Genesis 36:28

KJV

The children of Dishan [are] these; Uz, and Aran.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Dishan {H1789} are these; Uz {H5780}, and Aran {H765}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Dishan were 'Utz and Aran.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

American Standard Version

These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 36:28](/genesis/36-28 "The children of Dishan") is a concise genealogical entry within the broader record of Esau's descendants and the Horites, specifically identifying Uz and Aran as the children of Dishan, a son of Seir the Horite. This verse contributes to the Bible's meticulous historical account of the ancient peoples inhabiting the region of Edom, highlighting the intricate family lines that formed the early ethnic landscape of the Near East.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within [Genesis chapter 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Genealogy of Esau and the Horites"), a chapter primarily dedicated to detailing the lineage of Esau (also known as Edom) and the chiefs who ruled his territory before the establishment of Israelite kings. Interspersed within Esau's extensive genealogy are the records of the Horites, the indigenous inhabitants of Mount Seir. Dishan, the father of Uz and Aran mentioned in this verse, is explicitly identified in [Genesis 36:20](/genesis/36-20 "Dishan, son of Seir the Horite") as one of the sons of Seir the Horite, whose descendants eventually interacted with and were largely absorbed or dispossessed by the expanding Edomites, as noted in passages like [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edomites dispossessing the Horites"). The inclusion of these Horite genealogies underscores the complex ethnic and political dynamics of the region during this foundational period of nation-building.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:28](/genesis/36-28 "The children of Dishan") presents a straightforward statement: "The children of Dishan [are] these; Uz, and Aran." This succinct declaration serves to meticulously record the lineage of Dishan, a prominent figure among the Horites. As part of the broader genealogical record in [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Genealogy of Esau and the Horites"), this verse reinforces the biblical narrative's commitment to historical accuracy, tracing the origins and relationships of various peoples. The inclusion of such detailed lists, even for non-Israelite groups like the Horites, underscores the Bible's comprehensive scope in documenting human history under divine oversight.

* **Dishan (דִּישָׁן, _dîshān_):** Identified in [Genesis 36:20](/genesis/36-20 "Dishan's place in Horite genealogy") as a son of Seir the Horite, Dishan's name possibly means "threshing" or "gazelle." His descendants, Uz and Aran, continue the Horite lineage.
* **Uz (עוּץ, _‘ūṣ_):** This name can signify "counsel" or "wood." It is crucial to distinguish this individual Uz, a son of Dishan in the Horite lineage, from the "land of Uz" where Job resided, as mentioned in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job's residence in the land of Uz"). While the names are identical, they refer to distinct entities in different contexts.
* **Aran (אֲרָן, _’ărān_):** The name Aran likely means "wild goat," adding to the descriptive potential of these ancient names, though their primary function here is genealogical.

These names, while seemingly minor, are part of the larger divine tapestry, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in the formation and development of all peoples, not just the chosen line of Abraham.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Meticulous Providence:** The detailed genealogical records, even of seemingly minor figures like Uz and Aran, highlight God's meticulous attention to every individual and family line within human history. His sovereign plan encompasses all nations and peoples.
* **Historical Reliability of Scripture:** The inclusion of precise and verifiable (where possible) genealogies underscores the Bible's commitment to presenting a factual and reliable historical account of the origins and movements of ancient peoples.
* **Universal Scope of God's Plan:** The interweaving of Horite (non-Israelite) genealogies with those of Esau (Edom) demonstrates that God's overarching plan extends beyond a single nation, encompassing the entire human family and the complex interactions between various ethnic groups.
* **The Value of Heritage and Roots:** Genealogies emphasize the importance of understanding one's heritage and the preceding generations, connecting individuals to a larger, divinely guided narrative.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a verse listing ancient names might appear distant from contemporary life, it offers profound insights into God's character and our place in His grand design. This verse reminds us that God is intimately concerned with the details of history and the lives of individuals, even those who might seem obscure to us. Every person, every family line, and every nation has significance in His sovereign plan. It encourages us to appreciate our own heritage and recognize that we are part of a continuous narrative, guided by God's purposes, and that His plan of redemption encompasses all peoples, regardless of their lineage.

### FAQ
**Why are Horite genealogies included in a chapter primarily about Esau?**

Answer: The inclusion of Horite genealogies within [Genesis chapter 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Genealogy of Esau and the Horites") serves to provide a comprehensive historical context for the Edomites. The Horites were the indigenous inhabitants of Mount Seir, the land that Esau's descendants eventually settled and dominated. Their genealogies illustrate the pre-existing populations and the complex ethnic landscape of the region, showing how the Edomites interacted with, absorbed, or displaced these earlier inhabitants, as mentioned in [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Edomites displacing the Horites"). This detail adds to the historical accuracy and depth of the biblical record.

**Is the Uz mentioned here the same as the land of Uz from Job?**

Answer: No, the Uz mentioned in [Genesis 36:28](/genesis/36-28 "Uz, son of Dishan") is a specific individual, a son of Dishan in the Horite lineage. While the name "Uz" is the same, the "land of Uz" where Job resided ([Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job's residence in the land of Uz")) refers to a geographical region, not an individual in this specific Horite genealogy. The Bible often uses the same names for different people or places, requiring careful attention to context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though a seemingly minor genealogical entry, [Genesis 36:28](/genesis/36-28 "The children of Dishan") contributes to the overarching biblical narrative that culminates in Christ. The meticulous tracing of various lineages, including those of non-Israelite peoples like the Horites, subtly foreshadows the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. While salvation history primarily flows through the lineage of Abraham and Israel, the inclusion of other nations demonstrates God's sovereign oversight of all humanity, preparing the way for the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through Him, the blessings promised to Abraham are extended to "all the families of the earth" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Abrahamic covenant of blessing to all nations")), transcending ethnic and national boundaries, and bringing all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage, into His spiritual family.

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.