Genesis 36:37

KJV

And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth [by] the river reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samlah {H8072} died {H4191}, and Saul {H7586} of Rehoboth {H7344} by the river {H5104} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Samlah died, Sha'ul of Rechovot-by-the-River reigned in his place.

Berean Standard Bible

When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:37 succinctly records the transition of power in the Edomite monarchy, detailing the death of Samlah and the subsequent ascension of Saul of Rehoboth by the River to the throne. This verse is a crucial entry in the comprehensive genealogy of Esau's descendants, highlighting the established and stable succession of kings in Edom, a nation whose monarchical system predated that of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 36 is entirely dedicated to the detailed genealogy of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, and his descendants, including a comprehensive list of the "dukes" and kings who ruled in the land of Edom. This chapter serves as a significant digression from the primary narrative of Jacob's lineage, providing a complete account of the parallel development of Esau's family into a distinct nation. Verse 37 is part of a formulaic succession list (verses 31-39) that meticulously records each king's death and the name of their successor, emphasizing the stability and established nature of the Edomite monarchy. This structured presentation underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants, including Esau, would become [great nations](/genesis/17-6 "Genesis 17:6 - God's Promise of Fruitfulness").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of kings reigning in Edom "before there reigned any king over the [children of Israel](/genesis/36-31 "Genesis 36:31 - Edomite Kings Before Israel")" is a significant historical marker. It indicates that the Edomites, descendants of Esau, developed a centralized monarchy considerably earlier than the Israelites. This early establishment of a kingdom suggests a degree of political sophistication and stability in Edom during this period. The geographical identifier "Rehoboth by the River" for King Saul is typical of ancient Near Eastern records, used to distinguish between places with similar names and to pinpoint the specific origin of a ruler. While the exact "river" is debated, it likely refers to a significant watercourse in or near Edomite territory, possibly a major wadi or even a distant reference to the Euphrates, depending on the historical scope implied by the text.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Promise**, showing how God's plan for Esau's descendants to become a nation is realized, even outside the direct covenant line of Jacob. Secondly, it highlights the **Distinct Paths of Jacob and Esau**, emphasizing that while both lineages were blessed, their historical trajectories and national developments were unique, with Edom establishing a monarchy much earlier than Israel. Thirdly, the meticulous record-keeping underscores the **Historical Reliability of Scripture**, demonstrating the Bible's commitment to documenting the origins and early structures of nations that would later interact with Israel, providing crucial background for future narratives, such as the encounters described in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_ - H4191):** This primitive root signifies the cessation of life, whether literally or figuratively. In the context of Genesis 36:37, it denotes the physical death of King Samlah, marking the end of his reign and paving the way for a successor. The term is straightforward, yet fundamental to the narrative of succession, indicating the finite nature of human rule and the necessity of transition.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_ - H4427):** This primitive root means "to reign" or, inceptively, "to ascend the throne." It describes the act of assuming royal authority and exercising kingship. Here, it signifies Saul's formal inauguration as the new monarch of Edom, establishing his legitimate rule "in his stead," directly following Samlah's demise. This word is central to understanding the political structure being described.
* **river (Hebrew, _nâhâr'_ - H5104):** Derived from a root meaning "to flow," this noun refers to a stream or river, often denoting a significant watercourse. In the phrase "Rehoboth by the river," it serves as a crucial geographical qualifier, distinguishing this specific Rehoboth from others. While its precise identification is debated, it points to a location near a substantial body of water, providing a concrete detail about Saul's origin within the Edomite territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samlah died":** This clause directly states the demise of the sixth Edomite king, Samlah, whose reign is recorded in the preceding verse. It is a simple, factual declaration, characteristic of the genealogical and regnal lists found throughout the ancient Near East and within the biblical text. This event necessitates the succession that follows.
* **"and Saul of Rehoboth [by] the river reigned in his stead":** This clause introduces the seventh king of Edom, Saul, and specifies his origin as "Rehoboth by the River." The phrase "reigned in his stead" confirms the orderly and legitimate transfer of power, indicating that Saul assumed the throne as Samlah's direct successor. The geographical tag "Rehoboth by the River" serves to uniquely identify this King Saul, distinguishing him from any other individuals named Saul, most notably the later Israelite king. This detail underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 36:37, and indeed throughout the regnal list in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), is **Formulaic Language** or **Repetition**. The consistent pattern of "X died, and Y reigned in his stead" creates a rhythmic, predictable structure that emphasizes the orderly and continuous succession of kings in Edom. This formulaic approach lends an air of historical authority and reliability to the record, suggesting a well-established and stable monarchy. Furthermore, the use of **Geographical Identifiers** like "Rehoboth by the River" serves as a form of precise historical documentation, grounding the narrative in specific locations and adding to the verisimilitude of the account. This meticulous detail, even for a non-covenantal nation, highlights the Bible's commitment to factual accuracy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:37, as part of the Edomite king list, subtly underscores God's sovereign hand over all nations, not just Israel. It demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be fruitful and multiply into nations, a promise that extended to Esau as well. The detailed record of Edom's early monarchy, preceding Israel's, illustrates God's providential ordering of history, allowing different peoples to develop distinct societal and political structures according to His broader plan. This historical precision serves to validate the biblical narrative, providing context for future interactions between Israel and Edom, and reminding us that God's purposes unfold across the entire tapestry of human history.

* [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "Genesis 17:6 - God's Promise of Fruitfulness to Abraham") - God promises Abraham that he will be "exceedingly fruitful" and that "nations" and "kings" will come from him, a promise that extends to Esau's lineage.
* [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage") - This passage illustrates a later historical interaction between Israel and Edom, where Edom's established nationhood and military strength are evident, building on the foundation laid in Genesis 36.
* [Malachi 1:2-3](/malachi/1-2-3 "Malachi 1:2-3 - God's Love for Jacob, Hatred for Esau") - This prophetic passage highlights the ongoing distinction and ultimate divine judgment between the descendants of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom), rooted in their foundational histories.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry genealogical lists within Scripture, such as the one containing [Genesis 36:37](/genesis/36-37 "Genesis 36:37 - Samlah and Saul of Rehoboth"), are far from incidental. They are profound reminders of God's meticulous attention to detail and His overarching sovereignty over all of human history, encompassing both the covenant people and the nations around them. The fact that the Bible records the succession of Edomite kings with such precision, even noting geographical identifiers like "Rehoboth by the River," speaks to the historical veracity of God's Word and its commitment to presenting a factual account of the ancient world. For us today, this encourages a deeper trust in the reliability of Scripture, even in its less dramatic passages. It also broadens our perspective, reminding us that God's plan is not limited to one people or one era, but encompasses all humanity and all time, working out His purposes through the rise and fall of nations. This calls us to recognize God's hand in the broader sweep of history and to trust His sovereign control over our own lives and the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous record-keeping, even for nations outside the direct covenant line, strengthen your trust in its overall historical reliability?**
* **What does the early establishment of a monarchy in Edom, as detailed in Genesis 36, reveal about God's diverse providential workings among different peoples?**
* **How might understanding the historical background of nations like Edom enhance your appreciation for later biblical narratives and prophecies concerning them?**

### FAQ

**Is this King Saul the same as the Israelite King Saul?**

Answer: No, the Saul mentioned in [Genesis 36:37](/genesis/36-37 "Genesis 36:37 - Samlah and Saul of Rehoboth") is an Edomite king, one of the early rulers descended from Esau. He lived many centuries before the Israelite King Saul, who was the first king of Israel and is primarily featured in the books of Samuel. The shared name is merely a coincidence, as "Saul" (Hebrew: *Sha'ul*) was a common name meaning "asked" or "desired" in the ancient Near East, reflecting a parent's prayer for a child.

**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies for nations outside Israel?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed genealogies for nations like Edom (descended from Esau) serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promises of fruitfulness and nationhood to Abraham's descendants, even those not in the direct covenant line through Jacob, as seen in [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "Genesis 17:6 - God's Promise of Fruitfulness"). Secondly, it provides essential historical context for understanding later interactions between Israel and its neighbors, such as Edom's refusal to allow Israel passage during the Exodus ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage")). Thirdly, it underscores God's sovereign rule over all nations and peoples, showing that His providential plan encompasses the entire world, not just a select group, and that He works His purposes through all of human history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:37](/genesis/36-37 "Genesis 36:37 - Samlah and Saul of Rehoboth") and the broader Edomite king list detail the succession of earthly monarchs, they subtly point to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom in Jesus Christ. The transient nature of these human reigns, marked by death and succession ("Samlah died, and Saul... reigned in his stead"), stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unchangeable reign of Christ. These earthly kings, whether Edomite or Israelite, served as imperfect shadows of the perfect King to come. Christ's kingship is not inherited through human lineage or subject to the limitations of mortality; He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose dominion is everlasting and whose throne is forever ([Psalm 45:6](/psalms/45-6 "Psalm 45:6 - Your Throne, O God, is Forever and Ever")). The establishment of these early monarchies, even outside the direct covenant line, foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's reign, which extends over all nations and peoples, culminating in His eternal kingdom where there will be no succession, for He lives and reigns forevermore ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 1:48

And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

Genesis 10:11

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,