King of Edom before Israel had kings
Samlah
Named in 4 verses across 2 books, first in Genesis 36:36.
שַׂמְלָהSamlah
The name means “his raiment; his left hand; his astonishment.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- People
- Edom
About Samlah Written by AI
Samlah is mentioned in Genesis 36:36 to 37 and 1 Chronicles 1:47 to 48 as one of the kings who reigned in Edom before Israel had kings. He was from the city of Masrekah and succeeded Hadad, son of Bedad, as king of Edom. After Samlah's death, Shaul from Rehoboth on the River succeeded him as king. The genealogies in Genesis 36 and 1Chronicles 1 list the descendants of Esau, who was Jacob's brother, and the kings who ruled in Edom. These kings were not necessarily related to each other, and their reigns were not dynastic. The mention of these kings demonstrates Edom's political organization and its existence as a nation before Israel had a centralized monarchy. Samlah's inclusion in these lists provides a glimpse into the history of Edom and its relationship with Israel.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Where the Bible names him
- Genesis 36:36
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.
- Genesis 36:37
When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place.
- 1 Chronicles 1:47
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.
- 1 Chronicles 1:48
When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.