What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 1:35? The sons of Esau “The sons of Esau:” (1 Chronicles 1:35). Genealogies like this anchor the story of redemption in real time and space. • Esau, Jacob’s twin, is also called Edom (Genesis 36:1); his line becomes the nation that settles south of Judah (Numbers 20:14). • God had promised, while the twins were still in Rebekah’s womb, that “two nations are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23). This list shows that word unfolding exactly as spoken. • Malachi 1:2-3 recalls God’s sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau, yet here we still see the Lord’s faithfulness in giving Esau a fruitful lineage. Eliphaz First in the list is Eliphaz, the son Esau had with Adah (Genesis 36:4). • His own sons—Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz—become Edomite chiefs (Genesis 36:11, 15), and his concubine Timna bears Amalek (Genesis 36:12), forefather of Israel’s bitter foe (Exodus 17:8-13). • Teman’s descendants gain a reputation for wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7; Obadiah 1:8-9). Takeaway: A single branch can produce both adversaries and sages; God’s purposes are broader than our family stereotypes. Reuel Reuel, born to Basemath (Genesis 36:4), stands second. • His sons—Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah—also become clan leaders (Genesis 36:13, 17). • The name Reuel later appears for Moses’ Midianite father-in-law (Exodus 2:18), a reminder that similar names do not equal identical people; Scripture preserves distinct lineages with care. Lesson: Even lesser-known figures matter; each name testifies that the Lord “knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). Jeush Jeush is one of three sons Esau fathered through Oholibamah (Genesis 36:5). • He becomes a chief in Edom (Genesis 36:17-18). • Though he fades from the narrative, his inclusion underscores that God records every family thread, not just the most famous. Reflection: Obscurity in human history is not obscurity to God (Psalm 139:15-16). Jalam Jalam, another son of Oholibamah, follows Jeush. • Scripture offers no exploits or scandals; sometimes a quiet life is itself a testimony. • His name still receives honorable mention in 1 Chronicles and Genesis, showing that divine recordkeeping values faithfulness over fame (Proverbs 22:1). Korah Last is Korah, also from Oholibamah. • He should not be confused with the Levitical Korah who rebelled against Moses (Numbers 16); different family, different century. • Edomite Korah becomes a chief (Genesis 36:18), illustrating how leadership can arise outside the covenant line yet still operate under God’s overarching sovereignty (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). summary 1 Chronicles 1:35 is more than a roll call. It demonstrates that: • God keeps His word to nations as well as individuals. • Every branch of a family tree carries potential for blessing, conflict, prominence, or quiet service. • The Lord’s meticulous record of Esau’s sons affirms both the historical reliability of Scripture and the value He places on every life. |
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