1 Chronicles 1:49

KJV

And when Shaul was dead, Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Shaul {H7586} was dead {H4191}, Baalhanan {H1177} the son {H1121} of Achbor {H5907} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Sha'ul died, Ba'al-Hanan the son of 'Akhbor took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Shaul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:49 is a succinct genealogical entry within the extensive opening chapters of the book, meticulously recording the succession of kings in Edom. Specifically, it marks the end of King Hadad's reign and the commencement of Samlah of Masrekah's rule, serving as a vital link in the chronological and dynastic record of a nation closely related to Israel, yet distinct. This verse, though brief, contributes to the Chronicler's broader purpose of establishing a comprehensive historical framework, underscoring God's sovereign oversight even of nations outside the direct covenant line, and laying foundational lineage for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the monumental genealogical record that comprises the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, tracing humanity's lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, tribes of Israel, and eventually to the Davidic monarchy. More immediately, 1 Chronicles 1:43-54 presents a detailed list of the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. This specific sequence, mirroring the account in [Genesis 36:31-43](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), meticulously charts the succession of Edomite rulers. Verse 49, noting the transition from Hadad to Samlah, is a single, precise entry in this longer, unbroken chain, demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to comprehensive historical documentation, even for nations outside of Israel's direct covenant. Its placement underscores the Chronicler's intent to provide a foundational, universal history before narrowing the focus to Israel's specific story.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), addressing a community striving to re-establish its identity and heritage after the Babylonian exile. Genealogies were paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies, serving as legal documents for land claims, tribal identity, priestly qualifications, and royal legitimacy. Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), held a complex and often adversarial relationship with Israel throughout its history (e.g., [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage") and [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")). The inclusion of Edomite kings, therefore, is not merely an academic exercise but acknowledges the historical reality of a significant neighboring power. "Masrekah" (Hebrew: מַשְׂרֵקָה, *Masreqah*) likely refers to a specific geographic location within Edom, further emphasizing the historical precision and the Chronicler's access to detailed records concerning these foreign rulers.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 1:49, as part of the Edomite king list, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Succession and Continuity**, illustrating the orderly transfer of power in ancient monarchies, a theme that will become central to the Chronicler's focus on the Davidic line. Secondly, it underscores the **Meticulous Nature of Biblical Record-Keeping**, demonstrating the commitment to historical accuracy and detail, even for nations not directly part of the covenant people. Thirdly, the very inclusion of these foreign genealogies implicitly speaks to **Divine Sovereignty Over All Nations**. While Israel is God's chosen people, the Chronicler subtly reminds his audience that God's plan encompasses all of humanity, and He oversees the rise and fall of all earthly kingdoms, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, these genealogies serve the broader purpose of establishing **Identity and Heritage** for the returning exiles, grounding their present in a deep and extensive past, which includes understanding their relationship to surrounding peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadad (Hebrew, _Ḥadad'_):** This name, meaning "thunder" or "noise," was common in the ancient Near East and was also the name of a prominent Aramean storm god. In this context, it refers to the seventh king of Edom listed in this sequence (following Husham), whose death is here recorded, paving the way for the next ruler. The mention of his death is a simple, factual statement indicating the end of a dynastic period.
* **Samlah (Hebrew, _Samlāh'_):** This name means "garment" or "cloak." He is identified as "of Masrekah" (מַשְׂרֵקָה, _Masreqah'_), likely indicating his place of origin or a significant city within Edom. His immediate succession upon Hadad's death signifies the unbroken chain of authority within the Edomite monarchy, a pattern observed and recorded by the Chronicler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Hadad was dead,"**: This opening clause marks a pivotal moment in the Edomite king list. It signifies the end of one reign and sets the stage for a new one. The simple declarative statement emphasizes the finality of death, a universal human experience, even for kings. In the broader context of genealogies, it functions as a transition marker, moving from one generation or ruler to the next.
* **"Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead."**: This clause directly states the succession. Samlah, identified by his place of origin, Masrekah, assumes the kingship. The phrase "reigned in his stead" (וַיִּמְלֹךְ תַּחְתָּיו, *vayyimlokh taḥtāw*) is a standard biblical idiom for royal succession, indicating a direct and legitimate transfer of power. This detail is crucial for the Chronicler's purpose of providing a precise and unbroken historical record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:49, and indeed throughout the lengthy genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, is **Annalistic Record-Keeping**. The verse functions as a concise, factual entry in a royal chronicle, akin to a ledger or register. Its stark, formulaic structure ("when X was dead, Y reigned in his stead") is characteristic of ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions and historical documents, emphasizing clarity and precision over elaborate narrative. There is also an element of **Repetition** as this formula is repeated for each king in the Edomite list, creating a rhythmic and predictable pattern that reinforces the continuous nature of the royal line. This deliberate simplicity highlights the Chronicler's historical intent, providing a foundational and authoritative record for the returning exiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although seemingly a dry historical fact, 1 Chronicles 1:49 subtly reinforces profound theological truths. It demonstrates God's meticulous attention to detail, even in the histories of nations seemingly peripheral to Israel's covenant. The orderly succession of kings, even in Edom, speaks to a divine order and sovereignty that undergirds all human affairs. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community grappling with their identity and future, implicitly reminds them that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of all kingdoms, not just Israel's. This comprehensive historical sweep prepares the reader for the detailed account of God's covenant with David and the establishment of the Davidic line, showing that God's plan unfolds within the broader tapestry of world history.

* [Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31 - Kings of Edom Before Israel")
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalm/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Judges and Exalts")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 1:49, while a simple historical entry, offers valuable insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, concerned not just with grand narratives but with the specific, seemingly mundane facts of history. The succession of kings, even in a nation like Edom, demonstrates that human power structures are transient and subject to divine oversight. This perspective encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that He is at work in all times and places, orchestrating events beyond our comprehension. For us, it serves as a call to recognize that every aspect of our lives, every transition, every detail, is known to God and can be part of His larger purpose. We are invited to find peace in His sovereignty, even when faced with changes or uncertainties in our own lives or in the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, even for foreign nations, shape your understanding of God's character and His involvement in world history?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "succession" and "continuity" in this verse relate to the ongoing work of God's kingdom through generations?**
* **How can we apply the truth of God's sovereignty over all earthly rulers and transitions to our own anxieties or hopes regarding leadership and governance today?**

### FAQ

**Why are these Edomite king lists included in a book primarily about Israel's history?**

Answer: The inclusion of Edomite king lists, such as the one in which 1 Chronicles 1:49 is found, serves several crucial purposes for the Chronicler and his original audience. Firstly, it establishes a comprehensive historical framework, demonstrating that Israel's story is not isolated but unfolds within the broader context of world history. Edom, being descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, represents a significant, albeit often adversarial, relative nation, and their history is intertwined with Israel's. Secondly, it subtly reinforces the theme of God's universal sovereignty, showing that God oversees the rise and fall of all nations, not just His chosen people. This would have been particularly comforting for a post-exilic community trying to understand God's plan in a world dominated by foreign empires. Finally, these genealogies, including foreign ones, contribute to the Chronicler's overall goal of providing a complete and authoritative historical record for the returning exiles, helping them re-establish their identity and heritage. A parallel list can be found in [Genesis 36:31-43](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), highlighting the ancient and consistent nature of these records.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:49 records a mundane succession in Edomite kingship, its deeper significance lies in its contribution to the grand narrative of God's sovereign control over all history, which ultimately culminates in Christ. The meticulous recording of lineages, both Israelite and foreign, underscores the divine hand that orchestrates all human events, preparing the way for the promised Messiah. Every king who reigned, every nation that rose and fell, was part of the providential tapestry woven by God, leading inexorably to the arrival of His eternal King. The transient reigns of earthly monarchs like Hadad and Samlah stand in stark contrast to the everlasting reign of Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who inherited a throne not by human succession but by divine right and eternal covenant ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Reign")). The genealogies, though seemingly dry, ultimately point to the one perfect lineage that brought forth the [Savior of the world](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - Jesus, the Savior of the World"), whose kingdom will have no end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, even a verse about an Edomite king's succession quietly testifies to the sovereign plan that culminates in the reign of the Messiah.

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.