Genesis 36

Genesis 36 provides a detailed genealogy of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and the founding of the nation of Edom. This chapter traces Esau's descendants and their settlements, demonstrating the fulfillment of God’s promise that Esau would become a father of nations (Genesis 25:23). It highlights how Esau’s line grew and prospered, though separate from the covenantal promises given to Jacob’s descendants. The chapter also helps to establish the political landscape of the region, with Edom becoming a significant neighboring nation to Israel. It provides context for later tensions between Edom and Israel.

Genesis 36:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom.
2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;
3 and Basemath, Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.

Esau's genealogy begins by reminding readers that Esau is synonymous with Edom, the nation that would descend from him. His marriage to Canaanite women is highlighted here, a choice that caused grief to his parents (Genesis 26:34-35). The names of his wives reflect the blending of Esau's line with the local inhabitants of the land. His marriage to Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael, indicates an attempt to align himself with his father's extended family after realizing his marriages displeased Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 28:8-9). This intermingling of Esau's descendants with other tribes foreshadows the future cultural and spiritual differences between Esau’s and Jacob’s descendants.

Genesis 36:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reuel.
5 And Aholibamah bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These were the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

The text shifts to mention Esau's sons, born from his three wives. Adah bore Eliphaz, Basemath bore Reuel, and Aholibamah bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These names are significant as they represent the beginning of Edom's genealogical branches. Their birth in the land of Canaan connects Esau’s family to the land where he and Jacob were raised, though Esau eventually settled in Seir, outside of Canaan. These sons are the foundation for the clans and leaders who will eventually form the nation of Edom.

Genesis 36:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob.
7 For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock.
8 So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom.

Esau’s departure from Canaan is explained by practical reasons—he and Jacob had both accumulated great wealth in livestock, servants, and possessions, which made it difficult for them to live in the same area. This recalls a similar situation between Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:6), where their herds became too large for the land to support them. Esau moves to Mount Seir, separating himself from Jacob, symbolizing not just a physical separation but also a distinct path for their descendants. Mount Seir becomes the region of the Edomites, further emphasizing Esau's identification with the Edomite nation.

Genesis 36:9-11 (NKJV)
9 And this is the genealogy of Esau the father of the Edomites in Mount Seir.
10 These were the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel the son of Basemath, the wife of Esau.
11 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.

The genealogy continues with a focus on Esau’s sons and grandsons. Eliphaz, the son of Adah, is specifically highlighted, and his sons are named. Among them is Teman, who will later be recognized as a prominent clan in Edom. Teman becomes a significant city, and later, its wisdom is even referenced in prophetic literature (Jeremiah 49:7). The careful listing of names shows how Esau’s line grew and organized into various clans and tribes. The mention of Eliphaz’s sons indicates that these clans were already developing, establishing the future tribal divisions of the Edomites.

Genesis 36:12 (NKJV)
12 Now Timna was the concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These were the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.

This verse introduces Timna, the concubine of Eliphaz, and their son, Amalek. The descendants of Amalek, the Amalekites, become one of Israel’s persistent enemies in later biblical history (Exodus 17:8-16). The mention of Amalek here is significant because it shows that even from Esau’s line came nations that would oppose Israel. The connection between Edom and Amalek also highlights future tensions between their descendants and the Israelites. Timna’s role as a concubine and mother of Amalek emphasizes the complexity of familial relationships in the ancient Near East, where concubinage was a common practice.

Genesis 36:13-14 (NKJV)
13 These were the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
14 These were the sons of Aholibamah, Esau’s wife, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon. And she bore to Esau Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah.

Reuel’s sons are mentioned here, expanding the list of Esau’s grandsons. Reuel’s line also contributes to the tribal structure of Edom, as do the sons of Aholibamah. Each wife of Esau is shown to have a significant role in establishing the tribes of Edom. The structure of Esau’s family indicates the beginnings of a complex social and political organization, with each son and grandson eventually leading their own group or clan. These verses show the growing prosperity and expansion of Esau’s descendants, which mirrors Jacob’s growth but on a different path, outside of the covenant line.

Genesis 36:15-18 (NKJV)
15 These were the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau, were Chief Teman, Chief Omar, Chief Zepho, Chief Kenaz,
16 Chief Korah, Chief Gatam, and Chief Amalek. These were the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. They were the sons of Adah.
17 These were the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: Chief Nahath, Chief Zerah, Chief Shammah, and Chief Mizzah. These were the chiefs of Reuel in the land of Edom. These were the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
18 And these were the sons of Aholibamah, Esau’s wife: Chief Jeush, Chief Jaalam, and Chief Korah. These were the chiefs who descended from Aholibamah, Esau’s wife.

These verses detail the chiefs or leaders who arose from the different lines of Esau’s sons. Each son of Esau becomes a chief of a tribe, establishing the leadership structure within Edom. This tribal organization demonstrates how quickly Esau’s descendants grew into a powerful, organized people group. The title of “chief” (or “duke” in some translations) indicates leadership over a significant number of people, and it shows the increasing political importance of Esau’s line. The mention of Amalek as one of these chiefs also underscores the future enmity between his descendants and Israel.

Genesis 36:19 (NKJV)
19 These were the sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these were their chiefs.

This verse serves as a summary, emphasizing again that Esau is synonymous with Edom and that his descendants formed the chiefs or tribal leaders of the land. It underscores the fulfillment of the promise that Esau would become a nation and that his descendants would have a significant place in the ancient world. This repeated connection between Esau and Edom reinforces the distinct identity of Edom as a nation, separate from Jacob’s line, and prepares readers for the future conflicts that will arise between the two nations.

Genesis 36:20-21 (NKJV)
20 These were the sons of Seir the Horite who inhabited the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These were the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom.

The genealogy now shifts to include the Horites, the people who originally inhabited the land of Seir, where Esau eventually settled. The mention of the Horite chiefs shows the merging of Esau’s descendants with the existing population of the region. The Horites were an ancient people, and their inclusion here indicates that Esau’s family either absorbed or aligned with them when they took control of the land. This blending of peoples further established Edom as a diverse nation with complex roots, both from Esau’s line and from the original inhabitants of Seir.

Genesis 36:22-23 (NKJV)
22 And the sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam. Lotan’s sister was Timna.
23 These were the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

The genealogy continues with Lotan’s sons, Hori and Hemam, and Shobal’s descendants. It is noteworthy that Timna, Lotan’s sister, was mentioned earlier as the concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, indicating a connection between Esau’s line and the Horites. This intermarriage with the local Horites illustrates how Esau’s descendants merged with the people already living in Seir, further integrating Esau’s family into the political and social structure of the region. The detailed listing of these individuals also emphasizes the historical importance of these tribal groups within Edom.

Genesis 36:24-25 (NKJV)
24 These were the sons of Zibeon: Both Ajah and Anah. This was the Anah who found the water in the wilderness as he pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon.
25 These were the children of Anah: Dishon and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.

Zibeon’s sons, Ajah and Anah, are mentioned, and the text notes an interesting detail about Anah—he discovered water in the wilderness while pasturing his father’s donkeys. This small note about finding water is significant, as water sources were highly valuable in the ancient Near East, particularly in the dry region of Seir. This event likely elevated Anah’s status among his people. Anah’s daughter, Aholibamah, is also highlighted, tying her into Esau’s genealogy, as she was one of Esau’s wives. Again, this demonstrates the merging of Horite and Edomite lines.

Genesis 36:26-28 (NKJV)
26 These were the sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
27 These were the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.
28 These were the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

The genealogy continues with the sons of Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan, completing the list of the Horite clans. These names represent the chiefs and leaders of the Horites who resided in the land of Seir. The repetition of family lines demonstrates the detailed nature of tribal leadership in the region and shows how Horite families continued to influence the political structure even after Esau’s descendants settled in the land. The mention of Uz is notable because the land of Uz later becomes associated with Job (Job 1:1), though it is unclear if this is the same Uz.

Genesis 36:29-30 (NKJV)
29 These were the chiefs of the Horites: Chief Lotan, Chief Shobal, Chief Zibeon, Chief Anah,
30 Chief Dishon, Chief Ezer, and Chief Dishan. These were the chiefs of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.

This section summarizes the Horite chiefs, who were the original leaders of the land of Seir. By listing them as chiefs, the text emphasizes that even though Esau’s descendants settled in the region, the Horites maintained their leadership structure. The merging of Esau’s line with these Horite chiefs illustrates the complex social fabric that developed in Edom. These chiefs would have been influential figures, contributing to the political and social dynamics of the region, as Esau’s family gradually integrated with them.

Genesis 36:31-34 (NKJV)
31 Now these were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel:
32 Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
33 And when Bela died, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place.
34 When Jobab died, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.

These verses record the kings of Edom, who reigned long before Israel had a monarchy. Bela, the first king mentioned, ruled from Dinhabah, and upon his death, Jobab, from Bozrah, succeeded him. These early kings show that Edom was already establishing its own national identity and governance, independent of Israel. The reference to Teman in verse 34 is notable, as Teman became an important region of Edom. These early kings highlight how Edom grew in strength and organization, with established leadership long before Israel demanded a king (as in 1 Samuel 8).

Genesis 36:35-37 (NKJV)
35 When Husham died, Hadad the son of Bedad, who attacked Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith.
36 When Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
37 And when Samlah died, Saul of Rehoboth-by-the-River reigned in his place.

The kingship of Edom continued to change hands, and one of the notable kings was Hadad, the son of Bedad, who attacked Midian in Moab. This implies that the Edomites were not only well-organized internally but were also capable of military conquests against their neighbors. The mention of Avith as Hadad’s city and the succession of Samlah and then Saul of Rehoboth-by-the-River suggests a stable and structured government. The repeated changes in leadership indicate that Edom had a well-established system for kingship transitions.

Genesis 36:38-39 (NKJV)
38 When Saul died, Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
39 And when Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor died, Hadar reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pau. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

The line of Edomite kings concludes with Baal-Hanan and Hadar. The mention of Hadar’s wife, Mehetabel, suggests her significance, possibly due to her noble lineage (as indicated by the mention of her mother and grandmother). The Edomite kings appear to have married into families of status, further reinforcing their social and political influence. This passage underlines that Edom was an organized and prosperous nation, with a system of government, military engagements, and alliances through marriage, long before Israel rose to similar prominence.

Genesis 36:40-43 (NKJV)
40 And these were the names of the chiefs of Esau, according to their families and their places, by their names: Chief Timnah, Chief Alvah, Chief Jetheth,
41 Chief Aholibamah, Chief Elah, Chief Pinon,
42 Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar,
43 Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession. Esau was the father of the Edomites.

The chapter concludes with a final list of the chiefs of Esau, emphasizing the organized tribal structure of Edom. Each chief is associated with a specific region or city, indicating that Edom was divided into territories governed by these leaders. This further establishes Esau as the father of the Edomites and highlights how his descendants became a structured and powerful nation. The reference to specific dwelling places emphasizes the territorial control and stability that Esau’s line achieved, setting the stage for future interactions between Edom and Israel, including both conflicts and alliances.