What number verse is Genesis 36:37 in the Bible?

Genesis 36:37 is the 1,078th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 36:37 sits at position 1,078.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

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

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

When Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the riuer, reigned in his steade.

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Young's Literal Translation

and Samlah dieth, and reign in his stead doth Saul from Rehoboth of the River;

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Study This Verse

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.
Historical & Cultural Context: The mention of kings reigning in Edom "before there reigned any king over the children of 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, 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.

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, 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 - 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 - 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 - 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, 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 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. 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). 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 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, whose dominion is everlasting and whose throne is forever (Psalm 45:6). 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).

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Commentary on Genesis 36 verses 31–43

31 ¶ And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.

33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

34 And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead.

35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

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

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

38 And Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

39 And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

40 And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth,

41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

42 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,

43 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.

By degrees, it seems, the Edomites wormed out the Horites, obtained full possession of the country, and had a government of their own. 1. They were ruled by kings, who governed the whole country, and seem to have come to the throne by election, and not by lineal descent; so bishop Patrick observes. These kings reigned in Edom before there reigned any king over the children of Israel, that is, before Moses's time, for he was king in Jeshurun, Gen 36:3. God had lately promised Jacob that kings should come out of his loins (Gen 35:11), yet Esau's blood becomes royal long before any of Jacob's did. Note, In external prosperity and honour, the children of the covenant are often cast behind, and those that are out of covenant get the start. The triumphing of the wicked may be quick, but it is short; soon ripe, and as soon rotten: but the products of the promise, though they are slow, are sure and lasting; at the end it shall speak, and not lie. We may suppose it was a great trial to the faith of God's Israel to hear of the pomp and power of the kings of Edom, while they were bond-slaves in Egypt; but those that look for great things from God must be content to wait for them; God's time is the best time. 2. They were afterwards governed by dukes, again here named, who, I suppose, ruled all at the same time in several places in the country. Either they set up this form of government in conformity to the Horites, who had used it (Gen 36:29), or God's providence reduced them to it, as some conjecture, to correct them for their unkindness to Israel, in refusing them a passage though their country, Num 20:18. Note, When power is abused, it is just with God to weaken it, by turning it into divers channels. For the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof. Sin brought Edom from kings to dukes, from crowns to coronets. We read of the dukes of Edom (Exo 15:15), yet, long afterwards, of their kings again. 3. Mount Seir is called the land of their possession, Gen 36:43. While the Israelites dwelt in the house of bondage, and their Canaan was only the land of promise, the Edomites dwelt in their own habitations, and Seir was in their possession. Note, The children of this world have their all in hand, and nothing in hope (Luk 16:25); while the children of God have their all in hope, and next to nothing in hand. But, all things considered, it is better to have Canaan in promise than mount Seir in possession.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 31–43. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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