Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Genesis Chapter 36mean?

Genesis 36 consists of a list of Esau’s offspring, focusing primarily on genealogy and the rulers of Edom, the nation that came from Esau. The chapter is inserted in Genesis between the generations of Isaac (Genesis 25:19), ending with his death in the previous chapter (Genesis 35:28–29), and the generations of Jacob, which follow Joseph’s story through to the end of the book (Genesis 37:1–2).

Three of Esau’s wives are listed as the mothers of his many sons. Strangely, the names of these wives and the fathers they came from are somewhat different from those reported in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9. It’s possible Esau had other wives or that the names of his wives were changed. Esau took his wives from the Canaanite people of the land. Abraham had insisted that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman. Isaac had directed Jacob to find a wife from their relatives outside of the land, as well. Esau’s choice to marry these women may have contributed to his move away from the family.

Esau is associated with the name “Edom” due to his unique birth and an event earlier in his life (Genesis 25:25, 30). The land they come to rule also has a name with an ironic coincidence. Esau was known for being hairy (Genesis 27:11), and the word “seir” literally means “shaggy” (Genesis 36:1).

Esau’s wives Adah, Oholibamah, and Basemath bore to him five sons, including Eliphaz, his firstborn. These sons were all born in the land of Canaan. Jacob’s family was the reverse. All but one of his sons were born outside of the land before he moved back home. Esau’s were born in the land before he moved his family and all that he owned away to the hill country of Seir (Genesis 36:2–5).

This territory was taken from the Horites (Genesis 14:6) during a period of conquest (Deuteronomy 2:12). Their choice to move away from Jacob fulfills prophecy about Esau breaking free from his brother’s shadow (Genesis 27:39–40). It is driven by economics, since there aren’t enough resources for both large clans (Genesis 36:6–8).

This chapter emphasizes repeatedly that Esau is Edom. That is, the Edomite people and nation all came from him. His grandsons are listed according to their fathers, and then listed again as the chiefs or tribal leaders in the land of Edom. One of the key names in this segment is Amalek: his descendants would become vicious enemies of Israel (Exodus 17:8, 16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:2–3). Another part of this list mentions the kings of the Horites (Deuteronomy 2:12) who occupied the land (Genesis 14:6) before Esau’s clans took over. The text also notes that Edom had kings long before Israel. This is because Israel will spend more than four centuries in slavery (Exodus 12:40), before an era under a series of “judges” (Judges 12:25), rather than under a king (Genesis 36:9–39).

Finally, the chapter lists another set of the chiefs of Esau, perhaps naming the regions in Edom by the original heads of the clans who occupied each area (Genesis 36:40–43).

Over time, the nation of Edom grew hostile towards Israel (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20). This ultimately led to Edom’s participation in Israel’s defeat and exile, and the judgment of God on the Edomites (Obadiah 1:1–4, 10). Prophecy was fulfilled when the Nabateans overcame Seir and the nation of Edom was dissolved (Malachi 1:2–5). Survivors settled in Hebron, becoming known as the Idumeans. A notable member of this group was Herod the Great, who tried to have Jesus killed as an infant (Matthew 2:16–18). In AD 70, Idumeans tried to join the Jewish rebellion against Rome and were entirely obliterated. As a nation, and even as a distinct people group, they became extinct.

Chapter Context
Genesis 35 concludes with the death of Isaac. It marks the end of the story arc which focused on him (Genesis 25:19). Genesis 36 briefly describes the generations of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother, listing his sons, grandsons, and the kings of Edom, the nation that came from Esau. This is parallel to how Genesis 25:12–18 relayed the fate of Ishamel, another son who did not carry the line of promise. Genesis 37 begins the generations of Jacob, focusing mostly on the story of Joseph.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. These are the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).

Genesis is divided into sections, using the Hebrew word tōledot’, literally meaning “records of the generations.” Each section focuses on the main descendants of a certain Old Testament figure. Earlier sections discussed the heirs of Adam (Genesis 5:1), Noah (Genesis 6:9), Shem (Genesis 11:10), Terah, the father of Abraham (Genesis 11:27), and Ishmael (Genesis 25:12). The portion immediately before this gave the history of Isaac, Esau’s father, and mostly focused on Esau’s twin brother, Jacob (Genesis 25:19).

This chapter describes the generations of Esau, also identified as Edom. Edom is the name given to the nation which controlled Seir, the region Esau and his descendants occupied. They become known as the Edomites (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

The next chapter will begin the “generations of Jacob,” focusing mostly on his son Joseph.

Context Summary
Genesis 36:1–8 gives a summary of what happened to Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. Esau is called Edom, literally meaning “red.” This connection comes from his birth (Genesis 25:25) and an incident with his brother (Genesis 25:30). The land where he settles is also named for Esau’s appearance; “Seir” literally means “shaggy.” The nation of Edom grows after Esau moves away from Jacob’s rapidly growing family. Jacob was given the name “Israel” by God. Over time, the “brother” nations of Israelites and Edomites will become bitter enemies. The short prophetic book of Obadiah predicts harsh judgment on Edom for their treatment of Israel (Obadiah 1:1–2).

Verse 2. Esau took his wives from the Canaanites: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite,

The record of Esau’s generations begins by listing his wives (Genesis 36:3). Unlike his father Isaac and his brother Jacob, Esau took wives from the local Canaanite peoples. Abraham had insisted that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman and intermingle the covenant people of God with the idol-worshipping local populations (Genesis 24:2–4). If Esau had been given this same instruction from Isaac, he didn’t follow it (Genesis 27:46).

The first two wives, listed in this verse, are Adah and Oholibamah. Basemath is listed in the following verse. Oddly, the names of these three and their fathers do not match the wives and fathers given in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9. It is not clear why. Scholars suggest that perhaps Esau had six wives, not necessarily all at the same time, and these three were the most significant. It’s also possible the names of his wives were changed at some point (Genesis 17:5; 32:38; 36:8).

Verse 3. and Basemath, Ishmael ‘s daughter, the sister of Nebaioth.

This and the previous verse (Genesis 36:2) list three of Esau’s wives. It’s possible he had more. The names and fathers of these wives do not match the description of Esau’s wives given in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9. For instance, Genesis 26:34 cites Basemath as the daughter of Elon the Hittite. Here Basemath is described as Ishmael’s daughter. Ishmael was Isaac’s half-brother.

The reason for these changes is unclear. Earlier references to Esau’s marriages were in the context of the stress they caused his family (Genesis 26:34–35; 27:46; 28:8–9). This passage is about those children of Esau who formed the nation of Edom, in the land of Seir. Scholars suggest Esau may have had as many as six wives, not necessarily at the same time. The three listed here would have been the most significant. It’s also possible the names of his wives were changed (Genesis 17:5; 32:28; 36:8).

Verse 4. And Adah bore to Esau, Eliphaz; Basemath bore Reuel;

This and the following verse (Genesis 36:5) list the names of Esau’s five sons. These are the children whose ancestors will populate the land of Seir (Genesis 36:8), becoming a nation called Edom. Just as Esau is known as Edom (Genesis 36:1), his twin brother Jacob is known as Israel (Genesis 35:10). The “brother nations” of their respective descendants will eventually become hated enemies.

The name Eliphaz means something like “the god El conquers” or perhaps “my god is Paz.” Reuel means “friend of El (God),” a name later used by Jacob’s descendants.

Verse 5. and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

This and the previous verse (Genesis 36:4) list the names of Esau’s five sons. These main descendants of Esau will form a nation called Edom (Genesis 36:1). Esau’s twin brother, Jacob, was also given a different name (Genesis 35:10): Israel. In time, Israelites and Edomites will come to hate each other (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

The name Jeush means something like “may God help.”

Jalam is an awkward name to translate but may refer to something like a “mountain goat.”

Korah, also, is not clear, but may mean “bald head.”

Verse 6. Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, his livestock, all his beasts, and all his property that he had acquired in the land of Canaan. He went into a land away from his brother Jacob.

Esau’s twin brother, Jacob, fled his home in fear (Genesis 27:42) thanks to Esau’s rage at being cheated out of his firstborn blessing (Genesis 27:30–35). They seem to have reconciled peacefully many years later (Genesis 33:1–4). However, the two men are both leaders of large tribes, and must separate so the land can support them both (Genesis 36:7). His chosen location is southeast of the Promised Land which was promised to Jacob (Genesis 35:12).

When Esau was born, he was notably red and hairy (Genesis 25:25). Later, he famously sold his birthright for some red stew (Genesis 25:30). This earned him the name “Edom,” meaning “red,” and the country where his descendants settled was ironically called “Seir,” meaning “shaggy or hairy” (Genesis 36:8). This land was already inhabited (Genesis 14:6), but Esau’s tribes took over (Deuteronomy 2:12).

In time, the two nations founded by these brothers will become bitter enemies. Jacob’s descendants are known by his new name, Israel (Genesis 35:10). Esau’s are known by his nickname, Edom. Israelites and Edomites will clash frequently in the Old Testament (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

Verse 7. For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together. The land of their sojournings could not support them because of their livestock.

Esau has moved his family, his servants, and all that he owns away from Jacob and outside of the land of promise (Genesis 36:8). The two brothers were once so opposed that Jacob fled to avoid being murdered (Genesis 27:42). Later, they seem to have reconciled (Genesis 33:1–4). The reason for this separation is simply population. Between them, Jacob and Esau owned too much livestock for the land to support both tribes living in proximity. This echoes the reason given for Abraham and Lot parting ways earlier in Genesis (Genesis 13:8–13).

Seir is already inhabited by the Horites (Genesis 14:6), whom Esau’s tribes will overcome (Deuteronomy 2:12).

The descendants of Esau will become known as the nation of Edom (Genesis 25:30; 36:1). Jacob’s sons will father the tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:10). The Old Testament records many incidents of strife between these nations, as they grow to become vehement enemies (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

Verse 8. So Esau settled in the hill country of Seir. (Esau is Edom.)

Scripture makes a point of reminding the reader that the nation of Edom is descended from Esau. This comes from a name Esau earned earlier in life (Genesis 25:30). Esau is the twin brother of Jacob, the man later named Israel (Genesis 35:10). Israelites and Edomites will come to hate each other over the following centuries (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

For now, however, the two men are separating for economic reasons. Esau has moved all that he owns away from Jacob and outside of the land of promise. Jacob and Esau own more livestock than the land can support. Esau settles his clan in the hill country of Seir to the east. This territory is roughly southeast of the Dead Sea. The soon-to-be nation of Edomites takes this territory from the Horites (Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 2:12).

Verse 9. These are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.

This verse serves as a title for the remainder of the chapter. The sons, grandsons, and generations of Esau’s people, the Edomites, will be listed along with some landmarks in their history. The name “Edom” means “red,” and comes from Esau’s birth (Genesis 25:25) and an incident with his brother, Jacob (Genesis 25:30). Esau’s body was notably hairy (Genesis 27:11), so it’s ironic that the country where he settles is referred to as “Seir,” meaning “shaggy or hairy.”

The Edomites, children of Esau, will grow to become rivals of the Israelites, children of Jacob. Despite being “brother” nations, they will develop deep conflict (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11). A subgroup, the Amalekites, will become especially venomous enemies (Exodus 17:8, 16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:2–3).

Context Summary
Genesis 36:9–19 describes the family lines descending from Esau, who was also known as Edom (Genesis 36:1). These are the important families who expanded after he moved his family from Canaan to Seir (Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 2:12).

Verse 10. These are the names of Esau ‘s sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of Basemath the wife of Esau.

This verse begins to expand on the genealogy which began this chapter (Genesis 36:1). Eliphaz and Reuel were Esau’s sons by his wives Adah and Basemath, respectively.

The name Eliphaz means something like “the god El conquers” or perhaps “my god is Paz.”

Reuel means “friend of God,” a name later used by Jacob’s descendants.

Verse 11. The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.

The genealogy of the Edomites (Genesis 36:1, 10) continues. Esau’s son Eliphaz had sons by the names of Teman, meaning “south,” Omar, probably referring to “eloquent,” Zepho, or “view,” Gatam, which seems to mean “thin,” and Kenaz, meaning “hunter.”

The name Teman was later used for a region in Edom mentioned by both Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Jeremiah suggested that Teman became known as a place of wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7). One of Job’s comforters was named Eliphaz the Temanite (Job 2:11).

Verse 12. (Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau ‘s son; she bore Amalek to Eliphaz.) These are the sons of Adah, Esau ‘s wife.

The previous verse listed the sons of Esau’s son Eliphaz (Genesis 36:11). Now one more son is mentioned, this one born to him by a concubine named Timna. The son’s name is Amalek, which means “lives in the valley.”

The Amalekite people became one of Israel’s worst enemies (Exodus 17:8, 16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:2–3).

Verse 13. These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau ‘s wife.

After listing the sons and grandsons of Esau by his wife Adah (Genesis 36:10–12), this verse lists his sons and grandsons with his wife Basemath. Her son Reuel sired Nahath, meaning “pure” or “rest,” Zerah, or “God has shone,” Shammah, translated as “God has heard,” and Mizzah, whose name means “fear.”

These are part of the nation of Edomites, a culture that would clash with the descendants of Esau’s twin brother, the Israelites, throughout the Old Testament (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

Verse 14. These are the sons of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, Esau ‘s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

Previous verses listed Esau’s sons and grandsons by two of his wives (Genesis 36:11–13). This verse once more lists his sons by his wife Oholibamah (Genesis 36:5). Those sons include Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. They are part of the growing nation of Edom (Genesis 36:1), situated in the land of Seir (Genesis 36:8).

Verse 15. These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: the chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz,

This begins a section (Genesis 36:16–19) listing the chiefs of the sons of Esau. This is the same as the record given in the previous verses (Genesis 36:9–14) as Esau’s sons and grandsons by his three wives. “Chiefs” may generally refer to leaders among the Edomite people or the heads of the clans.

These chiefs include the sons of Esau’s firstborn son Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Kenaz.

Verse 16. Korah, Gatam, and Amalek; these are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah.

In this passage, Genesis lists the names of the chiefs from among the sons and grandsons of Esau. The list includes most of the names already given in the previous verses. Those records noted Esau’s sons and grandsons according to which of His wives they were born (Genesis 36:9–14).

These “chiefs” are likely tribal leaders of Edom (Genesis 36:1). They include Eliphaz’s sons Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, and now Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. Of these, Korah was previously said to be the son of Oholibamah. This may be a second Korah previously unmentioned.

The people of Amalek, the Amalekites, would come to be one of Israel’s most vicious enemies (Exodus 17:8, 16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:2–3).

Verse 17. These are the sons of Reuel, Esau ‘s son: the chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah; these are the chiefs of Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Basemath, Esau ‘s wife.

This is part of a list noting the “chiefs” among the sons and grandsons of Esau. This includes most of the names already given (Genesis 36:9–14) when listing Esau’s sons and grandsons according to their birth mothers.

These chiefs are probably tribal leaders of Edom. They include Reuel’s sons Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

Verse 18. These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau ‘s wife: the chiefs Jeush, Jalam, and Korah; these are the chiefs born of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau ‘s wife.

Previous verses listed the names of Esau’s sons and grandsons (Genesis 36:9–14). The earlier list was arranged according to birth mothers. This is part of a segment repeating those names as “chiefs” of Edom (Genesis 36:1).

These chiefs appear to be major leaders among the Edomites. They include the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. The name Korah is listed under two of Esau’s wives. It’s possible each had a son by the same name.

Verse 19. These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.

This summarizes a section of verses listing Esau’s sons and grandsons as chiefs of the Edomite people (Genesis 36:15–18).

Genesis repeatedly emphasizes that Esau is Edom (Genesis 36:1). Esau is the twin brother of Jacob (Genesis 25:24–26), who would later be known as Israel (Genesis 35:10). Esau is associated with the word “Edom,” meaning “red,” partly due to his birth, but also because of an unfortunate incident with his twin (Genesis 25:29–34). The Edomites would come to be bitter enemies of Israelites (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

Verse 20. These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Esau moved his large family to the hill country of Seir (Genesis 36:7–8). At the time, Seir was already occupied by the Horite people. This is the same group noted in Genesis 14:6 when Abraham was forced to rescue his nephew, Lot (Genesis 14:12–16). Deuteronomy 2:12 says, “The Horites also lived in Seir formerly, but the people of Esau dispossessed them and destroyed them from before them and settled in their place.”

Seir, for whom the region is named, had many sons, including Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, and Anah. The name “Seir” is ironic, in that it means “hairy,” and the man whose family conquered that territory was infamously shaggy, himself (Genesis 27:11).

Context Summary
Genesis 36:20–30 describes the people Esau and his offspring defeated to take control of their homeland (Deuteronomy 2:12). These are the Horites (Genesis 14:6), descended from a man named Seir. After Esau’s conquest, the region became known as Edom (Genesis 36:1).

Verse 21. Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan; these are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir in the land of Edom.

This section of verses (Genesis 36:20–30) lists the descendants of Seir the Horite. The Horites were the original peoples of the land (Genesis 14:6) that came to be occupied by Esau and his descendants (Genesis 36:6–8). Seir’s sons included Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, and now Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.

These sons of Seir are also referred to as “chiefs” of the Horite people, just as the sons and grandsons of Esau were described as “chiefs” of the Edomite people in the previous verses (Genesis 36:15–19).

Verse 22. The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; and Lotan ‘s sister was Timna.

The Horites were the original peoples of the land (Genesis 14:6) that was later conquered by Esau and his descendants (Genesis 36:6–8). The territory was initially called Seir, after the patriarch of that group (Genesis 36:20). This name is partly ironic. Though the territory would later be called “Edom,” after a nickname given to Esau (Genesis 25:30), Esau was also famously hairy (Genesis 27:11). The word “seir” literally means “shaggy.”

Seir’s son Lotan fathered Hori and Hemam. Lotan was also brother to Timna. Timna was mentioned in verse 12 as a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz and the mother of Amalek. The Amalekites would become one of Israel’s most vicious enemies (Exodus 17:8, 16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:2–3).

Verse 23. These are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

The descendants of Seir the Horite are listed in this section (Genesis 36:20–30). The Horites were the original peoples of the territory (Genesis 14:6) which would be conquered and occupied by Esau and his descendants. This nation would be known as Edom (Genesis 36:1), and the Edomites would become enemies of Israel (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

Seir’s son Shobal fathered Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Verse 24. These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah; he is the Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he pastured the donkeys of Zibeon his father.

This part of Genesis records the descendants of Seir the Horite (Genesis 36:20–30). The Horites had lived in this territory since before the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:6). This territory would be conquered and settled by Esau and his descendants (Genesis 36:6–8). While the nation would be called Edom, or the Edomites (Genesis 36:1), the land was still called Seir.

Seir’s son Zibeon fathered Aiah and Anah. More than one “Anah” has been mentioned in this chapter (Genesis 36:2, 20). Genesis specifies which this is according to an accomplishment: He found hot springs in the wilderness while caring for his father’s donkeys. Finding a new source of water in the wilderness would be a valuable accomplishment, indeed.

Verse 25. These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah.

The Horites (Genesis 36:20–30) were the original inhabitants of Seir (Genesis 14:6), a land that came to be occupied by Esau and his descendants (Genesis 36:6–8). The family lines of the man the region was named after are listed here.

Seir’s son Anah (Genesis 36:20) is to be distinguished from his nephew Anah, son to this Anah’s brother Zibeon mentioned in the previous verse (Genesis 36:24). This Anah fathered Dishon and a daughter named Oholibamah, who became one of Esau’s wives (Genesis 36:2).

Verse 26. These are the sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.

Prior to the time of Abraham, the region known as Seir was inhabited (Genesis 36:20–30) by a people called Horites (Genesis 14:6). Esau’s family will conquer this area (Deuteronomy 2:12), settling there and establishing the nation of Edom (Genesis 36:6–8).

Seir’s son Dishon shares a name with his nephew mentioned in the previous verse (Genesis 36:25). This Dishon fathered Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.

Verse 27. These are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

Seir the Horite is the patriarch of a group of people living in this territory (Genesis 36:20–30). The Horites (Genesis 14:6) were the original peoples living here, as far back as the time of Abraham. Their land will be conquered (Deuteronomy 2:12) and occupied by Esau’s family, later known as the Edomites (Genesis 36:6–8).

Seir’s son Ezer fathered Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

Verse 28.These are the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

When Esau and his descendants, the Edomites, moved into the land of Seir (Genesis 36:6–8), it was already occupied by the Horites (Genesis 14:6). Through conquest (Deuteronomy 2:12), Edom would take over and live in that land for centuries to come.

Seir’s son Dishan fathered Uz and Aran. He should not be confused with Dishon (Genesis 36:25–26, 30–31).

Verse 29. These are the chiefs of the Horites: the chiefs Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

The Horites originally occupied the region of Seir, named for the patriarch of their people (Genesis 14:6). They were overrun, but not wiped out, by Esau and his descendants (Genesis 36:6–8) when they moved to the area (Deuteronomy 2:12).

This and the following verse (Genesis 36:30) list the tribal leaders of the Horites. This is simply a list of Seir’s previously mentioned sons, including Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, and Anah (Genesis 36:20).

Verse 30. Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan; these are the chiefs of the Horites, chief by chief in the land of Seir.

As far back as the time of Abraham, the Horites occupied the region of Seir, named for their patriarch (Genesis 14:6). They were conquered by Esau and his descendants (Genesis 36:6–8) when they moved to the region (Deuteronomy 2:12).

Along with the previous verse, this lists “chiefs,” probably meaning tribal leaders, of the Horites. This repeats Seir’s previously mentioned sons, including Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan (Genesis 36:21).

Verse 31. These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites.

This opens a passage listing those who ruled over Edom during a specific era: the years before Israel had any kings. It’s unclear whether this era extended right up to the time of Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 8:4–5) or if it happened much earlier.

Esau (Genesis 36:1) and his family conquered the land of Seir (Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 2:12). His twin brother, Jacob, was renamed Israel (Genesis 35:10), but his descendants will not arrive in the Promised Land for several centuries (Exodus 1:1–5; 12:40), after which time they will be ruled by “judges,” not kings (Judges 21:25).

Context Summary
Genesis 36:31–43 lists eight kings of Edom, the nation which descended from Esau (Genesis 36:1), all apparently ruling from a different city. This passage pointedly notes that Edom’s kings all reigned before Israel had kings of her own. While Edom is conquering Seir (Genesis 36:9), Israel must endure centuries of slavery (Exodus 12:40). This was followed by a long period under a series of “judges” (Judges 21:25) before their first appointed king (1 Samuel 8:4–5). Finally, in this section, the clan leaders are listed, each likely representing a specific region in the land of Edom.

Verse 32. Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom, the name of his city being Dinhabah.

This section (Genesis 36:31) lists the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:1) during a time before Israel had monarchs of her own (Judges 21:25).

The first of Edom’s kings listed is Bela, son of Beor, who reigned from the city of Dinhabah. Later, a man named Balaam, the son of Beor, will have dealings with the Israelites as described in Numbers 22. It’s unclear if this Beor is the same mentioned there, though the era and geography may be correct.

Verse 33. Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place.

These verses (Genesis 36:31) describes the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:1) during the era before Israel had kings (Judges 21:25).

After the death of Bela, the first king listed (Genesis 36:32), Jobab, son of Zerah, assumed the throne and ruled from Bozrah, a city well-known in Israel’s history (Isaiah 34:6; Amos 1:12).

Verse 34. Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.

This section of verses lists the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:1) during a time before Israel had kings of her own (Judges 21:25).

After the death of King Jobab, Husham became king, ruling from the land of the Temanites. The region of Teman apparently got its name from one of the sons of Esau’s son Eliphaz (Genesis 36:11).

Verse 35. 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.

This section of verses lists the kings of Edom during a time before Israel had kings of her own. After the death of Husham, Hadad, son of Bedad, took the throne. He reigned from the city of Avith.

Hadad was known for his military victory over Midian in the country of Moab. Later, the Israelites would also win a remarkable victory over the Midianites (Judges 7). Meanwhile, Midianite traders will be the ones to buy and sell Joseph, a son of Jacob, from his brothers (Genesis 37:28, 36). The Midianites will also plague Israel after they leave Egypt (Exodus 12:40; Numbers 25:16–18).

Verse 36. Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

This passage (Genesis 36:31) describes the kings who ruled over Edom (Genesis 36:1). Notably, these rulers controlled their land in an era before Israel had any kings, at all. As Esau’s descendants are conquering Seir (Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 2:12), Jacob’s family will be enslaved in Egypt for centuries (Exodus 12:40), and even when freed will not immediately appoint a king (Judges 21:25).

Hadad (Genesis 36:35) died, and Samlah took over as king, ruling from the city of Masrekah.

Verse 37. Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place.

Kings ruled the land of Edom (Genesis 14:6; 36:1, 31; Deuteronomy 2:12) before Israel had appointed their first king (Judges 21:25). This is partly due to Israel’s centuries-long captivity in Egypt (Exodus 12:40).

After the death of Samlah, Shaul became king, ruling from Rehoboth, a city on the Euphrates River. The name translated as “Shaul” is the same name as “Saul,” though this is not the same person as the first of Israel’s kings (1 Samuel 8:4–5; 11:14–15).

Verse 38. Shaul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.

Edom is the nation which came from Esau (Genesis 36:1). Their people took over the country of Seir (Genesis 36:6–8), conquering it from the Horites (Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 2:12). During this period, the nation which came from Esau’s twin brother, Israel (Genesis 35:10) spent centuries enslaved (Exodus 12:40). Even after they were freed, it was many years before Israel had a king (Judges 21:25; 1 Samuel 8:45).

After the death of King Shaul (Genesis 36:37), Baal-hanan took the throne. His name means “Baal is gracious,” an overt reference to the main idol of the Canaanites. Scripture provides no details about his father, or why he was given the name Achbor, literally meaning “mouse.”

For the first time in this list, no city name is given along with the king.

Verse 39. Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place, the name of his city being Pau; his wife ‘s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, daughter of Mezahab.

In this part of Genesis (Genesis 36:31), kings of Edom (Genesis 36:1) are listed, from a time before Israel (Genesis 35:10) had their first king. Following the death of Baal-hanah (Genesis 36:38), the final king in this list took the throne of Edom, ruling from the city of Pau, also spelled as “Pai” (1 Chronicles 1:50).

King Hadar was married to Mehetabel, whose name means “favored of God.” She was the daughter of Matred, daughter of Mazahab. It’s unknown precisely why this detail is included. It is noteworthy that the prior king’s name is an explicit reference to Baal, the false god of the Canaanites, while this king’s wife bears a name more aligned with belief in the God of Israel.

Verse 40. These are the names of the chiefs of Esau, according to their clans and their dwelling places, by their names: the chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,

This final section of the chapter lists the chiefs of Esau in the region of Edom (Genesis 36:1). This list differs both from the list of the sons of Esau (Genesis 36:9–14) and of the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:31–39). It’s possible these names came to represent specific clans and geographical regions of Edom.

The chiefs of Esau included Timna, Alvah, and Jetheth.

Verse 41. Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

Chapter 36 ends with a collection of names: the chiefs of Esau (Genesis 36:40) in the region of Edom (Genesis 36:1–8). This list differs both from the list of the sons of Esau (Genesis 36:9–14) and of the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:31–39). These may have been the names of secondary lords, or captains, and they eventually became associated with certain regions within Edom.

The chiefs listed here included Timna, Alvah, Jetheth (Genesis 36:40), and now Oholibamah, Elah, and Pinon. Oholibama’s name is an interesting inclusion, as this is also the name of one of Esau’s wives (Genesis 36:2).

Verse 42. Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

After listing the sons of Esau (Genesis 36:9–14) and the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:31–39), the chapter ends with a list of “chiefs” (Genesis 36:40). These names may be those of important leaders, other than kings, or even the titles given to certain clans or geographical regions of Edom. Teman is referenced as a regional term later in the Bible (Amos 1:12; Obadiah 1:9; Habakkuk 3:3).

The chiefs of Esau included Timna, Alvah, Jetheth (Genesis 36:40), Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon (Genesis 36:41), and now Kenaz, Teman, and Mibzar.

Verse 43. Magdiel, and Iram; these are the chiefs of Edom (that is, Esau, the father of Edom), according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession.

This final section of the chapter lists important names in the region of Edom (Genesis 36:1), after recounting the sons (Genesis 36:9–14) and kings (Genesis 36:31–39) who came from Esau’s line. It’s possible these names were used as regional titles, or they may have been names of specific clans.

The chiefs of Esau included Timna, Alvah, Jetheth (Genesis 36:40), Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon (Genesis 36:41), Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar (Genesis 36:42), and now Magdiel and Iram.

This verse sums up that these are, indeed, the chiefs of Esau, father of Edom (Genesis 36:6–8). They led their people in the “land of their possession.” Isaac had prophesied this about Esau after Jacob stole from him the family blessing: “By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; but when you grow restless you shall break his yoke from your neck” (Genesis 27:40). Esau’s move to the region of Seir (Genesis 36:6–8) and the possession of Edom by his descendants (Deuteronomy 2:12) is a fulfillment of that “blessing” of independence and self-rule.

End of Chapter 36.

Please Note:

The material use in this post, video is from BibleRef.com which is from Got Questions Ministries and is posted here to be read by Immersive reader in the Edge Browser. If you copy this material please follow these rules:

•Content from BibleRef.com may not be used for any commercial purposes, or as part of any commercial work, without explicit prior written consent from Got Questions ministries.

•Any use of our material should be properly credited; please make it clear the content is from BibleRef.com.

•BibleRef.com content may not be altered, modified, or otherwise changed unless such changes are specifically noted.