1 Chronicles 1:47

KJV

And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Hadad {H1908} was dead {H4191}, Samlah {H8072} of Masrekah {H4957} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:47, nestled within the extensive genealogies of the book, records the orderly succession of King Samlah of Masrekah after the death of King Hadad in Edom. This seemingly simple historical note contributes to the chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, underscoring the continuous flow of history and the transient nature of earthly power, even among nations outside of Israel, all under the sovereign hand of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a lengthy genealogical record that opens the book of 1 Chronicles, spanning from [Adam](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") to the post-exilic community. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 1:43-54](/1_chronicles/1-43 "1 Chronicles 1:43-54 - Kings of Edom") provides a list of the kings who reigned in the land of Edom *before* any king reigned over the children of Israel. The chronicler’s purpose in these opening chapters is not merely to list names but to establish a continuous historical and theological lineage, connecting the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots, emphasizing the covenant with Abraham, the tribe of Judah, and the Davidic dynasty. The inclusion of non-Israelite genealogies, like that of Edom, demonstrates the chronicler's comprehensive view of history, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all nations and preparing the reader for the subsequent focus on Israel's unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, the land of Esau's descendants, held a complex and often adversarial relationship with Israel throughout their history. Located southeast of the Dead Sea, Edom was a significant regional power, controlling vital trade routes. The list of Edomite kings in [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Edom") (and parallel in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau")) predates the Israelite monarchy, highlighting that organized political structures and kingship were well-established in the region long before Israel desired a king. The concept of succession, where one king dies and another "reigned in his stead," was a fundamental aspect of ancient Near Eastern governance, ensuring stability and continuity of power. This historical detail places Israel's later monarchy within a broader regional context, subtly reminding the reader that even the rise and fall of gentile kings are part of God's overarching historical plan.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, overseeing the reigns and successions of kings, both within and outside of Israel. This aligns with the broader biblical truth that God "removes kings and sets up kings" as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, it highlights the **Continuity of Governance and History**, emphasizing that while individual rulers are transient, the structure of governance and the flow of historical events persist. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the chronicler's commitment to preserving a detailed historical narrative, which serves as a foundation for understanding God's faithfulness across generations. Lastly, the inclusion of Edomite kings subtly points to the **Universal Scope of God's Plan**, showing that even nations seemingly outside the immediate covenant community are part of His grand design, setting the stage for later prophetic pronouncements concerning all peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadad (אֲדַד, _Hadad_):** This is a common Semitic name, often associated with the storm god Hadad/Adad, worshipped across Mesopotamia and Syria. Its prevalence in Edomite and Aramean contexts suggests a widespread cultural or religious influence. In this genealogical list, it simply functions as the name of a specific Edomite king, whose death marks a transition point in the succession.
* **Samlah (שַׂמְלָה, _Samlah_):** This Hebrew name literally means "garment" or "cloak." While seemingly unusual for a personal name, it is not uncommon in ancient cultures for names to be derived from everyday objects, animals, or even abstract concepts. The name itself offers no profound theological insight in this context but serves to identify the specific individual who ascended to the throne.
* **Masrekah (מַשְׂרֵקָה, _Masrekah_):** This place name is likely derived from a root meaning "to comb" or "to prune," suggesting a region known for its agricultural produce, particularly vineyards. Identifying Samlah as "of Masrekah" provides his place of origin or the seat of his rule, adding a layer of specific geographical and political detail to the historical record, anchoring the king to a particular locale within Edom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Hadad was dead":** This clause marks the end of one reign and the prerequisite for the next. It is a stark and concise statement of mortality, highlighting the finite nature of human life and earthly power. The death of a king was a pivotal event, often fraught with political instability, but here it is presented as a simple, factual transition.
* **"Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead":** This clause announces the new king and his origin, signifying the orderly and immediate succession. The phrase "reigned in his stead" (וַיִּמְלֹךְ תַּחְתָּיו, _vayyimlokh taḥtav_) is a formulaic expression used throughout biblical historical narratives to denote a legitimate transfer of power, emphasizing continuity rather than disruption. Samlah's identification with "Masrekah" grounds his rule geographically, providing specific historical data for the chronicler's comprehensive record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:47, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections, is **Conciseness**. The chronicler presents complex historical transitions with remarkable brevity, focusing on the essential facts of succession without elaborate narrative or emotional commentary. This conciseness serves to underscore the factual, authoritative nature of the record. Another device is **Formulaic Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "reigned in his stead," which appears consistently across the list of Edomite kings (e.g., [1 Chronicles 1:43](/1_chronicles/1-43 "1 Chronicles 1:43 - Bela reigned in Edom"), [1 Chronicles 1:46](/1_chronicles/1-46 "1 Chronicles 1:46 - Husham reigned in Edom")). This repetition creates a rhythmic pattern, emphasizing the orderly, successive nature of kingship and the chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in documenting each transition. Finally, the entire section functions as **Historical Record**, a foundational literary purpose that establishes the chronological and genealogical scaffolding upon which the rest of the book's narrative of Israel's history is built.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry historical note of a king's death and succession in Edom carries profound theological weight within the broader biblical narrative. It subtly affirms God's universal sovereignty, reminding us that His dominion extends beyond the chosen people of Israel to encompass all nations and their rulers. The rise and fall of kings, even those unknown to Israel, are not random events but are ultimately under the providential hand of the Almighty. This highlights the transient nature of all earthly power and the enduring reality of God's eternal reign. The chronicler’s inclusion of these details, while focusing on Israel, implicitly teaches that all human authority is delegated and temporary, serving a larger divine purpose that transcends individual reigns and national boundaries.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 1:47, though a single verse in a long genealogy, offers a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring sovereignty of God. Every reign, every position of authority, and indeed every life, eventually comes to an end. This truth should cultivate humility in those who lead and a profound sense of trust in those who are led. It challenges us to consider where our ultimate allegiance lies: in fleeting human structures or in the eternal, unchanging God who orchestrates all history. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in that which truly lasts, recognizing that even the most powerful human leaders are but temporary instruments in God's grand design. Our focus should be on building His kingdom, which is everlasting, rather than clinging to temporary earthly accolades or positions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift succession from Hadad to Samlah challenge my perspective on the permanence of earthly power and influence?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly outside His direct covenant, impact my view of current global events?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility, knowing that all human authority is temporary and ultimately derived from God?**

### FAQ
**Why does the chronicler include a list of Edomite kings in a book primarily about Israel's history?**

Answer: The inclusion of Edomite kings, as seen in [1 Chronicles 1:43-54](/1_chronicles/1-43 "1 Chronicles 1:43-54 - Kings of Edom"), serves several purposes for the chronicler. Firstly, it demonstrates the chronicler's comprehensive historical knowledge, showing that he is aware of the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding Israel. Secondly, it subtly reinforces the theme of God's universal sovereignty; even nations outside the direct covenant with Israel are under His providential control. Their rise and fall are part of His larger plan. Thirdly, it provides a chronological marker, establishing that kingship existed in the region before Israel had its own monarchy, thus contextualizing Israel's later request for a king. Finally, by tracing the lineage of Esau (Edom's ancestor) alongside Jacob (Israel's ancestor), it highlights the distinct paths of the two nations, emphasizing Israel's unique covenantal calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane succession of Edomite kings in 1 Chronicles 1:47, like all historical movements and shifts in power, ultimately points to the grand, overarching narrative of God's sovereign plan culminating in Christ. The transient nature of Hadad's reign, followed by Samlah's, foreshadows the temporary and limited nature of all earthly kingdoms and rulers. While kings rise and fall, there is one King whose reign is eternal and whose kingdom knows no end. This King is Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David, who inherits a throne that is not merely "in his stead" but is everlasting. The chronicler’s meticulous tracing of genealogies, leading to the Davidic line, ultimately anticipates the coming of the Messiah, the true and eternal King. Unlike Hadad or Samlah, whose reigns were bound by mortality, Jesus's kingship, established through His death and resurrection, is an everlasting dominion that will never pass away, as prophesied in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man") and affirmed in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End"). Every earthly succession, therefore, serves as a faint echo of the ultimate succession of God's eternal reign through His Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns over all nations, tribes, and tongues, drawing all history to its glorious and triumphant conclusion.

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 36:36

And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.