1 Chronicles 1:50

KJV

And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city [was] Pai; and his wife's name [was] Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Baalhanan {H1177} was dead {H4191}, Hadad {H1908} reigned {H4427} in his stead: and the name {H8034} of his city {H5892} was Pai {H6464}; and his wife's {H802} name {H8034} was Mehetabel {H4105}, the daughter {H1323} of Matred {H4308}, the daughter {H1323} of Mezahab {H4314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Ba'al-Hanan died, Hadad took his place as king; the name of his city was Pa'i; his wife's name was M'heitav'el the daughter of Matred the daughter of Mei-Zahav.

Berean Standard Bible

When Baal-hanan died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.

American Standard Version

And Baal-hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his stead; and the name of his city was Pai: and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:50 concludes a specific segment of the Edomite king list, detailing the succession of Hadad after Baalhanan, specifying Hadad's city, Pai, and his wife Mehetabel, whose lineage is also noted. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles, serves as a meticulous historical record, acknowledging the existence and succession of rulers in surrounding nations as a prelude to the Chronicler's primary focus on the lineage and history of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy and foundational genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, spanning from [Adam](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") through the patriarchs, various nations, and ultimately leading to the tribes of Israel and the Davidic line. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:43-54 provides a list of the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel. This section serves as a historical bridge, establishing the broader geopolitical landscape before the Chronicler narrows his focus to the history of God's chosen people. The meticulous detail, even for non-Israelite rulers, underscores the comprehensive nature of this historical record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The nation of Edom was descended from Esau, Jacob's brother ([Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau")). Located southeast of the Dead Sea, Edom was a significant regional power, often in conflict with Israel. The inclusion of a detailed list of Edomite kings reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of maintaining extensive king lists and genealogies, which were crucial for establishing legitimacy, historical continuity, and national identity. The Chronicler, writing centuries after these events, likely compiled this information from earlier sources, such as the list found in [Genesis 36:31-43](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31-43 - Kings of Edom"). The mention of a king reigning "before there was any king over the children of Israel" (1 Chronicles 1:43) highlights a chronological marker, emphasizing that other nations had established monarchies prior to Israel's, setting the stage for Israel's own eventual kingship.
* **Key Themes:** A primary theme emerging from this verse and its immediate context is **God's sovereignty over all nations**. Even the kings of Edom, a nation often hostile to Israel, are listed as part of God's overarching historical plan, demonstrating that His dominion extends beyond Israel. Another key theme is the **Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and comprehensive record-keeping**. The inclusion of seemingly minor details about Edomite kings, including their cities and even their wives' lineages, emphasizes the Chronicler's meticulous approach to establishing a reliable historical foundation for the post-exilic community. This detailed genealogy also serves to underscore the **continuity of God's covenant plan**, tracing the lineage from creation to the formation of nations, ultimately preparing the reader for the unfolding narrative of Israel and the Davidic dynasty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadad (Hebrew, _ḥăḏaḏ'_):** This is a common name in the ancient Near East, particularly among Edomites and Arameans. It is often associated with the storm god Hadad/Adad, but here it functions simply as a royal name. The repetition of this name (another Hadad is mentioned in [1 Chronicles 1:51](/1_chronicles/1-51 "Another Edomite Duke")) suggests either a common royal name or perhaps a dynastic connection. In this context, it signifies the continuity of Edomite kingship.
* **Pai (Hebrew, _pāy'_):** The name of Hadad's city. This city is also mentioned in [Genesis 36:39](/genesis/36-39 "Genesis 36:39 - Pau, Hadad's City") as "Pau." The slight spelling variation (Pai vs. Pau) is a minor textual difference, common in ancient manuscripts, and does not alter the historical identification of the city. It indicates the capital or significant center of Hadad's reign.
* **Mehetabel (Hebrew, _məḥêṭaḇʼēl'_):** This name, meaning "God benefits" or "God makes good," is notable because the Chronicler includes the lineage of Hadad's wife, specifying "the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab." The inclusion of the mother's and grandmother's names is unusual for these king lists and may indicate a significant maternal lineage, perhaps for dynastic or political reasons, or simply as part of the meticulous record-keeping.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead":** This clause marks the succession of kings in Edom, following the pattern established in the preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 1:47](/1_chronicles/1-47 "1 Chronicles 1:47 - Samlah's Succession")). It signifies the orderly transfer of power within the Edomite monarchy, emphasizing historical continuity. Baalhanan, the previous king from [1 Chronicles 1:49](/1_chronicles/1-49 "1 Chronicles 1:49 - Baalhanan's Reign"), concludes his reign, and Hadad takes his place.
* **"and the name of his city [was] Pai":** This provides a geographical anchor for Hadad's reign, identifying his capital or primary seat of power. The mention of the city name, though brief, adds to the historical specificity and validates the record, allowing for potential archaeological or geographical correlation.
* **"and his wife's name [was] Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab":** This detailed genealogical information about Hadad's wife is particularly striking. While seemingly minor, it reflects the Chronicler's thoroughness. In ancient Near Eastern societies, maternal lineage could be crucial for establishing claims to power, alliances, or social status. Her double lineage (daughter of Matred, daughter of Mezahab) further emphasizes the importance of her family background, perhaps indicating a prominent or influential family within Edomite society.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 1:50, as with the entire opening chapter, is **Genealogy**. This is a systematic listing of ancestors and descendants, serving to establish lineage, historical continuity, and national identity. The meticulous detail, extending to the wife's lineage, highlights the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive historical record. Furthermore, the passage exhibits **Repetition** and **Parallelism** with the account in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), demonstrating the Chronicler's reliance on and affirmation of earlier biblical traditions. The structure of "when X was dead, Y reigned in his stead" is a form of **Formulaic Language**, common in ancient Near Eastern king lists, which provides a concise and predictable way to present royal succession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of this detailed list of Edomite kings, culminating in Hadad's reign, serves a profound theological purpose within the Chronicler's overarching narrative. It underscores the biblical truth that God's sovereign hand is at work not only within the history of Israel but across all nations and peoples. Even the seemingly mundane details of foreign monarchies are part of His grand design, demonstrating His control over the rise and fall of kingdoms. This meticulous record-keeping, even for those outside the direct covenant line, highlights God's comprehensive knowledge and involvement in all of human history, setting the stage for Israel's own unique story within a broader, divinely orchestrated world.

* [Genesis 36:31-43](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31-43 - The Kings of Edom")
* [Psalm 22:28](/psalms/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - The Lord Reigns Over All Nations")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a verse detailing the succession of an ancient Edomite king might seem far removed from contemporary life, it offers profound insights into God's character and His engagement with history. This passage reminds us that God is not merely the God of Israel, but the sovereign Lord of all creation, meticulously overseeing the affairs of all nations, even those seemingly outside His direct covenant. It challenges us to recognize His hand in the broader sweep of history, in current events, and even in the seemingly insignificant details of our own lives. Just as He recorded the succession of Hadad, He is intimately aware of every detail of our existence, working all things according to His purpose. This should inspire both awe at His majesty and comfort in His providential care, knowing that nothing is random or outside His purview.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping of foreign kings challenge our modern tendency to focus only on what seems immediately relevant to our own lives or faith?**
* **In what ways does the sovereignty of God over all nations (including those hostile to His people) provide comfort or challenge to our understanding of global events today?**
* **What "minor" details in your own life or community might God be meticulously recording or orchestrating for a greater, unseen purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Chronicler include such detailed genealogies of non-Israelite kings?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of detailed genealogies for non-Israelite kings, such as those of Edom in [1 Chronicles 1:43-54](/1_chronicles/1-43 "1 Chronicles 1:43-54 - The Kings of Edom"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it establishes a comprehensive historical framework, demonstrating that the history of Israel does not occur in a vacuum but within a broader geopolitical context. By listing these kings who reigned "before there was any king over the children of Israel" ([1 Chronicles 1:43](/1_chronicles/1-43 "1 Chronicles 1:43 - Kings of Edom")), the Chronicler provides a chronological marker and highlights the unique timing of Israel's monarchy. Secondly, it subtly underscores God's universal sovereignty. Even the rulers of nations often hostile to Israel are presented as part of a divinely orchestrated historical tapestry, affirming that God's dominion extends over all peoples and kingdoms, not just His chosen nation. Lastly, it validates the Chronicler's historical claims by referencing existing records, many of which would have been familiar to his original audience (e.g., the parallel account in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau")), thereby lending credibility to his narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of Edomite kings, including Hadad in [1 Chronicles 1:50](/1_chronicles/1-50 "1 Chronicles 1:50 - Hadad, King of Edom"), finds its ultimate fulfillment in the universal reign of Jesus Christ. While these ancient kings ruled over limited territories and for finite periods, their very existence within God's meticulously recorded history points to a divine plan that encompasses all of humanity. The genealogies, beginning with [Adam](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") and tracing through various nations, ultimately lead to the lineage of David, from whom Christ would descend ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). The fact that God concerns Himself with the succession of Edomite kings foreshadows the New Covenant reality where Christ's kingdom is not confined to one nation or lineage, but extends to "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Jesus, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), reigns eternally over all creation, fulfilling the implicit truth that all earthly dominion, however powerful, is ultimately subject to God's overarching plan that culminates in His Son. In Christ, the divisions between nations, symbolized by the distinct Edomite and Israelite lines, are broken down, and a new humanity is forged, united under His benevolent rule ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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 36:39

And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city [was] Pau; and his wife's name [was] Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.