1 Chronicles 1:43-54 - These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the people of Israel: Bela the son of Beor, the name of his city being Dinhabah. Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place, the name of his city being Avith. Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place. Shaul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. Baal-hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his place, the name of his city being Pai; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. And Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, and Iram; these are the chiefs of Edom.

This passage from 1 Chronicles provides a record of the kings who reigned in Edom before Israel had a king. It traces the dynastic succession, listing the kings who ruled and the cities over which they reigned. We see that God is concerned not just with Israel's history, but with the surrounding nations as well. Even though these rulers did not know the true God, He kept a record of them. Every person matters to God. He cares about all people and wants all to come to know Him. As we read about the succession of little-known kings, we are reminded that the details of history matter to God.

It's striking to me that God inspired the chronicling of Edom's history in Scripture. This shows that He cares about all nations, not just Israel. Though Edom opposed and fought against Israel at times, they were still important to God. I'm reminded that God loves everyone in this world, no matter their background or beliefs. He desires for all people to know Him, not just those who grew up learning about Him. Even those kings who didn't worship Yahweh were precious to God and part of His plan. As followers of Jesus, we're called to have this same love for all people - even those quite different from us. We should care about their wellbeing and desire for them to know the salvation and love offered through Christ.

Lord, open our eyes to see every person as You see them - infinitely precious and loved by You. Help us love our enemies, bless those who oppose us, and desire Your salvation for all people from every tribe and tongue. Use us to share your relentless love with our neighbors near and far.