1 Chronicles 1:43 – “These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned: Bela son of Beor, whose city was named Dinhabah.”
Extended Explanation
This verse begins a list of the kings who ruled in Edom before Israel had its own monarchy. Bela, the son of Beor, was one of the early kings, and his city was named Dinhabah. The statement “before any Israelite king reigned” is significant because it highlights the fact that Edom had an established monarchy well before Israel’s first king, Saul. Edom, the nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel), developed its own kingdom with a series of rulers who governed independently from Israel.
The mention of Bela and his city Dinhabah provides insight into the early organization of Edom and its governance structure. This verse sets the stage for the later interactions between Edom and Israel, two nations with a shared ancestry but often with opposing interests.
Historical Context
Edom’s monarchy predates the establishment of Israel’s kings. The descendants of Esau settled in the mountainous region of Seir, south of Israel, and formed their own nation. Throughout the Bible, Edom and Israel had a complex relationship. They were often in conflict, but their shared ancestry through Isaac and Rebekah also linked them together in various ways. The mention of Edom’s kings before Israel had a monarchy underscores the different political paths these two nations took.
Bela’s reign in Edom and the existence of a city called Dinhabah reveal that Edom was organized and had significant urban centers, much like Israel would later develop. This verse suggests that Edom had a long-standing political and social structure in place before Israel became a kingdom under Saul.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates the sovereignty of God over all nations. While the Bible focuses primarily on Israel, it also acknowledges the presence and development of other nations, like Edom. God is not only concerned with Israel but with all peoples and kingdoms. Even though Edom often opposed Israel, the inclusion of Edom’s kings in the Bible shows that they were still under God’s rule and part of His larger plan for the world.
Additionally, this verse reminds us that God’s timing is different for each nation and people. Israel was later to establish a monarchy, but God was still at work among His people, guiding them through the leadership of judges and prophets before kings were necessary.
Literary Analysis
The chronicler includes this list of Edomite kings to provide a broader historical context for Israel’s neighboring nations. By mentioning that Edom had kings before Israel, the chronicler contrasts the development of the two nations. This not only serves to highlight the difference in their political timelines but also suggests that God’s plan for Israel followed a unique path.
The brief mention of Bela and his city Dinhabah gives just enough detail to show that Edom was not a backward or insignificant nation. They had cities and rulers, indicating a level of organization and governance comparable to other ancient nations.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 36:31-32 – This passage also lists the kings of Edom, confirming that Bela son of Beor was the first king, and his city was Dinhabah.
- 1 Samuel 8:5 – The elders of Israel ask Samuel to appoint a king, marking the shift toward monarchy in Israel, which occurred much later than Edom’s monarchy.
- Obadiah 1:1 – This prophetic book focuses on Edom’s downfall, showing the ongoing tension between Edom and Israel and God’s judgment on Edom for its opposition to Israel.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, 1 Chronicles 1:43 serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations, not just those directly connected to His covenant people. Even though Edom was often hostile toward Israel, they were still part of God’s larger plan for human history. This verse encourages believers to recognize that God is involved in the rise and fall of all nations and leaders, not just those we might consider central to the story of salvation.
This passage also encourages Christians to trust in God’s timing and plan. Israel did not have a king for many years, but that did not mean God was not at work. Sometimes God’s plans for His people unfold more slowly than we might expect, but His timing is always perfect.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love and concern for all people, even those outside the direct covenant relationship with Israel. By including the kings of Edom in the Bible, God shows that He cares about the nations and their histories. His love is not limited to one people group but extends to all nations, even those that oppose His chosen people.
God’s love is also shown in His patience and timing. While Israel’s monarchy came later than Edom’s, God was still faithfully working through Israel’s judges and leaders, demonstrating His loving guidance in every season of their history.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
While Bela and the kings of Edom are not directly related to Jesus, this verse connects to the broader theme of God’s sovereignty over all nations. Jesus came not only for Israel but for all people, including those from nations that were historically enemies of Israel, like Edom. Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to the whole world reflects the truth that God’s plan has always included all nations, not just Israel.
In the New Testament, Jesus breaks down the barriers between nations, offering salvation to everyone, regardless of their nationality. The kings of Edom remind us that God is at work in all places, and through Jesus, people from every nation can come to know God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to think about God’s involvement in the rise and fall of all nations, not just Israel?
- What can we learn from the fact that Edom had kings before Israel about God’s timing and plan for His people?
- How does this passage remind you of God’s love for all nations, even those outside the covenant family of Israel?
- In what ways does Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to all people reflect God’s plan for the nations, including those like Edom?