1 Chronicles 1 54

1 Chronicles 1:54 kjv

Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom.

1 Chronicles 1:54 nkjv

Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.

1 Chronicles 1:54 niv

Magdiel and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.

1 Chronicles 1:54 esv

Magdiel, and Iram; these are the chiefs of Edom.

1 Chronicles 1:54 nlt

Magdiel, and Iram. These are the clan leaders of Edom.

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 54 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:54 concludes the exhaustive genealogical record of the Edomite line by specifically listing their tribal chiefs, or "dukes." This verse signifies the full extent of Esau's descendants and their organizational structure, bringing the focus of the chronicler's extensive universal genealogies (from Adam) to a definitive close regarding non-Israelite peoples before pivoting entirely to the lineage of Israel in subsequent chapters. It emphasizes God's comprehensive oversight of all nations and His meticulous recording of even those outside the direct covenantal line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

1 Chronicles 1 54 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 1 is a sweeping genealogical record, beginning with Adam and tracing humanity's lineage through Noah's sons. The chapter meticulously tracks various family lines, progressively narrowing the focus toward Abraham and his descendants. After detailing the Ishmaelites and the sons of Keturah, the narrative turns to Esau, also known as Edom, Jacob's twin brother. Verses 35-50 list Esau's sons, his immediate family, and the early kings who reigned in the land of Edom. Verse 51 then presents another list of Edomite chiefs, culminating in verse 54, which re-states and concludes the comprehensive roster of these chieftains.

Historically, Edom was located south of the Dead Sea in a mountainous region known as Seir. They were constant rivals and often enemies of Israel, reflecting the prophetic declaration over Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:23 that "two nations...the one shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger." The chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, uses these genealogies to affirm continuity and identity for a dispersed Israel, establishing legitimate claims to land, priesthood, and kingship. By including detailed non-Israelite genealogies like Edom's, the chronicler not only presents a full picture of nations known to Israel but also highlights the distinction between the covenant line and others, emphasizing God's unique relationship with Israel while still demonstrating His sovereign rule over all peoples. The repetitive listing of Edomite chiefs signifies thoroughness and an ending point before the crucial transition to the genealogies of Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 54 Word analysis

• These were the chiefs of Edom:

  • These: (אֵ֤לֶּה, ʾēlleh) - A demonstrative pronoun, simply pointing to the individuals that follow. It signifies a concluding summary or the introduction of a complete list.
  • were: Implied by the Hebrew construction; signifies their identity or designation.
  • the chiefs: (אַלּוּפֵי֙, ʾallūphê) - From the singular ʾallūph (אָלוּף). This term denotes a "chief," "duke," or "leader." It's primarily used in the Bible to describe the tribal or clan leaders of Edom, contrasting with the term for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melech). While Edom also had kings (1 Chr 1:43-50), ʾallūphîm suggests a broader, perhaps territorial or tribal, leadership structure, or a form of early proto-kingship/clan-headship before a centralized monarchy. Its use specifically for Edom highlights their unique form of governance compared to the centralized monarchy that would develop in Israel.
  • Edom: (אֱד֔וֹם, ʾĕdôm) - The nation descended from Esau, Jacob's elder twin brother. The name means "red," likely associated with Esau's reddish appearance at birth (Gen 25:25) or the color of the sandstone in the land they inhabited (Mount Seir). The name consistently represents the perpetual rival and often adversary of Israel.

• chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth, chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, chief Magdiel, chief Iram.

  • This is a precise listing of eleven ʾallūphîm found also in Gen 36:40-43. Their specific names detail the various clans or regions that comprised Edom.
    • Timna: Interestingly, a concubine of Esau's son Eliphaz (Gen 36:12) bore a son also named Timna, making this possibly a tribal name rather than just an individual.
    • Alvah, Jetheth, Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, Iram: These names likely represent leading families or geographical districts/clans of Edom at a specific period, signifying the thoroughness of the Chronicler's records regarding not only the Israelite lines but also the lines of nations with whom Israel interacted. Their inclusion emphasizes God's comprehensive oversight of all peoples and histories.

• These were the chiefs of Edom.

  • This repetition serves as a clear concluding statement for the entire Edomite section, ensuring there's no ambiguity that this particular list is now complete and that the subject of Edom has been thoroughly covered within this genealogical summary. It marks a definite end to the non-Israelite segments before the next major section focusing on Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 54 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's purpose in repeating this specific list from Genesis 36 emphasizes historical continuity and validation for his audience. For the returning exiles, certainty in their historical and genealogical claims was paramount for resettlement and re-establishing the nation of Israel and the Temple.
• The placement of this exhaustive Edomite list immediately before the detailed Israelite genealogies (starting in 1 Chronicles 2) serves as a literary device. It tidily concludes the "nations" segment, acting as a clear transition from the universal to the particular, setting the stage for the intense focus on Jacob's descendants—the true covenant people.
• While these are "chiefs," Genesis 36 also lists kings of Edom, and both are in Chronicles. This might suggest a multi-tiered leadership system in Edom (kings overseeing a larger realm, while chiefs administered specific territories or clans) or distinct historical periods where one form of leadership predominated. Scholars often debate the exact relationship between the alluphim and the melachim (kings) within Edomite society, but their inclusion in this detailed genealogical record speaks to the significance of both roles within their respective governmental structures.

1 Chronicles 1 54 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:54 is the concluding segment of a long and meticulously presented genealogy, marking the final entry for the descendants of Esau (Edom). The Chronicler’s primary aim in chapters 1-9 is to provide a comprehensive, divinely sanctioned family record for the people of Israel, especially crucial for the post-exilic community in re-establishing identity, claims to land, and temple service. Within this framework, the inclusion of non-Israelite genealogies, like that of Edom, serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, it demonstrates God's universal sovereignty. By meticulously listing descendants from Adam to the various nations, the Chronicler illustrates that God is the Creator and Overseer of all humanity, not just Israel. He orchestrates the rise and fall, the structure and dispersion, of every nation, including those hostile to His chosen people. The detailed accounting of Edom's chiefs (dukes) is not merely historical record-keeping but an affirmation that even the lineage of Israel’s historical adversaries is known to and permitted by the divine plan.

Secondly, it provides a distinct contrast. By concluding the section with Edom, a nation directly descended from Jacob’s brother but standing perpetually in opposition to Israel, the text implicitly highlights the uniqueness of God's covenant with Israel. While Esau's lineage is listed comprehensively, it eventually disappears from the biblical narrative, unlike Jacob’s, which continues into the chronicler's immediate focus. This implicitly shows the consequence of God’s sovereign choice: the "elder serving the younger" (Gen 25:23).

Finally, the verse reinforces the importance of tribal and clan organization within ancient societies. The term "chiefs" (alluphim) for Edomites is specific and reflects their historical leadership structure as distinct from the "kings" mentioned previously in 1 Chronicles 1:43-50. This thorough documentation signifies the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy as understood by the audience, underscoring the authenticity and detail of the divine record that precedes Israel’s story. It is a precise ending to one branch before turning all attention to the lineage leading to David and, ultimately, to the Messiah.