1 Chronicles 1 30

1 Chronicles 1:30 kjv

Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,

1 Chronicles 1:30 nkjv

Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,

1 Chronicles 1:30 niv

Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,

1 Chronicles 1:30 esv

Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,

1 Chronicles 1:30 nlt

Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 30 Meaning

This verse lists eight of Ishmael's twelve sons, specifically Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. Together with the four sons named in 1 Chronicles 1:29, it completes the enumeration of Ishmael's full progeny, who became the patriarchs of distinct tribal groups across the Arabian Peninsula. Its inclusion in this extensive genealogy confirms the divine promise made to Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of "twelve princes" and a "great nation," demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word to all lines of descent, not solely the covenant line through Isaac.

1 Chronicles 1 30 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 1 is an extensive genealogical record, beginning with Adam and systematically tracing the lineages through various patriarchs down to Esau and early kings of Edom. This meticulous charting of lineage serves multiple purposes for its original post-exilic audience: to establish national identity, affirm land claims, and legitimize the Levitical priesthood and Davidic monarchy. Within this comprehensive account, verses 28-34 detail the descendants of Abraham, encompassing Ishmael, Isaac, and Keturah, and subsequently Esau's lineage. Verse 30 specifically functions to complete the record of Ishmael's sons that began in verse 29. By precisely listing these names, the Chronicler reinforces God's fidelity in fulfilling His ancient promise to Abraham that Ishmael would father "twelve princes" (Gen 17:20, Gen 25:12-16). This inclusion situates Israel within a broader network of historically recognized peoples and emphasizes the accuracy of biblical prophecy, showcasing divine faithfulness not only to Israel but to Abraham's other descendants.

1 Chronicles 1 30 Word analysis

• Mishma (מִשְׁמָע, Mishma): One of the twelve sons of Ishmael. The name possibly means "hearing" or "report." It denotes an ancient Arabian tribal group descending from this son, affirming the detailed fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael's prolific lineage.

• Dumah (דוּמָה, Dumah): Meaning "silence" or "stillness." Another Ishmaelite son. This name is also associated with an oasis and settlement in northern Arabia (modern Dumat al-Jandal), suggesting the establishment of a tangible tribal territory that later featured in prophetic discourse (Is 21:11).

• Massa (מַשָּׂא, Massa): Meaning "burden" or "utterance/oracle." Listed as an Ishmaelite son. This name is particularly notable because it appears in the headings of Proverbs 30:1 and 31:1, implying a specific non-Israelite tribal tradition or place of origin for wisdom literature known to Israel. This suggests interaction and shared wisdom in the broader regional context.

• Hadad (חֲדַד, Ḥaḏaḏ): Meaning "fierce" or potentially linked to "thunder." One of Ishmael's sons. While distinct from the Edomite king or Aramean god of the same name, its inclusion signifies another named tribal line descended from Ishmael, further validating the genealogical promise.

• Tema (תֵּימָא, Teima): Meaning "south" or "desert." An Ishmaelite son who became the eponymous ancestor of an important oasis city and trading hub in northwest Arabia. Mentioned in prophetic books (Is 21:14) and Job (6:19), indicating its significant role in ancient Near Eastern commerce and geography, and affirming the establishment of a notable tribal region.

• Jetur (יְטוּר, Yeṭur): Meaning "encampment" or "circling." Another of Ishmael's sons. The tribal group descending from him became known as the Itureans, settling east of the Jordan and known for their prowess in warfare. This tribe engaged in conflict with Israel (1 Chr 5:19), underscoring the real-world historical interactions with Ishmael's descendants.

• Naphish (נָפִישׁ, Nafish): Meaning "refreshed" or "numerous souls." A son of Ishmael, whose tribal descendants were also encountered by Israel. Along with Jetur, the Naphish tribe fought against the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (1 Chr 5:19), marking another tangible interaction between Israel and Ishmael's line.

• Kedemah (קֵדְמָה, Ḳeḏmah): Meaning "east" or "oriental." The twelfth and final son of Ishmael mentioned. The name itself reflects the geographical orientation of the Arabian tribes, generally located to Israel's east, further specifying the extent and identity of the Ishmaelite peoples.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, Kedemah": This exhaustive listing of Ishmael's final eight sons directly follows the initial four named in the previous verse, thereby completing the prophesied group of "twelve princes." This full enumeration serves a crucial purpose: it provides a meticulous account, reinforcing the absolute fulfillment of God's word concerning Abraham's other lineage (Gen 17:20, 25:12-16). The chronicler's detailed recording emphasizes divine faithfulness to all His promises and situates Israel among its named and distinct neighbors. These specific names trace the origin of notable Arabian tribes, highlighting their historical presence, geographical reach, and their varied interactions with Israel over time, from trade to conflict.

1 Chronicles 1 30 Bonus section

• The Twelve Princes Analogy: The number twelve holds significant theological weight throughout the Bible, notably with the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The precise fulfillment of "twelve princes" from Ishmael demonstrates a divine pattern and structure for peoples, highlighting God's order and specific blessing, even for a non-covenant line.
• Confirmation in Extra-Biblical Sources: Many of these named tribes, such as Tema, Dumah, and Kedar, appear in ancient Assyrian, Babylonian, and other historical inscriptions and archaeological findings, confirming their historical existence and geographical locations. This extra-biblical corroboration lends further support to the accuracy of the biblical genealogies.
• Thematic Emphasis on Fulfillment: For the post-exilic community reading Chronicles, these genealogies were profoundly important for establishing their identity and their place in God's ongoing plan. The meticulous listing of Ishmael's sons reinforced the overarching theme that God keeps all His promises, which would have offered comfort and assurance amidst their rebuilding efforts.
• Geopolitical Context: By mapping out the descendants of Ishmael, the Chronicler also provided a sort of geopolitical overview for his audience, delineating the surrounding nations and their origins from a common Abrahamic heritage, which informed historical alliances, conflicts, and trade relationships documented elsewhere in Scripture.

1 Chronicles 1 30 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:30 serves as the culmination of Ishmael's lineage, explicitly listing the remainder of his twelve sons as promised by God to Abraham. This record is not merely a rote historical fact but a testament to divine faithfulness; God’s word is precise, extending even to those not within the direct line of Israel’s covenant. The names provided—Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah—are more than just historical markers; they represent the ancestral heads of distinct Arabian tribal groups. These tribes were active entities in the world of ancient Israel, engaging in trade, featuring in prophetic utterances, and occasionally confronting Israel in battle. Their inclusion in Israel's foundational genealogy reflects the Chronicler's intent to place Israel within a broader, God-governed world, showing divine sovereignty over all peoples while emphasizing the unique story of the covenant nation. This concise yet comprehensive enumeration highlights God's expansive plan and His attention to every detail of His word.