Genesis 36:23

KJV

And the children of Shobal [were] these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Shobal {H7732} were these; Alvan {H5935}, and Manahath {H4506}, and Ebal {H5858}, Shepho {H8195}, and Onam {H208}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shoval were 'Alvan, Manachat, 'Eival, Sh'fo and Onam.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And these are the children of Shobal: Alvan and Manahath and Ebal, Shepho and Onam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogical record of Esau and the Horites, meticulously listing the five sons of Shobal—Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. This verse contributes to the broader narrative of tribal formation and settlement in the land of Seir, highlighting the established presence of the indigenous Horite chiefs alongside the burgeoning Edomite lineage, thereby detailing the complex demographic tapestry of the region before Edomite dominance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis chapter 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis Chapter 36") serves as a crucial genealogical interlude, strategically placed between the narratives of Jacob and Joseph. It provides a comprehensive account of Esau's descendants, also known as Edom, and their settlement in the land of Seir. The chapter meticulously details Esau's wives, his sons, and the "chiefs" (or clans) that emerged from his lineage. Interspersed within this record are the genealogies of the Horites, the indigenous inhabitants of Seir, from whom Esau's descendants intermarried and eventually displaced. This particular verse, [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal"), is part of a section (verses 20-30) dedicated to the Horite chiefs, demonstrating their prominence and the detailed knowledge the biblical author possessed regarding the pre-Edomite inhabitants of the region. This interweaving of genealogies highlights the complex tribal landscape and the process of national formation in the ancient Near East.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The land of Seir, located southeast of the Dead Sea, was characterized by its rugged, mountainous terrain, which provided natural defenses and numerous caves, leading to the Horites being known as "cave dwellers." These indigenous peoples had established their own social and political structures, led by "chiefs" (or "dukes," as translated in some versions), long before Esau's descendants arrived. Esau's migration to Seir, as mentioned in [Genesis 36:6-8](/genesis/36-6-8 "Esau Settles in Seir"), involved a co-existence and eventual intermingling with these Horites. The inclusion of Horite genealogies, such as that of Shobal and his sons, underscores their significant presence and the eventual process of absorption and displacement by the Edomites, a historical reality explicitly affirmed in [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edom Displaces the Horites"). This detailed record reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of documenting tribal lineages and land claims, providing a historical snapshot of the region's demographic evolution.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis Chapter 36") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it illustrates the **fulfillment of God's promise of multiplication**, even for those outside the direct covenant line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Esau's descendants, though not the chosen line, also become a numerous nation, Edom. Secondly, the chapter highlights the theme of **national formation and identity**, demonstrating how distinct tribal groups coalesce into nations through intermarriage, migration, and the establishment of leadership structures. The meticulous listing of chiefs, both Edomite and Horite, emphasizes the importance of lineage and authority in ancient societies. Lastly, the intermingling and eventual displacement of the Horites by the Edomites foreshadows the broader biblical theme of **divine sovereignty in the allocation of land and the rise and fall of nations**, a pattern seen throughout Israel's history and explicitly mentioned in [Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "God's Provision for Esau").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term refers to a son, but in the widest sense, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including descendants, subjects, or members of a group. In this context, it signifies the direct male offspring who contribute to the building of the family name and lineage, highlighting the patriarchal structure of the Horite society and the importance of male heirs in establishing tribal identity.
* **Shobal (Hebrew, _Shôwbâl'_):** Meaning "overflowing," this name suggests abundance or prosperity. As a Horite chief, Shobal's name might reflect his status, the size of his clan, or the fertility of his lineage. His inclusion in this genealogy underscores his significance among the indigenous inhabitants of Seir, whose lineage is meticulously recorded alongside that of Esau's descendants.
* **Onam (Hebrew, _ʼÔwnâm'_):** Meaning "strong," this name for one of Shobal's sons is indicative of personal qualities or perhaps the strength and resilience of his particular branch of the Horite clan. In ancient cultures, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting hopes, characteristics, or circumstances associated with the individual or their family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Shobal [were] these;":** This introductory phrase serves to specify the lineage being presented. "Children" (Hebrew: _bên_) here refers to the direct male descendants, the sons, who are about to be enumerated. Shobal is identified as the patriarch, a prominent Horite chief whose progeny are deemed significant enough to be recorded within this comprehensive genealogical account of the land of Seir. This clause sets the stage for the precise listing that follows, emphasizing the importance of documenting tribal leadership and succession.
* **"Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.":** This clause provides the explicit list of Shobal's five sons. Each name represents a distinct individual who would have contributed to the Horite tribal structure and potentially founded sub-clans. The meticulous naming of each son underscores the biblical author's attention to detail in preserving historical and genealogical records. These names, though perhaps unfamiliar to the modern reader, were vital for understanding the social and political landscape of ancient Seir, illustrating the complex network of families and chiefs that constituted the Horite people before the full establishment of Edomite dominion.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal"), and indeed throughout much of [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis Chapter 36"), is **Genealogy**. This is a foundational literary form in ancient Near Eastern texts, serving multiple purposes: to establish lineage, validate claims to land or authority, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (e.g., multiplication), and provide historical continuity. The meticulous listing of names, often accompanied by their familial relationships, creates a sense of historical depth and authenticity. Furthermore, the inclusion of both Edomite and Horite genealogies demonstrates **Interweaving Narrative**, where distinct but related historical threads are presented in parallel, highlighting the complex interactions and eventual integration or displacement of peoples. The precise enumeration of names also contributes to a sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility to the historical account by presenting specific, verifiable details.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a mere list of names, [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") contributes to the profound theological understanding of God's comprehensive sovereignty over all nations and His intricate plan for human history, extending beyond the immediate covenant line. It underscores that God's involvement is not limited to Israel but encompasses the rise and fall, multiplication and settlement, of all peoples, demonstrating His meticulous attention to every detail of His creation. This verse, like the entire chapter, functions as a vital historical document, meticulously detailing the early inhabitants and ruling families of the land of Edom, providing insight into the tribal structures and leadership of the ancient Near East.

* [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edom Displaces the Horites")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "God Determines Times and Boundaries")
* [Numbers 24:18](/numbers/24-18 "Edom Shall Be a Possession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While genealogical lists like [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") may appear tedious or irrelevant to the modern reader, they underscore the profound value Scripture places on meticulous detail and the importance of historical record. They remind us that every part of God's story is significant, even seemingly minor historical records of nations outside the direct covenant line. This encourages us to cultivate patience and diligence in studying the entirety of God's Word, recognizing that each verse serves a purpose within the larger divine narrative. It prompts us to consider how God's comprehensive plan unfolds through the generations, shaping not only the destiny of His chosen people but also the trajectories of all nations. Ultimately, these lists invite us to marvel at God's sovereign hand in human history, His intricate design, and His faithfulness in bringing about His purposes through diverse peoples and circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous attention to genealogies, even of non-covenant peoples, challenge our modern tendency to overlook historical details?**
* **What does the inclusion of Horite chiefs alongside Esau's descendants reveal about God's comprehensive involvement in the history of all nations, not just Israel?**
* **How can studying seemingly "dry" passages like genealogies deepen our appreciation for the accuracy and breadth of God's Word?**

### FAQ
**Why are Horite names included in a chapter primarily about Esau's descendants?**

Answer: The inclusion of Horite names, such as Shobal and his sons in [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal"), is crucial because it details the indigenous inhabitants of Seir, the land Esau and his descendants settled. It demonstrates the pre-existing tribal structures and leadership that the Edomites encountered and eventually intermingled with, and later displaced, as recorded in [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edom Displaces the Horites"). This highlights the historical reality of the region, the complex process of national formation, and the biblical author's commitment to providing a comprehensive historical account, even of those outside the direct covenant line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") details a lineage outside the direct messianic line, it profoundly underscores the comprehensive scope of God's sovereign plan for humanity, which ultimately converges in Christ. The meticulous recording of diverse nations and their histories, even those destined for displacement, points to the universal reach of God's redemptive purposes. Christ, as the ultimate King, fulfills the divine pattern of establishing dominion, not through physical conquest of land as seen with the Edomites and Horites, but through a spiritual kingdom that encompasses all peoples and nations. He is the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), establishing a new covenant that transcends ethnic and national boundaries ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ brings salvation to "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "The Lamb is Worthy")), demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all human history and fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham that "all the families of the earth will be blessed" through his seed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 1:40

The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.