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 succinctly records a pivotal moment in the lineage of Esau, detailing the death of King Hadad and the subsequent ascension of Samlah of Masrekah to the Edomite throne. This brief historical entry, embedded within the extensive genealogies of Esau, serves as a stark reminder of universal human mortality and the continuous cycle of earthly leadership, while implicitly testifying to God's meticulous sovereign orchestration of all nations and the precise unfolding of His historical purposes, even among those outside the direct covenant line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 36 is an extensive genealogical record, primarily focusing on Esau (also known as Edom) and his descendants. This chapter meticulously charts the chiefs and kings who ruled in the land of Edom, providing a detailed account of the nation's early formation and political structure. Verse 36 specifically details a royal succession within this Edomite line, following the list of "kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel" ([Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "The Edomite Kings Before Israel's Monarchy")). This particular verse, along with others in the sequence, underscores the reality of a stable, successive monarchy in Edom long before Israel established its own kingdom, providing a historical framework for understanding future interactions between the two nations. The inclusion of such specific details highlights the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its comprehensive scope in recording the histories of peoples beyond just the covenant line.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, whose territory was primarily in the mountainous region south-east of the Dead Sea, known as Seir. This region was strategically important, controlling trade routes, and its inhabitants developed a sophisticated societal structure, including a monarchy, earlier than many surrounding peoples. The mention of specific kings and their hometowns (like Masrekah) grounds the narrative in concrete geographical and political realities of the ancient Near East. The succession of kings was a common feature of ancient monarchies, often involving a peaceful transfer of power upon a king's death, or sometimes violent usurpation. The concise recording of "Hadad died, and Samlah... reigned in his stead" suggests a normative, perhaps peaceful, transition, typical of established royal lines. This early establishment of a monarchy among the Edomites contrasts sharply with Israel's later, divinely appointed monarchy, as seen in the narratives of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel - Israel's First Kings").

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 36:36 contributes to several key themes within the broader book of Genesis and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's oversight not only of His chosen people, Israel, but also of other nations, including their political structures and successions. The meticulous record of Edomite kings shows God's comprehensive knowledge and control over the unfolding of human history, even for those outside the direct covenant line of Abraham, fulfilling the prophecy that [Esau would become a great nation](/genesis/17-6 "God's Promise to Abraham: Kings from You"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Universal Reality of Mortality** and the **Transience of Earthly Power**. Even kings, wielding immense authority, are subject to death, underscoring that all human life and power are temporary. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the earliest narratives to the wisdom literature, reminding humanity of its finite nature and the ultimate authority of God (e.g., [Psalm 90:3-10](/psalms/90-3-10 "Psalm 90: The Brevity of Life")). Finally, it speaks to the **Continuity of History and God's Plan**, illustrating that while individuals and leaders pass away, the divine plan continues unbroken, with one era giving way to the next within the framework of God's enduring providence.

### 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."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadad (Hebrew, _Hădad'_):** This name, likely of foreign origin, identifies the specific king whose reign concludes. The Strong's data notes its connection to an idol and several Edomite kings, suggesting its significance within the region. In this context, it simply names the individual whose life and rule came to an end.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root verb meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively), or causatively, "to kill." In this verse, it signifies the cessation of life and, by extension, the end of Hadad's reign. This word is a stark reminder of the universal human condition, that all, regardless of status, are subject to death.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to reign" or, inceptively, "to ascend the throne." This verb denotes the exercise of royal authority and the establishment of a new monarch. Its use here signifies the transfer of power and the continuation of the Edomite monarchy through Samlah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hadad died":** This opening clause is a blunt declaration of mortality. It signifies the end of a specific reign and a specific life. In the context of a genealogical list of kings, it marks the completion of one monarch's contribution to the nation's history, emphasizing the finite nature of human authority and existence. The simplicity of the statement belies its profound theological implications regarding life, death, and the transience of all earthly power.
* **"and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead":** This clause immediately introduces the successor and the continuity of the Edomite monarchy. "Samlah" is the name of the new king, and "Masrekah" serves as a geographical identifier, likely indicating his origin, tribal affiliation, or perhaps the location of his capital city within Edomite territory. This detail anchors the biblical narrative in specific historical and geographical realities, affirming the historicity of these accounts and providing a concrete link to the ancient Near Eastern world. The phrase "reigned in his stead" explicitly states the transfer of power and the continuation of the royal line.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and directness of Genesis 36:36 employ several literary devices. The primary device is **Conciseness**, where a momentous event—the death of a king and the succession of another—is conveyed in a remarkably terse manner. This brevity, characteristic of genealogical records, serves to advance the narrative efficiently, focusing on the lineage rather than the drama of individual reigns. The verse also functions as a form of **Memento Mori**, a reminder of the universality of death, even for those in positions of power. The repeated structure of king-died-successor-reigned throughout Genesis 36 acts as a subtle form of **Repetition** or **Patterning**, reinforcing the theme of continuous succession and the passing of generations. Finally, the inclusion of a specific place name, "Masrekah," serves as a **Geographical Anchor**, grounding the narrative in a verifiable historical and geographical reality, enhancing the sense of authenticity and historical truth within the biblical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:36, though brief, offers rich theological and thematic insights. It implicitly asserts God's overarching **Divine Sovereignty** over all nations, not just Israel. The meticulous recording of Edomite kings, their lives, and their successions, demonstrates that God orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders and kingdoms, even those seemingly outside His direct covenant focus. This highlights His 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. The stark declaration "Hadad died" serves as a profound theological truth about **Universal Mortality and the Transience of Earthly Power**. No earthly position, however exalted, exempts one from death, urging a focus on eternal realities over temporal achievements. The continuity of leadership, with Samlah reigning in Hadad's stead, reflects God's faithfulness in sustaining His purposes through changing generations and leaders, illustrating that while individuals pass away, God's overarching plan and purposes continue unbroken.

* [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3-4 "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.")
* [Ecclesiastes 1:4](/ecclesiastes/1-4 "Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
From this brief historical note in Genesis 36:36, we can glean several enduring truths relevant for contemporary reflection and application. 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. Our lives, like Hadad's reign, are finite, and our ultimate legacy is not found in earthly accomplishments or titles, but in our relationship with God and our obedience to His will. 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. This assures us that even in times of transition or uncertainty, God remains on His throne, actively working out His plan. We are called to trust in His unchanging nature and His sovereign control over all history, finding peace in the knowledge that His kingdom is eternal, unlike the fleeting reigns of human monarchs. This perspective fosters a deeper reliance on divine providence rather than human strength or political stability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of "Hadad died" challenge my own attachment to earthly achievements or positions?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of leadership, even in a non-covenant nation like Edom, affirm God's sovereign control over history for me?**
* **How can the awareness of universal mortality, as seen in this verse, shape my priorities and investments in life?**

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

Answer: The Bible meticulously records the kings of Edom primarily to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's prophecy that Esau would become a great nation with kings, as stated in [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Promise to Abraham: Kings from You") and implicitly reiterated in [Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "The Edomite kings reigned before any king reigned over the children of Israel"). This detailed record also showcases God's sovereign oversight of all nations, not just Israel, and provides a crucial historical backdrop for future interactions, conflicts, and prophecies concerning Israel and Edom throughout the biblical narrative, such as in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Edom Refuses Passage to Israel").

**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. Such details lend credence to the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that these are not mythical tales but accounts rooted in real places and real people. While its exact location is debated by modern scholars, its mention serves to particularize the historical record.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transient nature of Hadad's reign and the subsequent succession of Samlah, like all earthly kingships recorded in history, ultimately points to the eternal and perfect reign of Jesus Christ. While human kings rise and fall, subject to mortality, limitations, and the imperfections of their rule, 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 stark 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. He is the true King of kings, whose reign is not limited by death or succession, but is everlasting, bringing true justice, peace, and life to all who believe, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "The Everlasting Kingdom of the Prince of Peace") and affirmed in the New Testament (e.g., [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ")). Unlike Hadad, who "died," Jesus Christ conquered death, rising to reign forever, offering eternal life to His subjects ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the 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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 1:47

And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.