Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 1:44
When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Chronicler compiles a regnal catalog of Edom, documenting the transfer of royal authority immediately before Israel established its own monarchy. This passage operates as a historical record of foreign succession rather than a covenantal narrative.
The words — The verse turns on וַ/יִּמְלֹ֣ךְ (va/i.yim.Lokh), literally "and he reigned," coupled with תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו (tach.Ta/v), meaning "in place of him." These terms structurally mark the dynastic shift from Bela to Jobab without editorial commentary.
The thread — Bozrah, identified as Jobab’s origin, recurs in Isaiah 34:6 and Isaiah 63:1 as a focal point of divine judgment against Edom. Jeremiah 49:13 explicitly pronounces Bozrah destined for desolation and ruin.
Why it lands — The text records a political succession without moral evaluation, establishing that foreign kingdoms operate under sovereign oversight independent of Israel’s covenant history. Readers must recognize that biblical genealogies catalog human authority before interpreting its theological significance.
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
And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 34:6 The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
- Isaiah 63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.”
- Jeremiah 49:13 For by Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a desolation, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse, and all her cities will be in ruins forever.”
- Amos 1:12 So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah.”
- Micah 2:12 I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will collect the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in the midst of its pasture—a noisy throng.