Genesis 36

1. Esau. Here (as in ch. xxv. 12-18, with respect to Ishmael) the history of Isaac’s family is closed with a brief notice of Esau’s descendants, who were afterwards intimately connected with the Israelites, either as enemies, or allies, or subjects. Many of the names differ from those found in other passages; but it was common to have several names, and to have a name varied into different forms, retaining the same meaning. The same name, also, was common to many persons; such as Amalek, Eliphaz, Teman, Aholibamah. The “dukes” were apparently heads of tribes, now called sheikhs; and over the whole were kings. The kingdom was probably, at first, elective; and afterwards hereditary. The Horites of Seir are introduced, as Esau’s family intermarried with them; though they afterwards destroyed or expelled them.

2 wives. On the difficulties which have arisen in comparing this list of Esau’s wives with xxvi. 34; xxviii. 9, see note on ver. 1.—daughter of Zibeon. i.e., the daughter of Anah [and so the grand-] daughter of Zibeon. In the second clause the Samaritan, Septuagint, and Syriac, read Anah “son of Zibeon.”

6 country. That is, the country of Seir. Esau had dwelt there before, but returned to Canaan at Isaac’s death; now, however, he finally leaves Canaan, and takes his share of the property with him.

11. Teman. The Temanites were renowned for valour and wisdom. Eliphaz the Temanite was one of the chief friends of Job, whom some identify with Jobab (ver. 33).

24 the mules. The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else. It should be translated “hot springs” (R.V.). So the Vulgate.

28. Uz. See on xxii. 21.

31. Israel. God’s promise to Jacob, “kings shall come out of thy loins,” is here alluded to as yet waiting its fulfilment. Or the clause may have been added later. The words mark the contrast between the early development of the power and polity of the Edomites, and the longer wanderings of the chosen people.

37 river. Cp. Gen. x. 11.

39. Hadar. Or, “Hadad.” See 1 Chron. i. 50. As his death is not recorded, it is supposed that he was contemporary with Moses, and is the king mentioned in Numb. xx. 14. The name was common, in later times, in the royal families of Edom and Syria.