Genesis 36:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; Lotan's sister was Timnah.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam. Timna was Lotan’s sister.

American Standard Version

And the children of Lotan were Hori and Heman; and Lotan’s sister was Timna.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:22 is a brief genealogical entry within the record of Esau's descendants, identifying Hori and Hemam as the children of Lotan, a Horite chief, and notably introducing Timna as Lotan's sister. This seemingly minor detail holds profound future significance, as Timna later becomes the mother of Amalek, whose descendants, the Amalekites, would become a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout biblical history.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within [Genesis chapter 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The Generations of Esau"), a comprehensive genealogical register meticulously detailing the descendants, wives, and territorial chiefs of Esau, also known as Edom. Unlike the narrative sections often found in Genesis, this chapter primarily serves to establish the lineage and formation of the Edomite nation. Lotan, mentioned here as the father of Hori and Hemam, is identified earlier in the chapter as a chief among the [Horites](/genesis/36-20 "The Sons of Seir the Horite"), the indigenous inhabitants of Mount Seir whom Esau's descendants either displaced or assimilated. The inclusion of "Lotan's sister Timna" is the most historically significant detail within this otherwise straightforward genealogical entry, setting the stage for future biblical events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:22](/genesis/36-22 "Lotan's Children and Sister") provides a concise but pivotally important detail within the Edomite genealogies. It names Lotan's two sons, Hori and Hemam, and then introduces his sister, Timna.

* **Lotan's Children:** Hori and Hemam are identified as the direct descendants of Lotan. Lotan himself is listed among the "chiefs of the Horites" in [Genesis 36:20](/genesis/36-20 "Sons of Seir the Horite"), indicating his prominence within the indigenous population of Seir before or during the Edomite settlement. The names themselves are specific to the Horite tribal structure, underscoring the Bible's historical precision in recording these ancient peoples.
* **Lotan's Sister, Timna:** The mention of Timna is the most crucial aspect of this verse. While seemingly an incidental detail in a list of names, her role is expanded upon in [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Timna and Amalek"), which states that "Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek." This connection is profoundly significant. Timna's union with Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn, establishes her as the mother of Amalek. The descendants of Amalek, known as the Amalekites, would become a relentless and formidable enemy of Israel throughout its history. This seemingly innocuous genealogical entry lays the groundwork for centuries of conflict. The Amalekites famously attacked the Israelites in the wilderness shortly after the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Battle with Amalek at Rephidim")), prompting God's declaration of perpetual war against them. Later, King Saul's failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites as commanded by God ([1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2 "God's Command to Destroy Amalek")) led to his rejection as king. The animosity persisted even into the post-exilic period, as seen with Haman, an Agagite (descendant of the Amalekite king Agag), attempting to annihilate the Jews in the book of Esther.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty in History:** Even in seemingly dry genealogical lists, God's sovereign hand is evident, meticulously recording the lineages that will play significant roles in His unfolding plan, including those who will oppose His chosen people.
* **Meticulous Record-Keeping:** The Bible's attention to precise genealogical detail, even for nations outside the direct line of Israel, highlights its commitment to historical accuracy and the interconnectedness of various peoples within God's overarching narrative.
* **Significance of Seemingly Minor Details:** This verse powerfully illustrates that no detail in Scripture is superfluous. A single name, easily overlooked, can be the foundational link to understanding major conflicts and divine judgments spanning centuries of biblical history.
* **The Roots of Enmity:** The mention of Timna and her son Amalek provides the genealogical root for the deep-seated and persistent enmity between Israel and the Amalekites, demonstrating how historical relationships and choices can have long-lasting consequences.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 36:22, though a simple genealogical record, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand narrative often unfolds through seemingly insignificant details and individuals. Just as Timna's mention foreshadowed centuries of conflict, so too do the small choices and connections in our lives contribute to larger, unforeseen outcomes. This verse encourages us to pay close attention to all of Scripture, recognizing that even the "boring" parts can contain vital keys to understanding God's character, His purposes, and the intricate tapestry of human history under His sovereign hand. It prompts us to consider how seemingly minor elements in our own lives might be part of a larger, divine design.

### FAQ

**Why is the mention of Timna so important in this seemingly minor verse?**

Answer: The mention of Timna is crucial because she is identified in [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Timna and Amalek") as the concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and the mother of Amalek. Amalek's descendants, the Amalekites, became one of Israel's most persistent and bitter enemies throughout the Old Testament, from their attack in the wilderness ([Exodus 17:8](/exodus/17-8 "Battle with Amalek")) to their near-annihilation by King Saul ([1 Samuel 15:2](/1_samuel/15-2 "God's Command to Destroy Amalek")). This verse, therefore, provides the genealogical origin of a major antagonist in the biblical narrative.

**Does this verse suggest God ordains conflict?**

Answer: This verse, by detailing the lineage leading to the Amalekites, shows God's meticulous record-keeping and His sovereign oversight of all history, including the rise of nations and their conflicts. While it doesn't explicitly state that God ordains conflict in a direct sense, it does demonstrate that He incorporates even human animosity and opposition into His broader redemptive plan. The conflict with Amalek, for instance, served as a test for Israel's obedience and reliance on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:22](/genesis/36-22 "Lotan's Children and Sister") primarily details a lineage of those outside the direct line of promise, it subtly points to the broader narrative of God's sovereign control over all nations and peoples, even those who would oppose His chosen people. The ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, required the meticulous preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would come, even amidst the rise and fall of other nations and their conflicts. The very existence of enemies like the Amalekites, whose origins are traced here, highlights the spiritual warfare present throughout history, a conflict ultimately overcome by Christ's victory on the cross, securing peace and triumph for His people over all their spiritual adversaries.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.