham_):** Meaning "hasty" or "speed," Husham is identified as the successor to Jobab. His origin "from the land of the Temanites" is a significant detail, linking him to a specific, well-known region within Edom. This geographical specificity adds to the historical verisimilitude of the record, indicating a particular lineage or tribal affiliation within the broader Edomite nation from which this king emerged.
* **Temanites (תֵּימָנִי, _Temani_):** Derived from "Teman," meaning "south" or "right hand," this term denotes inhabitants of the region of Teman in Edom. As previously noted, Teman was a significant area, often associated with wisdom and a prominent clan descended from Esau. Identifying Husham as a Temanite connects him to a specific, recognized segment of Edomite society, providing insight into the political geography and power structures of early Edom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Jobab was dead":** This clause signifies a critical moment of transition within the Edomite monarchy. It highlights the mortality of even powerful rulers and sets the stage for the succession. The death of a king was a pivotal event, often leading to shifts in power, alliances, or internal dynamics within a kingdom.
* **"Husham of the land of the Temanites":** This identifies the new king, Husham, and specifies his geographical and tribal origin. The mention of "the land of the Temanites" is not merely descriptive but likely indicates his lineage or the region from which his family derived its authority, emphasizing the specific tribal or regional power base from which he ascended.
* **"reigned in his stead":** This phrase confirms the orderly succession of power. It indicates that Husham formally took over the kingship, maintaining the continuity of the Edomite monarchy. This detail, though simple, is crucial for establishing the historical flow and legitimacy of the rulers in the Chronicler's comprehensive record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:45, and indeed in the surrounding chapters, is **Genealogy**. The meticulous listing of names and successions serves to establish a comprehensive historical framework, tracing humanity from its origins and then narrowing to the specific lineages relevant to Israel. This verse also exhibits **Repetition**, as the list of Edomite kings closely mirrors the account found in [Genesis 36:31-39](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31-39 - The Kings of Edom"), underscoring the Chronicler's reliance on and affirmation of earlier biblical traditions. Furthermore, the detailed nature of the entry, specifying the former king's death and the successor's origin, exemplifies **Historical Record-Keeping**. This is not merely a list of names but a precise account of transitions, lending credibility and gravitas to the biblical narrative as a reliable historical document.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While a single verse within a long genealogy might seem distant from profound theological truth, 1 Chronicles 1:45 subtly reinforces the overarching biblical theme of God's sovereign control over all history and all nations. The Chronicler's inclusion of Edomite kings, a nation often hostile to Israel, demonstrates that God's providential hand extends beyond His covenant people to encompass the entire world. The rise and fall of kings, even those outside the direct line of promise, are part of His grand design, setting the stage for His redemptive purposes. This meticulous record-keeping affirms that history is not random but divinely ordered, moving towards a predetermined end.

* [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.")
* [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - He brings princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry genealogical entry holds a profound truth for us today: God is sovereign over all of history, including the seemingly mundane details and the succession of power in nations far removed from our immediate concerns. Just as He meticulously recorded the kings of Edom, He is intimately involved in the rise and fall of leaders, governments, and even our personal circumstances. This should instill in us a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that nothing is outside His purview. It challenges us to look beyond immediate political or social turmoil and recognize God's hand at work, guiding history toward His ultimate purposes. Our own lives, seemingly small in the grand tapestry, are also part of His meticulously crafted story, inviting us to live with intentionality and faith, knowing our times are in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous record-keeping, even of non-Israelite kings, deepen your trust in God's sovereignty over all nations and history?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's hand in the "big picture" of history (like the rise and fall of kingdoms) help you navigate the "small details" of your own life?**
* **What does this verse, in its broader context, teach us about the importance of lineage and heritage, both physical and spiritual?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include a list of Edomite kings, especially since they are not part of Israel's direct lineage?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of the Edomite kings, particularly in 1 Chronicles 1:43-54, serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive historical framework, demonstrating that the Chronicler's understanding of history is not limited to Israel but encompasses the broader ancient Near East. This meticulous record-keeping establishes the credibility and historical depth of the biblical narrative. Secondly, it underscores God's universal sovereignty; He is not just the God of Israel, but the God who oversees the rise and fall of all nations and their rulers, including those outside the covenant community, as seen in [Psalm 22:28](/psalms/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations."). Thirdly, it sets the stage for future interactions between Israel and Edom, a relationship often marked by conflict, providing historical context for later narratives found in books like [Numbers 20](/numbers/20 "Numbers 20 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel") or [Amos 1:11-12](/amos/1-11 "Amos 1:11-12 - Judgment on Edom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:45, a genealogical entry about an Edomite king, may not immediately point to Christ, its inclusion within the broader biblical narrative is profoundly Christ-centered. The meticulous record of kings, even those outside Israel's direct lineage, underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and the flow of history. This divine control ensures that the stage is perfectly set for the arrival of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as the Chronicler carefully traces lineages to establish historical continuity, the New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") meticulously trace His human descent, affirming His rightful claim to the throne of David and His identity as the promised Messiah. The fact that God orchestrates the succession of kings in nations like Edom, a descendant of Esau, reminds us that His redemptive plan is cosmic in scope, culminating in Christ, who is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose reign is eternal and encompasses all nations, tribes, and tongues ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). The seemingly minor detail of Jobab's death and Husham's succession ultimately serves to demonstrate the God who is in control of all things, preparing the way for the one true King who would establish an everlasting kingdom.

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

Job 2:11

¶ Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

Genesis 36:11

And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.