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
[Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") meticulously lists the five sons of Shobal—Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam—a prominent Horite chief. This verse is part of a larger genealogical record detailing the generations of [Esau](/genesis/36-1 "The Generations of Esau") and the indigenous Horite inhabitants of Seir, highlighting the complex tribal landscape and the eventual establishment of Edomite dominance in the region.

### CONTEXT
[Genesis chapter 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Genesis Chapter 36") serves as a crucial interlude between the narratives of [Jacob](/genesis/25-26 "Jacob's Birth") and [Joseph](/genesis/37-1 "Joseph's Dreams"), meticulously detailing the generations of [Esau](/genesis/36-1 "The Generations of Esau"), also known as Edom, and his settlement in the land of Seir. This chapter demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise of multiplication, even for those outside the direct line of the covenant. [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") specifically lists the children of Shobal, one of the indigenous Horite chiefs, whose lineage is cataloged alongside Esau's descendants, indicating their prominence and the intermingling of peoples before the Edomites fully established their dominion over the "cave dwellers" of Seir.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") is a concise yet significant verse within the broader genealogical account of [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Genesis Chapter 36"). It states, "And the children of Shobal [were] these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam." This verse identifies the five sons of Shobal, a key figure among the Horites, the original inhabitants of the land of Seir.

The children of Shobal are listed as:
* Alvan
* Manahath
* Ebal
* Shepho
* Onam

The inclusion of Shobal and his sons in this chapter, which primarily focuses on the descendants of Esau (Edom), is crucial for understanding the historical and demographic landscape of Seir. It highlights that the land was not uninhabited when Esau's lineage arrived; rather, it was already occupied by established tribal groups like the Horites, who possessed their own chiefs and social structures. This detailed record underscores the coexistence and eventual succession of peoples in the region. The Horites were known as "cave dwellers," suggesting their ancient presence and adaptation to the rocky terrain. The meticulous listing of their chiefs alongside those of Esau's descendants sets the stage for later biblical accounts, where the Edomites would eventually [displace the Horites](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edom Displaces the Horites") and fully possess the land, a pattern explicitly mentioned in other books of the Pentateuch.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty in National Formation:** Even in seemingly mundane genealogical lists, God's sovereign hand is evident in the multiplication and establishment of diverse nations, fulfilling His broader purposes for humanity's population and settlement across the earth, including those outside the direct covenant line.
* **The Importance of Historical Record:** 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.
* **God's Comprehensive Narrative:** The inclusion of non-Israelite genealogies demonstrates that the biblical narrative is not solely focused on Israel but acknowledges and documents the history of other nations, illustrating God's involvement with all peoples and His intricate plan for human history.
* **Fulfillment of Prophetic Patterns:** The detailed record of the Horites, alongside Esau's descendants, subtly foreshadows the pattern of displacement and succession, as the Edomites later [displaced the Horites](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edom Displaces the Horites") and took possession of their land, a pattern seen throughout ancient history and explicitly mentioned in other biblical books.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While genealogical lists like [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") may appear tedious to the modern reader, they underscore the profound value Scripture places on meticulous detail, reminding us that every part of God's story is significant, even seemingly minor historical records. They encourage 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, demonstrating God's comprehensive involvement with all nations and His intricate plan unfolding through history.

### 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 and the complex process of national formation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:23](/genesis/36-23 "Children of Shobal") details a lineage outside the direct messianic line, it 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, bringing them under His benevolent rule and offering salvation to every tribe and tongue, thereby demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all human history.

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.