1 Chronicles 1:52
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
Original Language Analysis
אַלּ֥וּף
Duke
H441
אַלּ֥וּף
Duke
Strong's:
H441
Word #:
1 of 6
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
אַלּ֥וּף
Duke
H441
אַלּ֥וּף
Duke
Strong's:
H441
Word #:
3 of 6
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
אֵלָ֖ה
Elah
H425
אֵלָ֖ה
Elah
Strong's:
H425
Word #:
4 of 6
elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine
Historical Context
Edomite chiefs ruled from fortified highlands south of the Dead Sea, controlling trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean. Their copper mining and caravan trade created wealth reflected in archaeological sites like Bozrah and Teman. Edom's fall came through Babylonian campaigns (6th century BC) and later Nabatean displacement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Edom's early political development without covenant blessing warn against equating worldly success with divine favor?
- What does God's patient work through Israel's slower development teach about His timing versus immediate results?
Analysis & Commentary
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon (אַלּוּף אָהֳלִיבָמָה אַלּוּף אֵילָה אַלּוּף פִּינֹן)—אַלּוּף (alluph) means 'chieftain' or 'clan leader,' rendered 'duke' in KJV. These Edomite tribal chiefs ruled regions rather than centralized kingdoms. Aholibamah (אָהֳלִיבָמָה, 'tent of the high place') suggests religious significance, while Elah (אֵילָה) means 'terebinth tree' or possibly refers to the port city Elath, and Pinon (פִּינֹן) remains obscure.
Edom's tribal confederacy contrasted with Israel's covenant kingship. Before Israel had kings, Edom had chieftains (Genesis 36:31), yet this political precocity didn't translate to covenant blessing. God's delays often precede greater purposes—Israel's later monarchy would produce David and ultimately Messiah.