1 Chronicles 1 53

1 Chronicles 1:53 kjv

Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,

1 Chronicles 1:53 nkjv

Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar,

1 Chronicles 1:53 niv

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

1 Chronicles 1:53 esv

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

1 Chronicles 1:53 nlt

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 53 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:53 marks a transition within the genealogical record of Edom. Following the comprehensive list of Edomite kings, the verse signals the end of that regal line (implied by "And Hadad died also," acting as a final marker of an era) and proceeds to enumerate the dukes or clan chiefs of Edom. This section of the chapter primarily provides a concise, historical accounting of prominent figures within the lineage of Esau (Edom), ensuring a complete genealogical backdrop for the narrative of Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 53 Context

1 Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies tracing humanity from Adam to Abraham, and then focusing on Abraham's descendants, particularly those relevant to Israel's identity and heritage. Chapter 1 specifically details the offspring of Abraham, highlighting Isaac, and then divides into the lineages of his two sons, Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel). Verses 34-42 present Esau's lineage, while verses 43-52 enumerate the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned in Israel.

Verse 53, following this list of kings, transitions to a further set of Edomite leaders, identified as "dukes" or chiefs. This inclusion of Edomite genealogies, even hostile ones, serves several purposes for the original post-exilic audience of Chronicles: it provides a complete historical backdrop to Israel's origins, affirms God's sovereignty over all nations (including those outside the covenant), and implicitly highlights Israel's unique, covenantal standing by thoroughly cataloging their related, yet distinct, kin. The careful record of non-Israelite lines like Edom reinforces the precision of biblical history and sets a factual stage against which Israel's divinely appointed path unfolds.

1 Chronicles 1 53 Word analysis

• And Hadad died also: This phrase, unique to Chronicles at this point relative to Genesis 36, serves as a concluding or resumptive notice following the preceding list of Edomite kings (including King Hadar in v. 52, sometimes linked with Hadad due to textual similarity or different persons of the same name). Its placement immediately before the list of "dukes" marks a definite transition from the Edomite monarchy to its subsequent or parallel system of clan-based chieftainship. It signals the closure of one type of leadership enumeration and the commencement of another.
• And the dukes of Edom were: This introductory phrase distinctly shifts the focus. It introduces a different class of leaders than the kings previously listed, highlighting a diverse governmental structure within Edom's history or a return to a more tribal system after an era of monarchy.
• dukes (Hebrew: alluphê, אֲלּוּפֵי): This term signifies "chiefs," "leaders of clans," or "heads of thousands." It contrasts with melekh (מֶלֶךְ), which means "king." While Edom had kings (listed in 1 Chr 1:43-52), the persistent use of alluph for Edom's leadership (seen also in Gen 36 and Exod 15:15) implies a significant role for tribal heads alongside, or at different periods from, a centralized monarchy. This indicates a structure deeply rooted in tribal affiliations and possibly distinct from the absolute monarchies typically found elsewhere.
• Duke Timnah, Duke Aliah, Duke Jetheth: These are the specific names of the Edomite chiefs listed first in this verse (more follow in v. 54). Their individual listing confirms the meticulous nature of the genealogies. "Aliah" is rendered "Alvah" in Genesis 36:40, illustrating minor textual variations that occur across parallel passages. These names, like others in genealogies, function primarily to identify individuals within a lineage and reflect the comprehensive nature of the biblical record, affirming the reality and historicity of these tribal divisions.

1 Chronicles 1 53 Bonus section

The thorough genealogical records in Chronicles, including those for non-covenant nations like Edom, speak to the Chronicler's primary goal: to provide identity, assurance, and hope to the post-exilic community of Judah. By anchoring their present to a rich past, documented through meticulous genealogies extending even to the surrounding nations, the Chronicler demonstrated the faithfulness of God through all history and reiterated the purity and unique covenant position of the restored Israel. The mention of Edom's structure (kings and then dukes) implies a rise and potential decentralization or diversification of their power structure, further distinguishing their political path from Israel's developing monarchy, which was divinely ordained to culiminate in the eternal dynasty of David. The variations in names between 1 Chronicles and Genesis 36 (like Aliah/Alvah) are typical of ancient textual transmission and minor transcription differences, not indicating contradictory information but rather alternative spellings or scribal practices.

1 Chronicles 1 53 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:53 is a concise genealogical entry, yet rich in its historical and literary significance within the Chronicler's narrative. Following the enumeration of the kings of Edom, the mention "And Hadad died also" acts as a pivotal moment, drawing a close to that specific kingly line or period and initiating the distinct listing of Edomite dukes. This indicates that Edom, Israel's ancient kin and persistent antagonist, possessed a complex political structure that evolved over time—shifting between centralized kingship and powerful tribal chieftainships.

The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of these Edomite lines underscores several key theological and historical points. First, it reflects the comprehensive scope of divine oversight; God's plans encompass even nations not in direct covenant with Him, providing their historical accounts for posterity. Second, it serves as a foil to the meticulous Israelite genealogies that dominate much of Chronicles. By detailing the lineage of Esau, the Chronicler implicitly highlights the distinction and special destiny of Jacob's descendants. While Edom attained prominence with kings and dukes, their ultimate trajectory, marked by prophecies of judgment (e.g., Obadiah), differed sharply from Israel's enduring, albeit challenging, covenant relationship with God. The historical detail, down to individual clan leaders, underscores the Bible's commitment to recording concrete history, setting the stage for understanding Israel's identity and calling amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.