1 Chronicles 1:44

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֖מָת

H4191

was dead

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

בָּ֑לַע

H1106

And when Bela

bela, the name of a place

וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ

H4427

reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּ֔יו

H8478

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

יוֹבָ֥ב

H3103

Jobab

jobab, the name of two israelites and of three foreigners

בֶּן

H1121

the son

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

זֶ֖רַח

H2226

of Zerah

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

מִבָּצְרָֽה׃

H1224

of Bozrah

botsrah, a place in edom

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?