📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 1:52
What does 1 Chronicles 1:52 mean?
"chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,"
— 1 Chronicles 1:52 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
Baal Hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai: and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Then Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.
Explanation
This verse falls within a long genealogical list in 1 Chronicles 1, and in plain terms it simply names three tribal leaders, or "chiefs," among the descendants of Esau who settled in the land of Edom: Oholibamah, Elah, and Pinon. These are not personal names of individuals only, but function as clan or territorial names — each chief represents a family group or region within Edom, much like naming the head of a tribe stands for the whole tribe.
The book of 1 Chronicles was likely written by a priestly or Levitical author (traditionally associated with Ezra) for
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