Genesis 36:30

Duke Dishon, duke Ezer, duke Dishan: these [are] the dukes [that came] of Hori, among their dukes in the land of Seir.

Duke {H441} Dishon {H1787}, duke {H441} Ezer {H687}, duke {H441} Dishan {H1789}: these are the dukes {H441} that came of Hori {H2753}, among their dukes {H441} in the land {H776} of Seir {H8165}.

Dishon, Etzer and Dishan. They were the chieftains descended from the Hori by their clans in Se'ir.

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. They are the chiefs of the Horites, according to their divisions in the land of Seir.

chief Dishon, chief Ezer, chief Dishan: these are the chiefs that came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.

Commentary

Genesis 36:30 is part of a detailed genealogical record within the book of Genesis, specifically focusing on the descendants of Esau (who is also called Edom) and the original inhabitants of the land of Seir, the Horites. This verse lists three specific Horite chiefs or "dukes": Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan, identifying them as leaders from the clan of Hori within their larger tribal structure in the mountainous region of Seir.

Context

Genesis 36 provides a comprehensive record of Esau's family and the peoples associated with the land of Seir. Verse 30 specifically lists three Horite chiefs—Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan—who led clans within the native Horite population in the mountainous region of Seir. This chapter serves to document the lineage of Esau (Edom) and the pre-existing inhabitants of the land they would eventually settle, illustrating the intricate tapestry of early biblical history. The Horites, whose name likely means "cave dwellers," were indigenous to this area, as also noted in Genesis 14:6, before the Edomites, descendants of Esau, took possession of their land (see Deuteronomy 2:12).

Key Themes

  • Genealogical Detail: The meticulous record-keeping underscores the Bible's historical precision and its focus on lineage, which was vital for understanding God's covenant promises and the unfolding of His plan for humanity.
  • Sovereignty Over Nations: Even in seemingly mundane lists of chiefs and clans, we observe God's orchestrating hand in the rise and fall of peoples and the establishment of territories. This reflects God's eternal counsel and purpose for every nation.
  • Transition of Power: The inclusion of Horite dukes before the subsequent list of Edomite kings (Genesis 36:31-39) subtly highlights the impending shift in power dynamics in the land of Seir, where Esau's descendants would eventually dominate.

Linguistic Insights

The term "duke" used here (Hebrew: alluph, אַלּוּף) refers to a tribal chief or clan leader, distinct from a "king" (melek). The word alluph is often associated with leadership over a "thousand" (eleph), suggesting authority over a significant family or tribal unit. This distinction emphasizes the patriarchal and tribal structure of the Horites before more formalized monarchies emerged.

Significance and Application

While a simple list of names, Genesis 36:30 reminds us that every detail in Scripture serves a purpose. It provides crucial background for understanding the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East and the divine orchestration of history. For the modern reader, it encourages an appreciation for the Bible's historical depth and affirms that God is sovereign over all human affairs, even those that seem small or forgotten in the grand scheme of time. It reinforces the idea that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:17

    These great beasts, which are four, [are] four kings, [which] shall arise out of the earth.

  • 2 Kings 11:19

    And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.

  • Daniel 7:23

    Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

  • Isaiah 23:15

    ¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.
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