Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 1:43
These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor. His city was named Dinhabah.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The chronicler continues a historical register of Edomite rulers immediately after listing the descendants of Ezer and Dishan. This entry functions as a chronological marker within a broader genealogical survey.
The words — מָלְכוּ (ma.le.Khu) translates literally as "they reigned," while לִ/פְנֵ֥י (li/f.Nei) means "before." These terms establish a clear chronological boundary between Edom's early monarchy and Israel's later establishment of kingship.
The thread — Genesis 36:31 repeats this exact introductory formula for the Edomite kings. The contrast with Genesis 49:10 and Numbers 24:17 highlights the future shift of royal authority to Judah.
Why it lands — The text records Bela as the first king of Edom to provide a factual baseline for later biblical comparisons of human monarchy. Readers must note this historical precedence before evaluating how Israel's kingship later diverges from it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Genesis 36:31 These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites:
- Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
- Numbers 24:17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.