And these [are] the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this [was that] Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.
The sons of Tziv'on were Ayah and 'Anah. This is the 'Anah who found the hot springs in the desert while pasturing his father Tziv'on's donkeys.
These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. (This is the Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness as he was pasturing the donkeys of his father Zibeon.)
And these are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah; this is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Commentary for Genesis 36:24
Genesis 36:24 is a verse that fits within the broader context of the genealogy of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (also known as Israel). Esau's descendants are listed in detail in this chapter, providing a historical record of the Edomite lineage. The verse specifically mentions Zibeon, who is one of the chiefs of the Horites, a people group that inhabited the region of Mount Seir, which later became known as Edom.
The children of Zibeon mentioned are Ajah (or Aiah) and Anah. Anah is notable for an event described in the verse: he is the one who found the mules in the wilderness. This brief mention is significant for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it highlights a moment of discovery or perhaps innovation, as mules are a hybrid species resulting from breeding a male donkey with a female horse. Such an event would be noteworthy in a pastoral and agricultural society where domesticated animals were crucial for transportation, labor, and status.
Secondly, the reference to Anah's discovery serves to anchor the biblical narrative within a historical and cultural context, suggesting interactions between different groups and the sharing of knowledge or technology related to animal husbandry. Mules were valued for their strength, endurance, and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making them superior pack animals.
In summary, Genesis 36:24 is a verse that contributes to the genealogical record of Esau's descendants, emphasizing the lineage of Zibeon and highlighting Anah's significant discovery of mules in the wilderness. This not only provides insight into the domestic practices of the time but also serves to illustrate the interconnectedness of the various peoples and tribes in the region, as well as the importance of animal breeding in their society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model