Nahath,
Nahath is one of Reuel's sons, and his name means "rest" or "quiet." This name may reflect a period of peace or stability within his lineage. Nahath is also mentioned in Genesis 36:13, which provides a parallel account of Esau's descendants. The repetition of these genealogies underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in biblical history.

Zerah,
Zerah, meaning "rising" or "dawning," is another son of Reuel. The name Zerah appears in various genealogies, including the lineage of Judah (Genesis 38:30), indicating its commonality and significance. The name may symbolize hope or a new beginning, which is a recurring theme in biblical narratives.

Shammah,
Shammah, meaning "astonishment" or "desolation," is a name that appears in different contexts throughout the Bible. In this genealogy, it signifies the continuation of Esau's line. The name Shammah is also associated with one of David's mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:11), illustrating the diverse roles individuals with this name played in biblical history.

and Mizzah.
Mizzah, whose name means "fear" or "terror," completes the list of Reuel's sons. This name is unique to this genealogy, emphasizing the distinctiveness of each branch of Esau's descendants. The mention of Mizzah and his brothers in the genealogical record serves to document the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau that he would become a nation (Genesis 25:23).

1 Chronicles 1:37 opens with the phrase, “The sons…,” reminding us that Scripture’s genealogies matter.

• God tracks families to show His covenant faithfulness (Genesis 17:7).

• These lists bridge generations, anchoring later events—like Israel’s monarchy—in real history (Ruth 4:18-22).

• They also underline that every individual life fits inside God’s larger redemptive storyline (Matthew 1:1-16).

Reuel, Esau’s second son (Genesis 36:4), heads this branch of the Edomite line.

• God promised Esau a nation (Genesis 25:23), and Reuel’s family helps fulfill that word.

• The Chronicler includes Edomite records so Judah’s post-exilic readers recall that God rules over all peoples, not just Israel (Deuteronomy 2:5).

• Reuel’s name appears again when his descendants become Edomite clan chiefs (Genesis 36:43), showing steady growth just as God foretold.

First on Reuel’s list, Nahath later lends his name to an Edomite clan (Genesis 36:17).

• His placement first suggests prominence among his brothers.

• God preserves even “minor” figures in Scripture, highlighting that no life is hidden from His sight (Psalm 139:16).

• By recording Nahath, the text foreshadows future Edomite-Israel interactions in the wilderness era (Numbers 20:14).

Next comes Zerah.

• This Zerah is distinct from Judah’s son of the same name (Genesis 38:30), reminding us that shared names do not blur individual identity before God (John 10:3).

• His clan’s later mention alongside kings of Edom (Genesis 36:33) points to political development among Esau’s descendants.

• The Chronicler quietly contrasts Edom’s early kingship with Israel’s patient wait for a God-chosen monarch (1 Samuel 8:4-7).

Third in order, Shammah’s appearance is brief yet deliberate.

• “Shammah” shows up multiple times in Scripture for different people (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:9), illustrating how God weaves many stories through common names.

• Including Shammah assures us that every generation is known and accounted for, even when details are scarce (Hebrews 6:10).

• His mention underscores the literal historicity of these families; they are not mythical placeholders but genuine ancestors.

The list concludes with Mizzah.

• Genesis 36:17 repeats his name, signaling continuity in the biblical record.

• Though we read nothing else about him, his presence seals the completeness of Reuel’s four-son line, reflecting God’s care for orderly documentation (1 Corinthians 14:33).

• Together, the four brothers represent a full family unit, preparing readers for later references to Edom’s tribal chiefs (Genesis 36:40-43).

1 Chronicles 1:37 is more than a string of ancient names; it showcases God’s precise fulfillment of promises, His intimate knowledge of every person, and His sovereignty over nations inside and outside Israel. By noting Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah in Reuel’s line, Scripture assures us that history unfolds exactly as God designs, and every life—recorded or seemingly obscure—plays a part in His unfolding plan.

Parallel Commentaries ...