Genesis 36:20

ยถ These [are] the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,

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},

These were the descendants of Se'ir the Hori, the local inhabitants: Lotan, Shoval, Tziv'on, 'Anah,

These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who were living in the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

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

Commentary

Genesis 36:20 introduces a significant lineage within the broader historical record of Esau's descendants. This verse specifically names the sons of Seir the Horite, identifying them as the original inhabitants of the rugged land that would later become known as Edom, the territory of Esauโ€™s progeny.

Context

Chapter 36 of Genesis is primarily dedicated to the genealogy of Esau, Jacob's brother, and the origins of the nation of Edom. While many verses focus on Esau's wives, children, and chieftains, verses 20-30 provide crucial information about the indigenous peoples who lived in the land of Seir before the Edomites' full dominion. Seir the Horite and his sons were the established residents when Esau settled in Mount Seir, highlighting the pre-Edomite presence in the region.

Key Themes

  • Genealogical Precision: The Bible's meticulous record-keeping, even for non-Israelite peoples, underscores its historical depth and accuracy. These lists are not merely dry names but foundational to understanding the ancient world's ethnic and political landscape.
  • Original Inhabitants: The verse clearly identifies the Horites as the native population of Seir, emphasizing that the land was not vacant but already settled. This sets the historical stage for the eventual interaction, displacement, or assimilation of these groups by the expanding Edomite nation.
  • Divine Orchestration: Though seemingly a simple list, these genealogies reflect God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the movements of peoples and the establishment of nations, fulfilling His broader plan for humanity and His covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Horite" (Hebrew: ื—ึนืจึดื™, แธคori) is believed to derive from a root meaning "cave" or "hole," suggesting that the Horites were "cave dwellers" or "troglodytes." This description likely refers to their dwelling habits in the mountainous and cavernous terrain of Seir, providing a glimpse into their ancient culture and adaptation to their environment.

Significance and Application

While a list of names might seem obscure, Genesis 36:20 holds several layers of significance:

  • Historical Credibility: The inclusion of specific details about the Horites, a people group attested in ancient Near Eastern records, adds to the historical verifiability of the biblical narrative. It shows the Bible's awareness of the complex ethnic tapestry of the ancient world.
  • Understanding Land Ownership: This verse helps us understand the historical dynamics of land possession in the ancient world, where territories were often inhabited by multiple groups, leading to eventual conquest, migration, or coexistence. It provides context for later interactions between Israel and Edom (e.g., Numbers 20:14-21).
  • God's Attention to Detail: Even seemingly minor details, like the names of ancient chieftains, reflect God's comprehensive knowledge and involvement in the course of human history. Every individual and nation, known or unknown to us, fits into His grand design.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 2:22

    As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:

  • Deuteronomy 2:12

    The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.

  • Genesis 14:6

    And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which [is] by the wilderness.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:38

    And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:42

    The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, [and] Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran.

  • Genesis 36:2

    Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;

  • Genesis 36:22

    And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; and Lotan's sister [was] Timna.
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