Genesis 36:7

KJV

For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.

KJV (with Strong's)

For their riches {H7399} were more {H7227} than that they might dwell {H3427} together {H3162}; and the land {H776} wherein they were strangers {H4033} could {H3201} not bear {H5375} them because {H6440} of their cattle {H4735}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For their possessions had become too great for them to live together, and the countryside through which they were traveling couldn't support so much livestock.

Berean Standard Bible

For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock.

American Standard Version

For their substance was too great for them to dwell together; and the land of their sojournings could not bear them because of their cattle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:7 succinctly explains the practical necessity for Jacob and Esau's geographical separation: their immense wealth, primarily in livestock, exceeded the capacity of the land where they sojourned, preventing them from dwelling together peacefully and efficiently.

### CONTEXT
This verse follows the emotional reconciliation of Jacob and Esau in [Genesis 33:4](/genesis/33-4 "Jacob and Esau's reunion"), after which Esau settled in Seir and Jacob journeyed through Succoth and Shechem. Genesis 36 then details Esau's descendants and the establishment of Edom. Verse 7 provides the crucial economic and logistical reason for their permanent separation, solidifying distinct territories for the burgeoning nations of Israel (Jacob's lineage) and Edom (Esau's lineage). The "land wherein they were strangers" refers to Canaan, where they lived as nomadic pastoralists, underscoring the finite resources available for their vast herds and flocks.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 36:7 clearly states that Jacob and Esau could not cohabit due to their overwhelming prosperity. The phrase "For their riches were more than that they might dwell together" points to an abundance of possessions, primarily livestock, which necessitated a physical separation. The land they occupied, Canaan, was not their inherited possession but a place where they resided as "strangers" or sojourners, meaning their access to resources was limited and could not sustain both their vast households and herds simultaneously.

* **Abundant Riches (רְכוּשׁ - _rekush_):** The Hebrew term _rekush_ specifically denotes acquired property, emphasizing tangible wealth like livestock, servants, and goods. This immense blessing from God, while indicative of divine favor, paradoxically created a practical challenge, as the sheer volume of their possessions required extensive grazing land and resources beyond what could be shared.
* **Limited Land Capacity:** The declaration that "the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle" highlights a critical resource limitation. As nomadic pastoralists, their herds required vast tracts of land for sustenance. This echoes an earlier situation with [Abraham and Lot](/genesis/13-6 "Abraham and Lot's separation due to their wealth"), where similar prosperity necessitated their separation to prevent conflict over resources.
* **Status as Strangers (גָּרִים - _gerim_):** The description of Jacob and Esau as "strangers" (_gerim_) in the land of Canaan is significant. It underscores their temporary, non-possessory status, further limiting their claim to land and resources compared to permanent inhabitants. This transient status made the management of their growing wealth even more challenging.
* **Divine Providence in Practicality:** While presented as a practical, economic necessity, this separation aligns with God's broader redemptive plan. It ensured the distinct development of two nations—Israel and Edom—preventing potential conflicts over resources and allowing each lineage to pursue its unique destiny as ordained by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Prosperity and Stewardship:** The verse illustrates that divine blessing, manifested as great wealth, comes with the responsibility of wise stewardship and resource management, which may include strategic separation or expansion.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Human Affairs:** Even seemingly mundane practicalities, like land capacity and resource limitations, can serve as instruments of God's sovereign plan, guiding individuals and nations toward their predestined paths.
* **Prevention of Conflict:** The necessity of separation due to wealth demonstrates a practical wisdom in proactively avoiding potential disputes over shared resources, promoting peace through physical distance.
* **Foreshadowing National Destinies:** This logistical separation subtly prefigures the distinct national identities and territories of Israel (Jacob's descendants) and Edom (Esau's descendants), setting the stage for their future interactions in biblical history.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 36:7 offers valuable lessons for contemporary life, emphasizing that practical considerations often play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order, even within families or communities. It teaches that blessings, such as abundance or growth, necessitate careful stewardship and may require strategic decisions like expansion, relocation, or even amicable separation to ensure sustainability and prevent conflict. This principle extends to resource management in all areas of life, reminding us that wise foresight and proactive measures can prevent disputes and foster healthier, though perhaps more distant, relationships.

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob and Esau not simply divide the land they were in?**

Answer: The text states they were "strangers" (_gerim_) in the land, meaning they did not own the land they occupied. Their nomadic lifestyle relied on grazing rights, which were limited and likely shared with other inhabitants or tribes. Their immense wealth in livestock simply exceeded the carrying capacity of the available, non-owned land, making a simple division impractical or insufficient for their combined needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 36:7 highlights a necessary physical separation between two patriarchs and their burgeoning nations, it ultimately points to a greater spiritual reconciliation achieved in Christ. The divisions and limitations imposed by earthly resources and human sin are overcome through the gospel, where Christ breaks down dividing walls, uniting all who believe—whether Jew or Gentile, descendants of Jacob or Esau—into one new humanity. In Him, the ultimate "land" of blessing is not a physical territory but a spiritual inheritance, where all God's people can dwell together in perfect harmony, transcending earthly constraints and conflicts.

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.