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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 1 verses 28–54
All nations but the seed of Abraham are already shaken off from this genealogy: they have no part nor lot in this matter. The Lord's portion is his people. Of them he keeps an account, knows them by name; but those who are strangers to him he beholds afar off. Not that we are to conclude that therefore no particular persons of any other nation but the seed of Abraham found favour with God. It was a truth, before Peter perceived it, that in every nation he that feared God and wrought righteousness was accepted of him. Multitudes will be brought to heaven out of all nations (Rev 7:9), and we are willing to hope there were many, very many, good people in the world, that lay out of the pale of God's covenant of peculiarity with Abraham, whose names were in the book of life, though not descended from any of the following families written in this book. The Lord knows those that are his. But Israel was a chosen nation, elect in type; and no other nation, in its national capacity, was so dignified and privileged as the Jewish nation was. That is the holy nation which is the subject of the sacred story; and therefore we are next to shake off all the seed of Abraham but the posterity of Jacob only, which were all incorporated into one nation and joined to the Lord, while the other descendants from Abraham, for aught that appears, were estranged both from God and from one another.
I. We shall have little to say of the Ishmaelites. They were the sons of the bondwoman, that were to be cast out and not to be heirs with the child of the promise; and their case was to represent that of the unbelieving Jews, who were rejected (Gal 4:22, etc.), and therefore there is little notice taken of that nation. Ishmael's twelve sons are just named here (Ch1 1:29-31), to show the performance of the promise God made to Abraham, in answer to his prayer for him, that, for Abraham's sake, he should become a great nation, and particularly that he should beget twelve princes, Gen 17:20.
II. We shall have little to say of the Midianites, who descended from Abraham's children by Keturah. They were children of the east (probably Job was one of them), and were separated from Isaac, the heir of the promise (Gen 25:6), and therefore they are only named here, Ch1 1:32. The sons of Jokshan, the son of Keturah, are named also, and the sons of Midian (Ch1 1:32, Ch1 1:33), who became most eminent, and perhaps gave denomination to all these families, as Judah to the Jews.
III. We shall not have much to say of the Edomites. They had an inveterate enmity to God's Israel; yet because they descended from Esau, the son of Isaac, we have here an account of their families, and the names of some of their famous men, Ch1 1:35 to the end. Some slight differences there are between some of the names here, and as we had them in Gen. 36, whence this whole account is taken. Three of four names that were written with a Vau there are written with a Jod here, probably the pronunciation being altered, as is usual in other languages. we now write many words very differently from what they were written but 200 years ago. Let us take occasion, from the reading of these genealogies, to think, 1. Of the multitudes that have gone through this world, have acted their part in it, and then quitted it. Job, even in his early day, saw not only every man drawing after him, but innumerable before him, Job 21:33. All these, and all theirs, had their day; many of them made a mighty noise and figure in the world; but their day came to fall, and their place knew them no more. The paths of death are trodden paths, but vestigia nulla retrorsum - none can retrace their steps. 2. Of the providence of God, which keeps up the generations of men, and so preserves that degenerate race, though guilty and obnoxious, in being upon earth. How easily could he cut it off without either a deluge or a conflagration! Write but all the children of men childless, as some are, and in a few years the earth will be eased of the burden under which it groans; but the divine patience lets the trees that cumber the ground not only grow, but propagate. As one generation, even of sinful men, passes away, another comes (Ecc 1:4; Num 32:14), and will do so while the earth remains. Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it.
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:46 meticulously continues the genealogical record of the Edomite kings, detailing the succession from Husham to Hadad, son of Bedad. This verse offers a concise yet historically rich snapshot, identifying Hadad's lineage, his significant military victory over Midian in the field of Moab, and the name of his capital city, Avith. It serves as a testament to the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and subtly underscores God's sovereignty over all nations, even those outside of Israel's direct covenant.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 1:46, characteristic of the opening chapters of the book, is Genealogy. The Chronicler meticulously records the lineage and succession of rulers, even non-Israelite ones, to establish historical continuity and validate the historical claims of the narrative. This verse also prominently features a Succession Formula, common in ancient Near Eastern royal annals, where the death of one king is immediately followed by the introduction of his successor and a brief summary of their reign. This formula provides a clear, concise, and orderly progression through the list of kings, emphasizing the continuity of the Edomite monarchy. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates Conciseness or Brevity, packing significant historical details—the new king's name, lineage, a major military achievement, and his capital city—into a single, compact statement, showcasing the Chronicler's efficient and purposeful historical reporting.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 1:46 might appear to be a mere historical footnote, its inclusion within the divinely inspired text carries profound theological weight. It subtly but powerfully affirms God's universal sovereignty, reminding the reader that His providential hand extends over all nations and their rulers, not solely His covenant people. The rise and fall of kings, even those outside of Israel, are part of God's overarching plan for history, setting the stage for the unfolding of His redemptive purposes. This meticulous record-keeping also underscores the reliability and historical accuracy of Scripture, assuring us that the biblical narrative is grounded in real historical events and figures, thereby building confidence in the trustworthiness of God's Word.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of a verse like 1 Chronicles 1:46, seemingly a dry list of names and events, challenges us to appreciate the depth and purposefulness of every part of Scripture. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in all of history, orchestrating events and establishing rulers, even in nations seemingly far removed from His direct covenant. This profound truth encourages us to look for God's hand not only in the grand, miraculous narratives but also in the seemingly mundane details and historical records of our world. It fosters a worldview where no event is outside of God's sovereign purview, inviting us to trust in His comprehensive plan, even when we don't fully understand the "why" behind every historical detail. It also reinforces the Bible's unwavering commitment to historical truth, building confidence in its reliability as a foundational document for faith and life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Chronicles include such detailed genealogies of non-Israelite peoples like the Edomites?
Answer: The inclusion of detailed genealogies for non-Israelite peoples, such as the Edomites in 1 Chronicles 1:46, serves several crucial purposes within the Chronicler's overarching narrative. Firstly, it provides essential historical validation and context for the subsequent history of Israel. By establishing the historical reality of surrounding nations and their rulers, the Chronicler grounds the history of Israel within a broader, verifiable ancient Near Eastern context, demonstrating that Israel's story is not isolated but interconnected with the world around it. Secondly, it subtly but powerfully demonstrates God's universal sovereignty; even kings outside of the direct covenant line are part of His overarching plan and under His divine authority. This reinforces the theological truth that God's dominion extends over all peoples and kingdoms. Thirdly, it highlights the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive narrative, which ultimately encompasses all humanity, even as it focuses on Israel. Finally, it reinforces the continuity of biblical history, connecting the Chronicler's account back to earlier records, particularly the Edomite king lists found in Genesis 36, thereby emphasizing the unity and consistency of God's historical revelation across the biblical canon.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:46 speaks of an earthly king and his temporal reign, its presence within the broader biblical narrative points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. The meticulous genealogies of Chronicles, though detailing figures like Hadad, ultimately serve to trace the lineage that culminates in David, from whom the Messiah would come, as explicitly stated in the opening lines of the New Testament in Matthew 1:1. The sovereignty of God subtly displayed in the rise and fall of kings like Hadad, who "smote Midian" and established an earthly kingdom, foreshadows the absolute and eternal reign of Christ. Jesus is the true King who "smotes" the ultimate enemies—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—not merely in a physical battle but through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, as Colossians 2:15 declares, "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." His kingdom is not limited to a geographical city like Avith, but extends over all creation, for "all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16-17), and His reign is eternal, unlike the transient reigns of earthly monarchs, for He is "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). Thus, even in these ancient records of foreign kings, we find echoes of God's providential hand guiding history towards the glorious manifestation of His Son, the Christ, who fulfills all earthly kingship in His perfect and everlasting dominion.