Elah
Elah is another chief of Edom, and his name means "oak" or "terebinth," which are trees often associated with strength and endurance in biblical literature. The oak tree is frequently used as a symbol of stability and longevity, which may reflect the enduring nature of Edom's leadership. Elah's inclusion in the list of chiefs underscores the structured governance of Edom, a nation that played a significant role in the history of Israel. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were often in conflict with the Israelites, yet they shared a common ancestry, which is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative of reconciliation and conflict among kin.

Pinon
Pinon is listed as one of the chiefs of Edom, and his name is less frequently mentioned in other biblical texts, making it more challenging to derive specific historical or cultural insights. However, the inclusion of Pinon in the genealogy serves to complete the list of Edomite leaders, emphasizing the organized tribal structure of Edom. The mention of these chiefs in 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of genealogies in preserving the history and identity of nations. It also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the peoples in the ancient Near East, where familial ties often influenced political and social dynamics. The genealogies in Chronicles provide a backdrop for understanding the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.

“Oholibamah” appears first in the trio of Edomite chiefs named in 1 Chronicles 1:52. She was originally one of Esau’s wives (Genesis 36:2, 5, 14), and her name eventually became the title of a ruling clan in Edom. That detail reveals several things:

• The chronicler, by the Spirit, confirms that every promise and prophecy connected to Esau was literally fulfilled (Genesis 25:23; 27:39-40).

• A matriarch’s name heading a clan shows how family lines—male or female—could shape entire peoples (compare Deborah’s palm tree in Judges 4:5).

• God records Edom’s history even though Edom often set itself against Israel (Numbers 20:14-21; Amos 1:11). His sovereignty extends to all nations, and every tribe is known to Him (Acts 17:26).

Takeaway: while Oholibamah’s descendants wielded regional power (Genesis 36:40-43), Scripture ultimately traces true covenant blessing through Jacob, reminding us that earthly prominence never overrides God’s elective purpose (Romans 9:10-13).

Next comes “Elah,” another Edomite chief (Genesis 36:41). Although a later northern-Israelite king also bore that name (1 Kings 16:8), the two figures are distinct; the shared name simply underscores cultural overlap in the region. Key observations:

• Elah’s inclusion verifies the chronicler’s meticulous agreement with Moses’ record in Genesis 36, reinforcing the reliability of both books.

• Every clan head listed attests to God’s promise that Esau would become “a nation and a people” (Genesis 25:23).

• Edom’s eventual downfall, foretold in Obadiah 1:8-9 and Malachi 1:3-4, shows that even well-established chiefs can fall when they oppose God’s purposes (see also Isaiah 34:5-6).

Lesson: earthly leadership is temporary; only those aligned with the Lord’s covenant endure (Proverbs 14:11).

Finally, “Pinon” rounds out the trio (Genesis 36:42). Scripture says little more about him, yet his brief mention carries weight:

• God’s Word values precision. By preserving even obscure names, the Spirit invites us to trust the entire record (2 Timothy 3:16).

• Pinon’s clan likely controlled a locale in Edom’s mountainous region—territory later seized by Judah’s King Amaziah (2 Kings 14:7). The shift of control highlights how God can redistribute land and influence according to His will (Daniel 2:21).

• The prophetic trajectory moves from genealogical listing to moral accountability: Edom’s chiefs are remembered, but their pride receives divine rebuke (Obadiah 1:3-4).

Application: anonymity in Scripture never equals insignificance before God; every person and clan will ultimately answer to Him (Revelation 20:12).

1 Chronicles 1:52, though a single verse naming three Edomite chiefs—Oholibamah, Elah, and Pinon—confirms God’s faithfulness to His promises, the historical accuracy of Scripture, and the truth that earthly power is fleeting. Whether a matriarch-turned-clan, a ruler sharing a common name, or an otherwise unknown chief, each entry proves that every nation’s story unfolds under the sovereign hand of the Lord, who records, remembers, and righteously judges all.

Parallel Commentaries ...