Genesis 36:4

And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel;

And Adah {H5711} bare {H3205} to Esau {H6215} Eliphaz {H464}; and Bashemath {H1315} bare {H3205} Reuel {H7467};

'Adah bore to 'Esav Elifaz, Basmat bore Re'u'el,

And Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath gave birth to Reuel,

And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Basemath bare Reuel;

Commentary

Genesis 36:4 is a concise verse within a chapter dedicated to detailing the descendants of Esau, also known as Edom. This verse specifically names two of Esau's sons born from his first two wives: Adah bore Eliphaz, and Bashemath bore Reuel.

Context

Chapter 36 of Genesis serves as a comprehensive genealogical record of Esau's family, contrasting with the detailed narrative of Jacob's lineage that follows. After Esauโ€™s departure from Canaan to Mount Seir, where he settled permanently, this chapter establishes the origins and early generations of the Edomite nation. The previous verses (Genesis 36:1-3) introduce Esau's wives, and this verse immediately begins to list their children, setting the stage for the subsequent enumeration of his grandsons, tribal chiefs, and kings of Edom.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Blessing: Though the primary covenant blessing passed to Jacob, God's promise to Abraham included making him the father of many nations, and Esau's numerous progeny demonstrate a fulfillment of this broader divine blessing, even for the line not chosen for the covenant.
  • Distinction of Nations: This detailed genealogy highlights the separate development of the Edomites from the Israelites, tracing their distinct origins from the twin brothers Esau and Jacob. This distinction is crucial for understanding future interactions and conflicts between the two nations (e.g., Numbers 20:14-21).
  • Biblical Accuracy and Record-Keeping: The meticulous listing of names, wives, and children underscores the Bible's commitment to historical detail and the importance of lineage in ancient societies.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves carry meaning:

  • Eliphaz (ืึฑืœึดื™ืคึธื–): This Hebrew name can be interpreted as "my God is fine gold" or "my God is strength." Eliphaz later appears as one of Job's three friends, the Temanite, in the book of Job, indicating a significant lineage within the Edomite tradition (Job 2:11).
  • Reuel (ืจึฐืขื•ึผืึตืœ): Meaning "friend of God" or "shepherd of God." This name also appears later in biblical narrative as the father-in-law of Moses, though that Reuel is identified as a Midianite priest (Exodus 2:18), indicating it was a common name in the region.

Practical Application

While a genealogical list might seem dry, it reminds us of God's sovereign plan unfolding through generations. Every individual and family, even those seemingly on the periphery of the main biblical narrative, plays a part in the larger tapestry of history and God's providence. It encourages us to appreciate the Bible's historical foundation and the diverse ways God works through various peoples and their lineages, even those who later become adversaries.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 1:35 (6 votes)

    The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.

  • Exodus 2:18 (4 votes)

    And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How [is it that] ye are come so soon to day?

  • Job 2:11 (3 votes)

    ยถ Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

  • Numbers 10:29 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.