Genesis 36:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Baalhanan {H1177} the son {H1121} of Achbor {H5907} died {H4191}, and Hadar {H1924} reigned {H4427} in his stead: and the name {H8034} of his city {H5892} was Pau {H6464}; and his wife's {H802} name {H8034} was Mehetabel {H4105}, the daughter {H1323} of Matred {H4308}, the daughter {H1323} of Mezahab {H4314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Ba'al-Chanan died, Hadar reigned in his place; the name of his city was Pa'u; and his wife's name was M'heitav'el the daughter of Matred the daughter of Mei-Zahav.

Berean Standard Bible

When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.

American Standard Version

And Baal-hanan 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 Me-zahab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:39 concludes a significant section detailing the lineage and kings of Esau, also known as Edom. This specific verse records the death of Baalhanan, the son of Achbor, and the subsequent ascension of Hadar to the throne, providing additional identifying information about Hadar's capital city, Pau, and the detailed ancestry of his wife, Mehetabel. As part of a comprehensive genealogical record, this verse underscores the historical precision of the biblical narrative and highlights God's faithfulness in establishing Esau's descendants as a distinct nation, fulfilling divine promises even outside the direct covenant line of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 36 is entirely dedicated to chronicling the extensive genealogy of Esau and his descendants, including his wives, sons, grandsons, and the chiefs and kings who reigned in the land of Edom. This chapter serves as a crucial interlude between the narratives of Jacob's (Israel's) family and the subsequent detailed account of Joseph's life, which begins in [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Joseph's Early Life"). Verse 39 marks the culmination of a specific list of eight successive Edomite kings who reigned "before there reigned any king over the children of Israel" ([Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "Kings of Edom Before Israelite Kingship")), emphasizing the established nature of the Edomite kingdom and its distinct historical trajectory within the broader biblical narrative of nations. The meticulous record here sets the stage for future interactions between Israel and Edom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites, descendants of Esau, settled in the mountainous region of Seir, located southeast of the Dead Sea. This chapter provides a unique glimpse into the early political organization of a neighboring nation, revealing that a monarchy was established in Edom much earlier than in Israel. In the ancient Near East, genealogical records were of paramount importance, serving to establish identity, validate claims to land and inheritance, and define relationships between peoples. The inclusion of specific details like the king's city and his wife's lineage was common practice in royal annals, underscoring the authenticity and historical grounding of these biblical accounts. The names themselves, such as Baalhanan, also reflect the cultural and religious landscape of the region, where theophoric names (names incorporating a divine element) were prevalent, sometimes indicating local deity worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "The Descendants of Esau"), contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it illustrates the **Fulfillment of Divine Promise**, as God had declared to Rebekah that "two nations are in your womb" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Two Nations in Rebekah's Womb")) and had promised Abraham that he would be the "father of many nations" ([Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Promise to Abraham of Many Nations")), a promise that extended to his descendants, including Esau. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations**, demonstrating that His providential hand extends beyond His covenant people, Israel, to orchestrate the rise and fall of all kingdoms according to His divine purpose. Thirdly, the chapter emphasizes the **Distinction of Lineages**, clearly separating the descendants of Esau from those of Jacob, which would become crucial for understanding the unique identity and covenant relationship of Israel. Finally, the establishment of Edom as a nation here provides the **Foundation for Future Interactions**, setting the stage for the often complex and adversarial relationship between Israel and Edom in later biblical history, such as during the Exodus ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Edom Refuses Israel Passage")) and in prophetic literature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 36:39 states: "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." This verse meticulously records the transfer of power within the Edomite monarchy, highlighting both the transient nature of earthly rule and the continuity of the Edomite nation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalhanan (Hebrew, _Baʻal Chânân'_):** Derived from "Baal" (a prominent Canaanite deity) and "hanan" (grace), this name means "possessor of grace" or "Baal has been gracious." Its presence as an Edomite king's name indicates the pervasive influence of pagan worship, specifically of Baal, in the region. This stands in stark contrast to the emerging monotheistic worship of Yahweh that would characterize the descendants of Jacob.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root signifies "to die" literally or figuratively, or causatively "to kill." In the context of this verse, it marks the end of Baalhanan's reign and life, emphasizing the mortality of even powerful rulers. The recurring mention of kings dying and being succeeded throughout Genesis 36 underscores the transient nature of human authority and the cyclical pattern of dynastic succession.
* **Mehetabel (Hebrew, _Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl'_):** This name is formed from an augmented form of "yatab" (to be good, bettered) and "El" (God), meaning "God benefits" or "God makes good." The inclusion of "El" is significant, as it is a general Semitic term for God, but also the name used for the God of Abraham. Its presence in an Edomite name could suggest a lingering awareness of the broader Abrahamic tradition or simply a common linguistic convention incorporating divine elements, without necessarily implying exclusive worship of Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died":** This clause marks the end of the seventh Edomite king's reign. The inclusion of his father's name, Achbor, provides specific genealogical identification, a common practice in ancient records to distinguish individuals, especially those bearing common names. The direct statement of his death emphasizes the finite nature of human life and rule.
* **"and Hadar reigned in his stead":** This signifies the immediate succession of power, with Hadar becoming the eighth and final king listed in this specific sequence of Edomite monarchs. The phrase "in his stead" highlights the continuity of the Edomite kingdom and its established system of governance, even as individual rulers change.
* **"and the name of his city [was] Pau":** This provides a crucial geographical detail, identifying Hadar's capital or primary residence. The mention of a specific city underscores the settled and organized nature of the Edomite kingdom, indicating a fixed center of power. While the exact location of Pau is debated by scholars, it was certainly within the Edomite territory.
* **"and his wife's name [was] Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab":** This final clause offers a remarkably detailed lineage for Hadar's wife. Providing the wife's name and her paternal and maternal grandpaternal lineage (through her mother's father) adds a layer of historical precision. Such detail was important for establishing alliances, validating social standing, and tracing familial connections in ancient societies, even for those outside the direct covenant line of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 36:39, typical of the chapter, primarily employs **Genealogy** as its overarching literary device. This meticulous listing of names, relationships, and successions serves to establish the historical context and demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises regarding the multiplication of Esau's descendants. Within this genealogical framework, the verse utilizes a **Succession Motif**, repeating the pattern of a king dying and another reigning in his stead. This reiteration emphasizes the cyclical nature of earthly power and the continuity of the Edomite monarchy. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Precision and Detailing**, providing specific names for individuals, their fathers, and even the full lineage of a queen, along with the name of a city. This commitment to granular detail underscores the biblical text's claim to historical accuracy and its careful documentation of various lineages, even those seemingly peripheral to the main narrative of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a simple historical record, Genesis 36:39 holds significant theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating how His promises, even those made to Esau regarding the formation of a great nation, were meticulously fulfilled. The detailed account of the Edomite monarchy, even before Israel had its own kings, subtly highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty, revealing that His divine providence extends over all nations and their rulers, not just His chosen people. This meticulous documentation also provides a crucial historical backdrop, setting the stage for future interactions between Israel and Edom, and affirming the Bible's commitment to presenting a full and accurate account of redemptive history within its broader global context.

* [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Promise to Abraham of Many Nations")
* [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Two Nations in Rebekah's Womb")
* [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Edom Refuses Israel Passage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 36:39, though a verse steeped in ancient genealogy, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's intricate plan encompasses all of history and all nations, even those seemingly distant from the direct covenant line. The rise and fall of kings, the establishment of cities, and the meticulous recording of lineages, even for a nation like Edom, occur under His sovereign hand. This truth should instill in us a deep and abiding trust in God's overarching providence, knowing that He is meticulously working out His purposes even in the seemingly mundane details of history. His promises, once given, are always fulfilled, and His control extends to every corner of creation and every human endeavor. This understanding encourages us to view current world events not as chaotic or random, but as unfolding within the framework of His eternal, sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Genesis 36:39, even concerning a seemingly minor historical figure, deepen your appreciation for the Bible's historical accuracy and God's attention to detail?**
* **What does the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau (to become a nation) teach you about the certainty of God's promises in your own life?**
* **Considering God's sovereignty over the Edomite kings, how does this verse encourage you to trust God's control over current global leaders and events?**

### FAQ
**Why are detailed genealogies like Genesis 36 important in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed genealogies are crucial for several reasons: they establish **historical accuracy and continuity**, demonstrating the precise lineage of individuals and nations; they illustrate the **fulfillment of divine promises**, such as the multiplication of descendants as seen in [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Promise to Abraham of Many Nations"); they serve to **distinguish between different lineages**, particularly between the covenant line of Israel and other nations; and they provide a vital **historical framework** for understanding the relationships between peoples and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

**What is the significance of "Baalhanan" as an Edomite king's name?**

Answer: The name "Baalhanan," meaning "Baal is gracious," is highly significant as it indicates the pervasive presence and influence of pagan worship, specifically of the Canaanite deity Baal, among the Edomites. This highlights the religious landscape of the ancient Near East and stands in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh that God intended for His covenant people, Israel. It underscores the spiritual challenges and distinctions present in the broader regional context.

**Does Genesis 36:39 suggest that God's focus was not solely on Israel?**

Answer: While God's primary redemptive focus and covenant relationship were indeed with the lineage of Abraham through Jacob (Israel), Genesis 36:39 and the entire chapter demonstrate God's **sovereign oversight of all nations**. It shows that God was active in the affairs of other peoples, fulfilling His promises even to Esau, and establishing the historical context for Israel's future interactions with its neighbors. This illustrates God's universal dominion and His meticulous orchestration of history, even for those outside the direct covenant line, proving that His plan encompasses all of humanity and all kingdoms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Even the seemingly peripheral genealogies of nations like Edom, as meticulously recorded in [Genesis 36:39](/genesis/36-39 "Genesis 36:39 - Baalhanan and Hadar"), contribute significantly to the overarching narrative that culminates in Christ. By documenting the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and the precise fulfillment of God's promises to all descendants, the Bible establishes the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty over history. This divine control over all nations and their rulers ultimately serves to prepare the way for the eternal, unshakeable kingdom of the Messiah. The transient nature of Edomite kingship, where one ruler "died" and another "reigned in his stead," stands in stark contrast to the ultimate and everlasting reign of Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Jesus' Authority in Heaven and on Earth")). Unlike the temporary monarchs of Edom, Christ's kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")), fulfilling all divine purposes and promises, and establishing a reign that will have no end ([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 1:50

And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city [was] Pai; and his wife's name [was] Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

Exodus 15:15

Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.