Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 1:48 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:48

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 1:48 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

1 Chronicles 1:48 (KJV)