Genesis 36:1-43 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

¹ Now these are the generations ^H8435 of Esau, ^H6215 who is Edom. ^H123

² Esau ^H6215 took ^H3947 his wives ^H802 of the daughters ^H1323 of Canaan; ^H3667 Adah ^H5711 the daughter ^H1323 of Elon ^H356 the Hittite, ^H2850 and Aholibamah ^H173 the daughter ^H1323 of Anah ^H6034 the daughter ^H1323 of Zibeon ^H6649 the Hivite; ^H2340

³ And Bashemath ^H1315 Ishmael's ^H3458 daughter, ^H1323 sister ^H269 of Nebajoth. ^H5032

⁴ And Adah ^H5711 bare ^H3205 to Esau ^H6215 Eliphaz; ^H464 and Bashemath ^H1315 bare ^H3205 Reuel; ^H7467

⁵ And Aholibamah ^H173 bare ^H3205 Jeush, ^H3274 and Jaalam, ^H3281 and Korah: ^H7141 these are the sons ^H1121 of Esau, ^H6215 which were born ^H3205 unto him in the land ^H776 of Canaan. ^H3667

⁶ And Esau ^H6215 took ^H3947 his wives, ^H802 and his sons, ^H1121 and his daughters, ^H1323 and all the persons ^H5315 of his house, ^H1004 and his cattle, ^H4735 and all his beasts, ^H929 and all his substance, ^H7075 which he had got ^H7408 in the land ^H776 of Canaan; ^H3667 and went ^H3212 into the country ^H776 from the face ^H6440 of his brother ^H251 Jacob. ^H3290

⁷ For their riches ^H7399 were more ^H7227 than that they might dwell ^H3427 together; ^H3162 and the land ^H776 wherein they were strangers ^H4033 could ^H3201 not bear ^H5375 them because ^H6440 of their cattle. ^H4735

⁸ Thus dwelt ^H3427 Esau ^H6215 in mount ^H2022 Seir: ^H8165 Esau ^H6215 is Edom. ^H123

⁹ And these are the generations ^H8435 of Esau ^H6215 the father ^H1 of the Edomites ^H123 in mount ^H2022 Seir: ^H8165

¹⁰ These are the names ^H8034 of Esau's ^H6215 sons; ^H1121 Eliphaz ^H464 the son ^H1121 of Adah ^H5711 the wife ^H802 of Esau, ^H6215 Reuel ^H7467 the son ^H1121 of Bashemath ^H1315 the wife ^H802 of Esau. ^H6215

¹¹ And the sons ^H1121 of Eliphaz ^H464 were Teman, ^H8487 Omar, ^H201 Zepho, ^H6825 and Gatam, ^H1609 and Kenaz. ^H7073

¹² And Timna ^H8555 was concubine ^H6370 to Eliphaz ^H464 Esau's ^H6215 son; ^H1121 and she bare ^H3205 to Eliphaz ^H464 Amalek: ^H6002 these were the sons ^H1121 of Adah ^H5711 Esau's ^H6215 wife. ^H802

¹³ And these are the sons ^H1121 of Reuel; ^H7467 Nahath, ^H5184 and Zerah, ^H2226 Shammah, ^H8048 and Mizzah: ^H4199 these were the sons ^H1121 of Bashemath ^H1315 Esau's ^H6215 wife. ^H802

¹⁴ And these were the sons ^H1121 of Aholibamah, ^H173 the daughter ^H1323 of Anah ^H6034 the daughter ^H1323 of Zibeon, ^H6649 Esau's ^H6215 wife: ^H802 and she bare ^H3205 to Esau ^H6215 Jeush, ^H3274 and Jaalam, ^H3281 and Korah. ^H7141

¹⁵ These were dukes ^H441 of the sons ^H1121 of Esau: ^H6215 the sons ^H1121 of Eliphaz ^H464 the firstborn ^H1060 son of Esau; ^H6215 duke ^H441 Teman, ^H8487 duke ^H441 Omar, ^H201 duke ^H441 Zepho, ^H6825 duke ^H441 Kenaz, ^H7073

¹⁶ Duke ^H441 Korah, ^H7141 duke ^H441 Gatam, ^H1609 and duke ^H441 Amalek: ^H6002 these are the dukes ^H441 that came of Eliphaz ^H464 in the land ^H776 of Edom; ^H123 these were the sons ^H1121 of Adah. ^H5711

¹⁷ And these are the sons ^H1121 of Reuel ^H7467 Esau's ^H6215 son; ^H1121 duke ^H441 Nahath, ^H5184 duke ^H441 Zerah, ^H2226 duke ^H441 Shammah, ^H8048 duke ^H441 Mizzah: ^H4199 these are the dukes ^H441 that came of Reuel ^H7467 in the land ^H776 of Edom; ^H123 these are the sons ^H1121 of Bashemath ^H1315 Esau's ^H6215 wife. ^H802

¹⁸ And these are the sons ^H1121 of Aholibamah ^H173 Esau's ^H6215 wife; ^H802 duke ^H441 Jeush, ^H3266 duke ^H441 Jaalam, ^H3281 duke ^H441 Korah: ^H7141 these were the dukes ^H441 that came of Aholibamah ^H173 the daughter ^H1323 of Anah, ^H6034 Esau's ^H6215 wife. ^H802

¹⁹ These are the sons ^H1121 of Esau, ^H6215 who is Edom, ^H123 and these are their dukes. ^H441

²⁰ These are the sons ^H1121 of Seir ^H8165 the Horite, ^H2752 who inhabited ^H3427 the land; ^H776 Lotan, ^H3877 and Shobal, ^H7732 and Zibeon, ^H6649 and Anah, ^H6034

²¹ And Dishon, ^H1787 and Ezer, ^H687 and Dishan: ^H1789 these are the dukes ^H441 of the Horites, ^H2752 the children ^H1121 of Seir ^H8165 in the land ^H776 of Edom. ^H123

²² And the children ^H1121 of Lotan ^H3877 were Hori ^H2753 and Hemam; ^H1967 and Lotan's ^H3877 sister ^H269 was Timna. ^H8555

²³ And the children ^H1121 of Shobal ^H7732 were these; Alvan, ^H5935 and Manahath, ^H4506 and Ebal, ^H5858 Shepho, ^H8195 and Onam. ^H208

²⁴ And these are the children ^H1121 of Zibeon; ^H6649 both Ajah, ^H345 and Anah: ^H6034 this was that Anah ^H6034 that found ^H4672 the mules ^H3222 in the wilderness, ^H4057 as he fed ^H7462 the asses ^H2543 of Zibeon ^H6649 his father. ^H1

²⁵ And the children ^H1121 of Anah ^H6034 were these; Dishon, ^H1787 and Aholibamah ^H173 the daughter ^H1323 of Anah. ^H6034

²⁶ And these are the children ^H1121 of Dishon; ^H1787 Hemdan, ^H2533 and Eshban, ^H790 and Ithran, ^H3506 and Cheran. ^H3763

²⁷ The children ^H1121 of Ezer ^H687 are these; Bilhan, ^H1092 and Zaavan, ^H2190 and Akan. ^H6130

²⁸ The children ^H1121 of Dishan ^H1789 are these; Uz, ^H5780 and Aran. ^H765

²⁹ These are the dukes ^H441 that came of the Horites; ^H2752 duke ^H441 Lotan, ^H3877 duke ^H441 Shobal, ^H7732 duke ^H441 Zibeon, ^H6649 duke ^H441 Anah, ^H6034

³⁰ Duke ^H441 Dishon, ^H1787 duke ^H441 Ezer, ^H687 duke ^H441 Dishan: ^H1789 these are the dukes ^H441 that came of Hori, ^H2753 among their dukes ^H441 in the land ^H776 of Seir. ^H8165

³¹ And these are the kings ^H4428 that reigned ^H4427 in the land ^H776 of Edom, ^H123 before ^H6440 there reigned ^H4427 any king ^H4428 over the children ^H1121 of Israel. ^H3478

³² And Bela ^H1106 the son ^H1121 of Beor ^H1160 reigned ^H4427 in Edom: ^H123 and the name ^H8034 of his city ^H5892 was Dinhabah. ^H1838

³³ And Bela ^H1106 died, ^H4191 and Jobab ^H3103 the son ^H1121 of Zerah ^H2226 of Bozrah ^H1224 reigned ^H4427 in his stead.

³⁴ And Jobab ^H3103 died, ^H4191 and Husham ^H2367 of the land ^H776 of Temani ^H8489 reigned ^H4427 in his stead.

³⁵ And Husham ^H2367 died, ^H4191 and Hadad ^H1908 the son ^H1121 of Bedad, ^H911 who smote ^H5221 Midian ^H4080 in the field ^H7704 of Moab, ^H4124 reigned ^H4427 in his stead: and the name ^H8034 of his city ^H5892 was Avith. ^H5762

³⁶ And Hadad ^H1908 died, ^H4191 and Samlah ^H8072 of Masrekah ^H4957 reigned ^H4427 in his stead.

³⁷ And Samlah ^H8072 died, ^H4191 and Saul ^H7586 of Rehoboth ^H7344 by the river ^H5104 reigned ^H4427 in his stead.

³⁸ And Saul ^H7586 died, ^H4191 and Baalhanan ^H1177 the son ^H1121 of Achbor ^H5907 reigned ^H4427 in his stead.

³⁹ And Baalhanan ^H1177 the son ^H1121 of Achbor ^H5907 died, ^H4191 and Hadar ^H1924 reigned ^H4427 in his stead: and the name ^H8034 of his city ^H5892 was Pau; ^H6464 and his wife's ^H802 name ^H8034 was Mehetabel, ^H4105 the daughter ^H1323 of Matred, ^H4308 the daughter ^H1323 of Mezahab. ^H4314

⁴⁰ And these are the names ^H8034 of the dukes ^H441 that came of Esau, ^H6215 according to their families, ^H4940 after their places, ^H4725 by their names; ^H8034 duke ^H441 Timnah, ^H8555 duke ^H441 Alvah, ^H5933 duke ^H441 Jetheth, ^H3509

⁴¹ Duke ^H441 Aholibamah, ^H173 duke ^H441 Elah, ^H425 duke ^H441 Pinon, ^H6373

⁴² Duke ^H441 Kenaz, ^H7073 duke ^H441 Teman, ^H8487 duke ^H441 Mibzar, ^H4014

⁴³ Duke ^H441 Magdiel, ^H4025 duke ^H441 Iram: ^H5902 these be the dukes ^H441 of Edom, ^H123 according to their habitations ^H4186 in the land ^H776 of their possession: ^H272 he is Esau ^H6215 the father ^H1 of the Edomites. ^H123

Commentary on Genesis 36 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill Keil & Delitzsch Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Chapter 36

In this chapter we have an account of the posterity of Esau, who, from him, were called Edomites, that Esau who sold his birthright, and lost his blessing, and was not loved of God as Jacob was. Here is a brief register kept of his family for some generations.

1. Because he was the son of Isaac, for whose sake this honour is put upon him.
2. Because the Edomites were neighbours to Israel, and their genealogy would be of use to give light to the following stories of what passed between them.
3. It is to show the performance of the promise to Abraham, that he should be "the father of many nations,' and of that answer which Rebekah had from the oracle she consulted, "Two nations are in thy womb,' and of the blessing of Isaac, "Thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth.' We have here,
- I. Esau's wives (v. 1-5).
- II. His remove to mount Seir (v. 6-8).
- III. The names of his sons (v. 9-14).
- IV. The dukes who descended of his sons (v. 15-19).
- V. The dukes of the Horites (v. 20-30).
- VI. The kings and dukes of Edom (v. 31-43).

Little more is recorded than their names, because the history of those that were out of the church (though perhaps it might have been serviceable in politics) would have been of little use in divinity. It is in the church that the memorable instances are found of special grace, and special providence; for that is the enclosure, the rest is common. This chapter is abridged, 1 Chr. 1:35, etc.

Gen 36:1-8

Observe here,

1. Concerning Esau himself, v. 1. He is called Edom (and again, v. 8), that name by which was perpetuated the remembrance of the foolish bargain he made, when he sold his birthright for that red, that red pottage. The very mention of that name is enough to intimate the reason why his family is turned off with such a short account. Note, If men do a wrong thing they must thank themselves, when it is, long afterwards, remembered against them to their reproach.
2. Concerning his wives, and the children they bore him in the land of Canaan. He had three wives, and, by them all, but five sons: many a one has more by one wife. God in his providence often disappoints those who take indirect courses to build up a family; yet here the promise prevailed, and Esau's family was built up.
3. Concerning his removal to mount Seir, which was the country God had given him for a possession, when he reserved Canaan for the seed of Jacob. God owns it, long afterwards: I gave to Esau mount Seir (Deu. 2:5; Jos. 24:4), which was the reason why the Edomites must not be disturbed in their possession. Those that have not a right by promise, such as Jacob had, to Canaan, may have a very good title by providence to their estates, such as Esau had to mount Seir. Esau had begun to settle among his wives' relations, in Seir, before Jacob came from Padan-aram, ch. 32:3. Isaac, it is likely, had sent him thither (as Abraham in his life-time had sent the sons of the concubines from Isaac his son into the east country, ch. 25:6), that Jacob might have the clearer way made for him to the possession of the promised land. During the life of Isaac, however, Esau had probably still some effects remaining in Canaan; but, after his death, he wholly withdrew to mount Seir, took with him what came to his share of his father's personal estate, and left Canaan to Jacob, not only because he had the promise of it, but because Esau perceived that if they should continue to thrive as they had begun there would not be room for both. Thus dwelt Esau in Mount Seir, v. 8. Note, Whatever opposition may be made, God's word will be accomplished, and even those that have opposed it will see themselves, some time or other, under a necessity of yielding to it, and acquiescing in it. Esau had struggled for Canaan, but now he tamely retires to mount Seir; for God's counsels shall certainly stand, concerning the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitation.

Gen 36:9-19

Observe here,

1. That only the names of Esau's sons and grandsons are recorded, only their names, not their history; for it is the church that Moses preserves the records of, not the record of those that are without. Those elders that lived by faith alone obtained a good report. It is Sion that produces men of renown, not Seir, Ps. 87:5. Nor does the genealogy go any further than the third and fourth generation; the very names of all after are buried in oblivion. It is only the pedigree of the Israelites, who were to be the heirs of Canaan, and of whom were to come the promised seed, and the holy seed, that is drawn out to any length, as far as there was occasion for it, even of all the tribes till Canaan was divided among them, and of the royal line till Christ came.
2. That these sons and grandsons of Esau are called dukes, v. 15-19. Probably they were military commanders, dukes, or captains, that had soldiers under them; for Esau and his family lived by the sword, ch. 27:40. Note, Titles of honour have been more ancient out of the church than in it. Esau's sons were dukes when Jacob's sons were but plain shepherds, ch. 47:3. This is not a reason why such titles should not be used among Christians; but it is a reason why men should not overvalue themselves, or others, for the sake of them. There is an honour that comes from God, and a name in his house that is infinitely more valuable. Edomites may be dukes with men, but Israelites indeed are made to our God kings and priests.
3. We may suppose those dukes had numerous families of children and servants that were their dukedoms. God promised to multiply Jacob, and to enrich him; yet Esau increases, and is enriched first. Note, It is no new thing for the men of this world to be full of children, and to have their bellies too filled with hidden treasures, Ps. 17:14. God's promise to Jacob began to work late, but the effect of it remained longer, and it had its complete accomplishment in the spiritual Israel.

Gen 36:20-30

In the midst of this genealogy of the Edomites here is inserted the genealogy of the Horites, those Canaanites, or Hittites (compare ch. 26:34), that were the natives of Mount Seir. Mention is made of them, ch. 14:6, and of their interest in Mount Seir, before the Edomites took possession of it, Deu. 2:12, 22. This comes in here, not only to give light to the story, but to be a standing reflection upon the Edomites for intermarrying with them, by which, it is probable, they learned their way, and corrupted themselves. Esau having sold his birthright, and lost his blessing, and entered into alliance with the Hittites, his posterity and the sons of Seir are here reckoned together. Note, Those that treacherously desert God's church are justly numbered with those that were never in it; apostate Edomites stand on the same ground with accursed Horites. Particular notice is taken of one Anah who fed the asses of Zibeon his father (v. 24), and yet is called duke Anah, v. 29. Note, Those that expect to rise high should begin low. An honourable descent should not keep men from an honest employment, nor a mean employment hinder any man's preferment. This Anah was not only industrious in his business, but ingenious too, and successful; for he found mules, or (as some read it) waters, hot-baths, in the wilderness. Those that are diligent in their business sometimes find more advantages than they expected.

Gen 36:31-43

By degrees, it seems, the Edomites wormed out the Horites, obtained full possession of the country, and had a government of their own.

1. They were ruled by kings, who governed the whole country, and seem to have come to the throne by election, and not by lineal descent; so bishop Patrick observes. These kings reigned in Edom before there reigned any king over the children of Israel, that is, before Moses's time, for he was king in Jeshurun, Deu. 33:5. God had lately promised Jacob that kings should come out of his loins (ch. 35:11), yet Esau's blood becomes royal long before any of Jacob's did. Note, In external prosperity and honour, the children of the covenant are often cast behind, and those that are out of covenant get the start. The triumphing of the wicked may be quick, but it is short; soon ripe, and as soon rotten: but the products of the promise, though they are slow, are sure and lasting; at the end it shall speak, and not lie. We may suppose it was a great trial to the faith of God's Israel to hear of the pomp and power of the kings of Edom, while they were bond-slaves in Egypt; but those that look for great things from God must be content to wait for them; God's time is the best time.
2. They were afterwards governed by dukes, again here named, who, I suppose, ruled all at the same time in several places in the country. Either they set up this form of government in conformity to the Horites, who had used it (v. 29), or God's providence reduced them to it, as some conjecture, to correct them for their unkindness to Israel, in refusing them a passage though their country, Num. 20:18. Note, When power is abused, it is just with God to weaken it, by turning it into divers channels. For the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof. Sin brought Edom from kings to dukes, from crowns to coronets. We read of the dukes of Edom (Ex. 15:15), yet, long afterwards, of their kings again.
3. Mount Seir is called the land of their possession, v. 43. While the Israelites dwelt in the house of bondage, and their Canaan was only the land of promise, the Edomites dwelt in their own habitations, and Seir was in their possession. Note, The children of this world have their all in hand, and nothing in hope (Lu. 16:25); while the children of God have their all in hope, and next to nothing in hand. But, all things considered, it is better to have Canaan in promise than mount Seir in possession.

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Genesis 36:1-43 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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Commentary on Genesis 36 Matthew Henry Commentary

Chapter 36