1 Chronicles 1:43

Authorized 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֣לֶּה

H428

these or those

מֶ֖לֶךְ

H4428

Now these are the kings

a king

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מְלָךְ

H4427

reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֱד֔וֹם

H123

of Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מְלָךְ

H4427

reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

מֶ֖לֶךְ

H4428

Now these are the kings

a king

#10

בֶּן

H1121

over the children

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

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

בֶּ֚לַע

H1106

Bela

bela, the name of a place

#13

בֶּן

H1121

over the children

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

#14

בְּע֔וֹר

H1160

of Beor

beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam

#15

וְשֵׁ֥ם

H8034

and the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#16

עִיר֖וֹ

H5892

of his city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#17

דִּנְהָֽבָה׃

H1838

was Dinhabah

dinhabah, an edomitish town

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?