Genesis 36:36

KJV

And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hadad {H1908} died {H4191}, and Samlah {H8072} of Masrekah {H4957} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

Berean Standard Bible

When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:36 records a specific royal succession in the Edomite kingdom, noting the death of King Hadad and the ascension of Samlah of Masrekah to the throne. This brief historical detail, embedded within Esau's extensive genealogy, underscores the universal reality of human mortality and the continuous cycle of leadership, while implicitly testifying to God's sovereign oversight of all nations and the meticulous fulfillment of His historical purposes.

### CONTEXT
Genesis chapter 36 is primarily a detailed genealogical record of Esau, also known as Edom, and his descendants, meticulously charting the chiefs and kings who ruled in the land of Edom. This chapter highlights the establishment of a monarchy among Esau's lineage long before the nation of Israel had its own kings, as explicitly noted in [Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "The Edomite kings reigned before any king reigned over the children of Israel"). Verse 36 specifically details a succession event within this Edomite royal line: the death of King Hadad and the ascension of Samlah of Masrekah. This seemingly simple statement is part of a larger historical account that traces the emergence and development of the Edomite nation, fulfilling the prophecy that [two nations would come from Rebekah's womb](/genesis/25-23 "The prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau: two nations in your womb") (Jacob and Esau), and demonstrating God's precise involvement in the histories of all peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 36:36 offers a concise yet profound statement regarding the Edomite monarchy: "And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead."

* **"And Hadad died"**: This simple declaration is a stark reminder of the universal reality of human mortality. Even kings, who wield immense power and authority, are subject to death. It underscores the transience of all earthly power and prestige, serving as a powerful memento mori—a reminder that life is finite and all earthly positions are temporary.
* **"and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead"**: This phrase highlights the continuity of governance and the inevitable passing of the torch from one leader to the next. The mention of "Masrekah" is a geographical identifier, likely indicating Samlah's origin or the location of his capital within Edomite territory. Such details anchor the biblical narrative in specific historical and geographical realities of the ancient Near East, affirming the historicity of these accounts.
* **Significance within Edomite History**: The inclusion of this verse within the list of Edomite kings is significant. It demonstrates that the Edomites, descendants of Esau, established a stable, successive monarchy long before Israel did. This early political organization of Edom, a nation often in conflict with Israel, is a testament to God's sovereign oversight of all nations. The detailed record of their kings, including successions, shows God's comprehensive knowledge and control over the unfolding of human history, even for those outside the direct covenant line of Abraham.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty Over All Nations**: The meticulous recording of Edomite kings, including their successions, implicitly demonstrates God's sovereign rule over all nations, not just Israel. He orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders and kingdoms, even those seemingly outside His direct covenant focus.
* **Universal Mortality and the Transience of Earthly Power**: The concise statement "Hadad died" serves as a profound theological truth: all human life and power are temporary. No earthly position, however exalted, exempts one from death, urging a focus on eternal realities over temporal achievements.
* **Continuity of God's Plan Amidst Human Change**: While individuals and leaders pass away, God's overarching plan and purposes continue unbroken. The succession of kings in Edom illustrates that even as one era ends, another begins, all within the framework of God's enduring providence.
* **Historical Accuracy and Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The detailed historical record of Edom's monarchy, including specific names and successions, validates the biblical narrative's commitment to historical truth. It also subtly points to the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Esau's descendants becoming a great nation (e.g., [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The prophecy of two nations from Rebekah's womb")), demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
From this brief historical note, we can glean several enduring truths relevant for contemporary reflection. The simple declaration that "Hadad died" serves as a powerful reminder of the transience of all earthly life and power. It encourages humility, prompting us to hold lightly to worldly positions, prestige, and possessions, and instead to invest in what is eternal. Furthermore, the continuity of leadership, with Samlah reigning in Hadad's stead, reflects God's faithfulness in sustaining His purposes through changing generations and leaders. Even in seemingly minor historical details, the Bible reveals God's comprehensive involvement in all of human history, assuring us that His grand plan will unfailingly come to fruition, regardless of individual human lifespans or political shifts.

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible meticulously record the kings of Edom?**

Answer: The Bible records the kings of Edom to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's prophecy that Esau would become a great nation with kings, as stated in [Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "Edomite kings before Israel's monarchy"). It also showcases God's sovereign oversight of all nations, not just Israel, and provides a historical backdrop for future interactions between Israel and Edom in the biblical narrative.

**What is the significance of "Masrekah" in this verse?**

Answer: "Masrekah" is a geographical place name, likely indicating the specific origin, capital city, or tribal affiliation of King Samlah within the territory of Edom. Its inclusion provides historical and geographical specificity, anchoring the biblical account in the verifiable realities of the ancient world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transient nature of Hadad's reign and the succession of Samlah, like all earthly kingships, ultimately points to the eternal and perfect reign of Jesus Christ. While human kings rise and fall, subject to mortality and the limitations of their power, Christ's kingdom is everlasting, and His dominion knows no end. Every earthly succession, even in a non-covenant nation like Edom, serves as a shadow or a contrast to the ultimate, unbroken, and righteous reign of the Messiah. The meticulous historical record, including the details of Edomite kings, testifies to God's sovereign plan unfolding throughout history, a plan that culminates in the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where He, the King of kings, reigns forever, bringing true justice, peace, and life.

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.