And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

1 CHRONICLES 1:48KJV
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1 Chronicles 1:48 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:48 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:48 records that after Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth by the river became king in his place. This verse is part of a genealogy listing the succession of early kings, showing who ruled after Samlah.

The book of 1 Chronicles is recounting the line of Edomite kings, not Israelite kings, as part of a larger genealogy. The writer is listing names and places to document the history of different peoples descended from Esau. The mention of “Rehoboth by the river” gives a specific location for Shaul, helping readers distinguish him from others with the same name.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:48

  • שָׁאוּל (Shaul): This name means "asked for" or "prayed for." In this context, it identifies the individual who succeeded Samlah as king, not to be confused with the later Israelite King Saul.
  • רְחֹבוֹת (Rehoboth): This word means "broad places" or "open spaces." The verse specifies "Rehoboth by the river," which helps clarify the geographical setting and distinguishes this Rehoboth from other places with the same name.
  • נָהָר (nahar, “river”): This word refers to a river, often understood as the Euphrates in ancient texts. Mentioning the river helps pinpoint the region associated with Shaul’s rule.

Why 1 Chronicles 1:48 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the succession of Edomite kings, showing that leadership changed hands and was not limited to one family line.
  • The specific mention of “Rehoboth by the river” highlights the importance of location in ancient genealogies, helping distinguish between people and places with similar names.
  • By including these details, the chronicler connects the Edomite kings to the broader story of the descendants of Esau, giving context to Israel’s neighbors and their rulers.

Where else these words appear

“Samlah” Hebrew H8072 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 36:36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
  • Genesis 36:37 And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

“Rehoboth” Hebrew H7344 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 10:11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,
  • Genesis 26:22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
  • Genesis 36:37 And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

“river” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.