1 Chronicles 1 49

1 Chronicles 1:49 kjv

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

1 Chronicles 1:49 nkjv

When Saul died, Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.

1 Chronicles 1:49 niv

When Shaul died, Baal-Hanan son of Akbor succeeded him as king.

1 Chronicles 1:49 esv

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

1 Chronicles 1:49 nlt

When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Acbor became king in his place.

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 49 Meaning

This verse details a simple succession of Edomite kings. It states that Shaul died, then Baal-Hanan son of Achbor also died, and finally, Hadad became king in Baal-Hanan's place. This forms part of the historical record of Edomite rulers before the monarchy was established in Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 49 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 1 provides a comprehensive genealogical record beginning with Adam, establishing humanity's lineage and connecting it directly to Israel. This verse, 1 Chronicles 1:49, is situated within a specific segment (verses 43-54) dedicated to listing the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. The Chronicler meticulously reproduces this list almost verbatim from Genesis 36:31-43. The purpose here is twofold: to demonstrate the Chronicler's awareness of non-Israelite histories within the divine plan and, more importantly, to serve as a contrasting backdrop to the uniquely chosen and covenanted kingship of Israel, particularly the Davidic dynasty, which the book of Chronicles subsequently emphasizes. It shows that kingship existed among other nations through natural succession before God specifically intervened to establish it in Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 49 Word analysis

• And when Shaul (וַיָּמָת שָׁאוּל - vay-ya-mat Shaul): The Hebrew vav (and) signifies sequence. "Shaul" here is not King Saul of Israel, but an Edomite king from Rehoboth-on-the-River, as named in 1 Chronicles 1:48, immediately preceding this verse. This distinction is crucial for correct interpretation, separating the historical accounts of foreign kings from Israelite kingship.
• was dead (וַיָּמָת - vay-ya-mat): Derived from muth meaning "to die." It simply denotes the cessation of life. Its repetition emphasizes the natural process of succession in Edom through death, unlike the divine anointing that marked Israel's true kingship.
• Baal-Hanan (בַּעַל חָנָן - Baal-Hanan): This name means "Baal has been gracious" or "Lord of favor." The "Baal" component identifies it as non-Israelite, drawing on West Semitic deity worship, which contrasts subtly with Israel's future Yahweh-centric names. It serves as an identifying mark of their distinct cultural and religious landscape.
• son of Achbor (בֶּן עַכְבּוֹר - ben Achbor): A common genealogical descriptor, indicating parentage. Achbor means "mouse" or "jerboa."
• died (וַיָּמָת - vay-ya-mat): Repeated, emphasizing a sequence of deaths and the natural flow of time and succession.
• and Hadad (וַיִּמְלֹךְ חַדָּד - vay-yim-lokh Hadad): "Hadad" (חַדָּד) is another Edomite king whose name also contains elements connected to West Semitic storm deities, further highlighting the foreign context.
• reigned (וַיִּמְלֹךְ - vay-yim-lokh): From malakh, meaning "to be king, to reign." It signifies the commencement of a new monarch's rule.
• in his place (תַּחְתָּיו - taḥ-tav): Literally "under him" or "in his stead." It clearly denotes the successor assuming the prior king's position and authority.

1 Chronicles 1 49 Bonus section

The repetitive use of "died" (vay-yamat) three times in quick succession in the Hebrew, though only translated twice with the first "Shaul was dead," emphasizes the inevitability and finality of natural succession without divine intervention, providing a theological contrast to the divinely appointed kings of Israel who would be introduced later. While Genesis 36 includes more detailed genealogical information for the "chiefs" (clans) of Edom, the Chronicler focuses solely on the kings, underscoring his emphasis on royal lines. The order and structure of these verses confirm the Chronicler’s overarching narrative, which consistently aims to legitimise and elevate the house of David as God’s chosen line, thereby distinguishing them from any other earthly monarchy.

1 Chronicles 1 49 Commentary

This concise verse from 1 Chronicles 1:49 continues the Chronicler's meticulous historical and genealogical record. Far from being a mere dry list, the inclusion of these Edomite kings highlights several significant theological points. It first establishes the temporal reality that other nations had organized monarchies before Israel did, setting the stage for understanding Israel's distinct path to kingship. Second, the consistent portrayal of succession through death ("died...died...reigned in his place") underscores a natural, human-driven process of rule in Edom, contrasting sharply with the divine election, covenant, and anointing that characterized the Davidic monarchy in Israel. The pagan connotations of names like Baal-Hanan and Hadad implicitly separate these rulers from the God of Israel, subtly reinforcing the unique spiritual heritage and identity of the Israelite people, a central concern for the post-exilic community the Chronicler addressed.