King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 1:44 Mean?

1 Chronicles 1:44 in the King James Version says “And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.”

1 Chronicles 1:44 · KJV

Context

42

The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran. Jakan: or, Akan

43

Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.

44

And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

45

And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

46

And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Primeval and patriarchal genealogies section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term תּוֹלְדוֹת (toledot) - generations is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes: (1) establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam, (2) legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises, (3) emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan, and (4) demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue. The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting God's sovereign plan through chosen lineage.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Genealogies from Adam to Edom - establishing covenant continuity. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding genealogies as theological statements rather than mere historical records change your reading of Chronicles and other biblical genealogies?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness across generations, and how does that apply to your own family's spiritual legacy?
  3. How does God's sovereign plan through chosen lineage connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיָּ֖מָת1 of 8

“was dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בָּ֑לַע2 of 8

“And when Bela”

H1106

bela, the name of a place

וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ3 of 8

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּ֔יו4 of 8
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

יוֹבָ֥ב5 of 8

“Jobab”

H3103

jobab, the name of two israelites and of three foreigners

בֶּן6 of 8

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

זֶ֖רַח7 of 8

“of Zerah”

H2226

zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince

מִבָּצְרָֽה׃8 of 8

“of Bozrah”

H1224

botsrah, a place in edom

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 1:44 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 1:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 34:6Isaiah 63:1Micah 2:12Amos 1:12Jeremiah 49:13

Places in This Verse

Bozrah 1Settlement · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E8 verses across 6 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 1 →

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