Genesis 36:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the children {H1121} of Zibeon {H6649}; both Ajah {H345}, and Anah {H6034}: this was that Anah {H6034} that found {H4672} the mules {H3222} in the wilderness {H4057}, as he fed {H7462} the asses {H2543} of Zibeon {H6649} his father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.)

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Anah's Discovery") introduces Anah, son of Zibeon, an Edomite chief. This verse uniquely records his discovery of "mules" in the wilderness while tending his father's donkeys, offering a brief but intriguing glimpse into ancient pastoral life and early innovation within Esau's lineage.

### CONTEXT
This verse is embedded within the detailed genealogies of Esau, also known as Edom, found in [Genesis chapter 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The Generations of Esau"). These meticulous records parallel the emphasis on Jacob's lineage, underscoring the Bible's commitment to historical precision and the significant role of all peoples, even those outside the direct covenant line, in God's overarching plan. The detailed lineage establishes the historical framework for future interactions between Israel and Edom, as notably seen in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Edom Refuses Passage to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Anah's Discovery") identifies Anah as a son of Zibeon, a Horite chief whose family integrated into Esau's descendants through intermarriage. The verse's most distinctive detail is Anah's discovery of "mules" (Hebrew: חֲמֹרִים, *chamorim*) while pasturing his father's asses in the wilderness. While *chamorim* typically refers to donkeys, the KJV's translation "mules" reflects a long-standing interpretive tradition. This tradition suggests Anah either pioneered the successful breeding of hybrid animals (donkey and horse), making him a figure of early agricultural innovation, or he discovered a new, distinct species of wild ass, possibly a more robust or unique variety. The verb "found" (Hebrew: מָצָא, *matsa*) implies discovery or acquisition of something previously unknown or unutilized, rather than creation, lending weight to the idea of encountering something novel or figuring out a new process. This brief note highlights human ingenuity and the realities of ancient pastoral life in the semi-arid regions of Edom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty Over All Nations:** Even within the genealogies of Esau, a nation often in opposition to Israel, God's meticulous record-keeping demonstrates His sovereign oversight of all peoples and their histories, not just the covenant line.
* **Biblical Veracity and Detail:** The inclusion of such a specific, seemingly minor detail about Anah's discovery underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its portrayal of real individuals and their unique contributions within the broader sweep of redemptive history.
* **Human Ingenuity and Stewardship:** Anah's "discovery" points to human capacity for observation, innovation, and the development of resources, reflecting aspects of the creation mandate to subdue and have dominion over the earth.
* **God's Presence in the Mundane:** The Bible often highlights significant events occurring in seemingly ordinary settings like tending flocks in the wilderness, reminding us that God's plan unfolds amidst the everyday activities of life.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Anah's Discovery"), though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary life. It reminds us that even seemingly insignificant details or discoveries in our daily routines can hold a place within a larger, meaningful narrative, for God observes and values every aspect of our existence. Anah's story encourages us to cultivate a spirit of observation and innovation in our own spheres, recognizing that new insights or solutions can emerge from diligent engagement with our surroundings. Ultimately, this verse reinforces the truth that God works through individuals and their unique contributions, even those outside the direct lineage of Abraham's covenant, to shape the course of history according to His sovereign will.

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Anah's discovery of "mules"?**

Answer: Anah's discovery is significant for several reasons. It provides a rare glimpse into early animal husbandry and innovation in the ancient Near East, suggesting either the pioneering of hybrid animal breeding (donkey and horse) or the identification of a new, valuable species of wild ass. It also highlights the Bible's meticulous attention to detail, even for figures outside the direct covenant line, underscoring the historical richness of the text.

**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies, especially for Esau?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed genealogies, even for Esau's descendants, serves multiple purposes. It establishes historical context and verifies the lineage of nations that would interact with Israel, such as Edom. It demonstrates God's sovereign oversight of all peoples and their histories, not just the chosen line. Furthermore, these details contribute to the Bible's overall historical reliability, showing its commitment to recording the lives of real individuals.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Anah's Discovery") focuses on an Edomite figure, it subtly points to Christ by demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan. The meticulous recording of all lineages, even those seemingly peripheral to the main covenant narrative, underscores that all history, all peoples, and all discoveries ultimately serve God's overarching purpose which culminates in Christ. Just as Anah's innovation contributed to the fabric of his society, Christ's work on the cross provides the ultimate and universal solution for humanity, fulfilling all the scattered threads of human history and ingenuity within God's grand design for salvation and new creation.

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.