Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 1:47 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 1:47 records a change in leadership among the early Edomite kings, stating that after Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah became king in his place. This verse is part of a historical list tracing the rulers of Edom before Israel had its own kings. The writer of 1 Chronicles is listing the succession of Edomite kings for the readers of Israel, showing the line of rulers in the region south of Israel. The verse simply marks the transition from one king, Hadad, to the next, Samlah, and notes Samlah’s origin as Masrekah, a location in Edom. This list gives context to the broader genealogy and history of the nations related to Israel.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:47

Accepted Answer

"Hadad" (הֲדַד, Hadad): This is the name of the king who died. The name Hadad was common in Edom and is also the name of a storm god in the region, showing cultural connections. "dead" (מֵת, mēt): This word means "died" or "was dead." The verse uses it to mark the end of Hadad’s reign and life, a simple but important transition point. "Samlah" (שַׂמְלָה, Samlah): This is the name of the new king. The text gives no details about him beyond his succession and origin, emphasizing the factual nature of the record. "Masrekah" (מַשְׂרֵקָה, Masrekah): This is the place Samlah came from. Mentioning his city roots him in a specific location, which may have been significant for the original audience. "reigned" (וַיִּמְלֹךְ, vayyimlokh): This verb means "became king" or "ruled." It marks the official start of Samlah’s rule, continuing the orderly succession.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 1:47 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify the sequence of Edomite kings, showing that Edom had established leadership before Israel’s monarchy, which is a point the Chronicler highlights in this genealogy. By naming both the king and his city, the verse grounds the history in real places and people, reminding readers that these were actual rulers in a neighboring nation. The verse connects to the larger theme of 1 Chronicles 1, which is to trace the origins and relationships of various peoples related to Israel, setting the stage for understanding Israel’s place among the nations.

1 Chronicles 1:47 (KJV)