Adam's placement at the head of Israel's genealogical record transforms him from Genesis's fallen figure into the foundational ancestor of God's chosen people.
1Adam, Seth, Enosh,
2Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,
3Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech,
4Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
5The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
6The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Diphath, and Togarmah.
7The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.
8The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
9The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raama, Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan.
10Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a mighty one in the earth.
11Mizraim became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,
12Pathrusim, Casluhim (where the Philistines came from), and Caphtorim.
13Canaan became the father of Sidon his firstborn, Heth,
14the Jebusite, the Amorite, the Girgashite,
15the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite,
16the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.
17The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech.
18Arpachshad became the father of Shelah, and Shelah became the father of Eber.
19To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
20Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,
21Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,
22Ebal, Abimael, Sheba,
23Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
24Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah,
25Eber, Peleg, Reu,
26Serug, Nahor, Terah,
27Abram (also called Abraham).
28The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael.
29These are their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
30Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,
31Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
32The sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: she bore Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.
33The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
34Abraham became the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel.
35The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
36The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, and Amalek.
37The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
38The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.
39The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam; and Timna was Lotan’s sister.
40The sons of Shobal: Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah.
41The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
42The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan. The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.
43Now these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel: Bela the son of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
44Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place.
45Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.
46Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith.
47Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
48Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his place.
49Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
50Baal Hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
51Then Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
52chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
53chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
54chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.
1 Chronicles opens with an extensive genealogy tracing humanity from Adam through the patriarchs to the nations surrounding Israel. The Chronicler systematically records the lineages of Noah's sons, emphasizing how all nations descended from common ancestors, before focusing on the line leading to Abraham and his descendants. This genealogical foundation establishes God's sovereignty over all peoples while highlighting Israel's special place in His redemptive plan through the chosen lineage.
Context
This genealogical introduction sets the historical foundation for Chronicles' focus on David's dynasty and the temple, establishing Israel's place among the nations.
Key Themes
Outline
A genealogical record tracing the lineage from Adam through Noah and his sons. This establishes the foundational human ancestry and God's preservation of humanity through the flood.
person_contrast
Adam's placement at the head of Israel's genealogical record transforms him from Genesis's fallen figure into the foundational ancestor of God's chosen people.
The table of nations showing how Noah's sons populated the earth after the flood. This demonstrates God's plan for populating the world and the origins of various peoples and nations.
person_contrast
Shelah appears among Ham's descendants here as a geographical founder rather than in his typical role as Judah's son in Israel's genealogy, creating a rare biblical name duplication across different lineages.
The genealogical line from Shem to Abraham, tracing the ancestry of God's chosen people. This connects the post-flood world to the beginning of God's covenant relationship with Abraham.
person_contrast
Shem transforms from Noah's righteous son preserving humanity into the genealogical bridge linking universal judgment with God's particular covenant promise to Abraham.
The descendants of Abraham through Isaac, Ishmael, and Keturah, showing the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham a father of many nations. This establishes the broader family lineage beyond the covenant line through Isaac.
person_contrast
Abraham's genealogy uniquely lists all his sons—through Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah—demonstrating God's promise that he would father "many nations," not just the covenant line.
A genealogical record tracing the descendants of Isaac through his sons Esau and Israel, including the lineages of Esau's sons and the sons of Seir. This passage establishes the family lines that would become the Edomite peoples.
person_contrast
Abraham appears here solely as Isaac's father without any mention of covenant or divine promises, reducing the patriarch to a genealogical link in Israel's tribal memory.
A chronological list of the kings who ruled in Edom before Israel had kings, followed by the chiefs of Edom. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and provides historical context for Israel's later monarchy.
geographic
Dinhabah stands as the sole biblical mention of Bela's royal city, highlighting how Israel's chronicler preserved even obscure Edomite capitals in sacred history.
Adam's placement at the head of Israel's genealogical record transforms him from Genesis's fallen figure into the foundational ancestor of God's chosen people.
Shelah appears among Ham's descendants here as a geographical founder rather than in his typical role as Judah's son in Israel's genealogy, creating a rare biblical name duplication across different lineages.
Shem transforms from Noah's righteous son preserving humanity into the genealogical bridge linking universal judgment with God's particular covenant promise to Abraham.
Abraham's genealogy uniquely lists all his sons—through Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah—demonstrating God's promise that he would father "many nations," not just the covenant line.
Abraham appears here solely as Isaac's father without any mention of covenant or divine promises, reducing the patriarch to a genealogical link in Israel's tribal memory.
Dinhabah stands as the sole biblical mention of Bela's royal city, highlighting how Israel's chronicler preserved even obscure Edomite capitals in sacred history.
Connected passages across Scripture
Seth lived one hundred five years, then became the father of Enosh.
Seth lived after he became the father of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the father of other sons and daught…
A son was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the LORD’s name.
Adam lived one hundred thirty years, and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him…
The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he became the father of other sons and…
Kenan lived after he became the father of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the father of other sons and d…
Kenan lived seventy years, then became the father of Mahalalel.
Mahalalel lived after he became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of other sons and…
Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Jared.
Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, then became the father of Lamech.
Methuselah lived after he became the father of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of other son…
After Methuselah’s birth, Enoch walked with God for three hundred years, and became the father of more sons and daughter…
Enoch lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Methuselah.
Irad was born to Enoch. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became…
Noah was five hundred years old, then Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them aft…
In the same day Noah, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the sons of Noah—and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with t…
The sons of Noah who went out from the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the father of Canaan.
Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
The sons of Japheth were: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
“Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy agains…
“‘“Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They traded the persons of men and vessels of bronze for your merchandis…
and say, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Behold, I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.
“You, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Behold, I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Mes…
The sons of Javan were: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
The burden of Tyre. Howl, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in. From t…
“I will set a sign among them, and I will send those who escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who d…
The sons of Ham were: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
Go up, you horses! Rage, you chariots! Let the mighty men go out: Cush and Put, who handle the shield; and the Ludim, wh…
Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength. Put and Libya were her helpers.
“‘“Ethiopia, Put, Lud, all the mixed people, Cub, and the children of the land that is allied with them, will fall with…
Persia, Cush, and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
The sons of Cush were: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah were: Sheba and Dedan.
“‘“The traders of Sheba and Raamah were your traders. They traded for your wares with the best of all spices, all precio…
The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in…
Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its young lions, will ask you, ‘Have you come to take the plunder?…
found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Am…
When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you go to possess it, and casts out many nations before you—the Hi…
“‘You went over the Jordan, and came to Jericho. The men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the…
the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”
Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive the Canaanite…
The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.
The sons of Aram were: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash.
Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of more sons and daughters…
This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad t…
Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber.
Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Shelah, and became the father of more sons and d…
Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the father of Shelah.
Shelah lived thirty years, and became the father of Eber.
Shelah lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Eber, and became the father of more sons and daughte…
To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was…
Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the father of Peleg.
Eber lived four hundred thirty years after he became the father of Peleg, and became the father of more sons and daughte…
Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the father of Shelah.
Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Shelah, and became the father of more sons and d…
Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber.
Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of more sons and daughters…
This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad t…
Peleg lived two hundred nine years after he became the father of Reu, and became the father of more sons and daughters.
Peleg lived thirty years, and became the father of Reu.
Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the father of Peleg.
To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was…
Eber lived four hundred thirty years after he became the father of Peleg, and became the father of more sons and daughte…
Serug lived thirty years, and became the father of Nahor.
Serug lived two hundred years after he became the father of Nahor, and became the father of more sons and daughters.
Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah, and became the father of more sons and daugh…
Joshua said to all the people, “The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘Your fathers lived of old time beyond the River, eve…
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishm…
All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you. The rams of Nebaioth will serve you. They will be accepted as…
and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.
So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son…
She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
Jokshan became the father of Sheba, and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its young lions, will ask you, ‘Have you come to take the plunder?…
The sons of Cush were: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah were: Sheba and Dedan.
After that, his brother came out, and his hand had hold on Esau’s heel. He was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old wh…
Abraham called his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.
Abraham was one hundred years old when his son, Isaac, was born to him.
This is the history of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham became the father of Isaac.
These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of O…
Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan.
These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Ja…
Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel.
these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the wife…
The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zeph…
chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the sons…
Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the descendants of Adah, Esau’s wi…
chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,
chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in t…
Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.
These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah.
These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.
These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed the…
These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim had sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth.
These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.
These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran.
Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.
chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in t…
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