Genesis 36 Explained: The Descendants of Esau

God’s faithfulness in preserving nations and lineages.

Genesis 36 (World English Bible - WEB)

1: Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).

2: Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;

3: and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.

4: Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel.

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

6: Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the people of his household, with his livestock, all his animals, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from his brother Jacob.

7: For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because of their livestock.

8: Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.

9: This is the history of the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.

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.

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

12: Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.

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

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

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

16: chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Adah.

17: These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.

18: These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau’s wife.

19: These are the sons of Esau, and these are their chiefs: he is Edom.

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

21: Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.

22: The sons of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30: chief Dishon, chief Ezer, chief Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.

31: These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

32: Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom. The name of his city was Dinhabah.

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

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

35: Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith.

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

37: Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place.

38: Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.

39: Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

40: These are the names of the chiefs who came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth,

41: chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

42: chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,

43: chief Magdiel, chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the father of the Edomites.

Memory Verse of the Day:
"These are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in Mount Seir." – Genesis 36:9

Introduction


Genesis 36 records the genealogy of Esau, highlighting the expansion of nations and God’s sovereign plan beyond a single family line. While Jacob’s line carries the covenant, Esau’s descendants demonstrate that God’s purposes extend to all of humanity and that He works through every family and nation according to His will.

This chapter reminds us that God oversees the course of history and the lives of all people, ensuring that His plans are fulfilled even when paths diverge. It also shows the importance of understanding our heritage and the ways God works through generations.

Genesis 36 teaches us about God’s sovereignty, His overarching plan for humanity, and the significance of recognizing His hand in the unfolding story of families and nations.

As we begin today’s devotional, may we trust God’s guidance over every generation, honor His sovereignty in our lives, and see His hand at work in both our personal and collective histories.

Esau’s Family Lineage (Genesis 36:1-8)

Esau’s descendants are carefully recorded, showing the continuation of his line. God honors the lineage He establishes.

Reflection: Consider the faithfulness of God in your family and future generations. How can you continue His promises?

The Edomites’ Settlements (Genesis 36:8-30)

The Edomites settled in the land of Seir. God’s guidance extends not just to individuals, but also to entire nations and communities.

Teaching Point: Trust God’s sovereignty over your circumstances and your environment. His plans encompass all aspects of life.

God’s Faithfulness in Generations (Genesis 36:31-39)

God’s faithfulness is evident as the rulers of Edom follow a line of succession. Even in nations outside Israel, His providence is present.

Encouragement: Recognize God’s hand in your life and in the lives of others. Faithfulness spans generations.

 Lessons from Lineage (Genesis 36:40-43)

Even genealogical records teach us about God’s care, providence, and planning. Every person in the lineage contributes to God’s greater purpose.

Self-Examination: How are you contributing to God’s plan in your family, church, and community?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness across generations. We praise You for preserving families, communities, and nations according to Your will.

Lord, help us trust Your sovereignty and remain faithful in our own lives. Teach us to contribute to Your plan and influence others positively. May our actions reflect Your glory and faithfulness.

Empower us, Lord, to honor You in our households, in our communities, and in every aspect of life. May Your blessings continue in our generations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.





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