Genesis 36:14

And these were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.

And these were the sons {H1121} of Aholibamah {H173}, the daughter {H1323} of Anah {H6034} the daughter {H1323} of Zibeon {H6649}, Esau's {H6215} wife {H802}: and she bare {H3205} to Esau {H6215} Jeush {H3274}, and Jaalam {H3281}, and Korah {H7141}.

These were the sons of Oholivamah, the daughter of 'Anah the daughter of Tziv'on, 'Esav's wife: she bore to 'Esav Ye'ush, Ya'lam and Korach.

These are the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah (daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon) whom she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

And these were the sons of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah.

Commentary

Genesis 36:14 is part of a detailed genealogical record that outlines the descendants of Esau, who is also known as Edom. This verse specifically identifies the three sons born to Esau through his wife Aholibamah: Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. Aholibamah is further identified by her lineage, being the daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon.

Context of Genesis 36:14

Chapter 36 of Genesis serves as a comprehensive account of Esau's family line and the development of the Edomite nation. Coming immediately after the narrative of Jacob (Israel), this chapter highlights the distinct paths of the twin brothers, fulfilling the prophecy given before their birth that "two nations are in thy womb". The listing of Esau's wives and children here is crucial for understanding the origins of the Edomites, a people who would later have significant interactions, often adversarial, with the nation of Israel.

Key Figures and Relationships

  • Aholibamah: One of Esau's three wives mentioned in Genesis 36. Her detailed ancestry (daughter of Anah, granddaughter of Zibeon) emphasizes her Hurrian background, a people indigenous to the land of Seir, where Esau settled. Esau's marriage choices, particularly to Canaanite women, were a source of grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah.
  • Esau: Jacob's twin brother, who sold his birthright and later moved to the hill country of Seir, becoming the progenitor of the Edomites.
  • Jeush, Jaalam, Korah: These three sons became tribal chiefs (dukes) within the Edomite nation, further detailed later in the chapter (Genesis 36:18).

Significance and Themes

While seemingly a mere list of names, Genesis 36:14, within its chapter, carries several significant themes:

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: It demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, extending even to Esau's lineage.
  • Distinct Nations: The meticulous record highlights the separation and distinct development of the Edomites from the Israelites, though they shared a common ancestor in Isaac.
  • Historical Record: For ancient readers, this genealogy provided a vital historical context for understanding the relationships and origins of neighboring peoples. For modern readers, it underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and detail in its accounts.

Reflection and Application

The detailed genealogies in Genesis, including this one, remind us of God's sovereign oversight of history and His faithfulness to His word. Even the lineage of those who did not inherit the covenant promise through Jacob is recorded, showing that God's plan encompasses all peoples and their movements. It encourages us to appreciate the Bible's historical foundation and the interconnectedness of biblical narratives, even in seemingly dry lists of names. These records affirm the Bible's claim as a reliable historical document that traces the origins of nations and prepares the way for the coming of the Messiah.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 36:2 (3 votes)

    Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;

  • Genesis 36:5 (2 votes)

    And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these [are] the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:35 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 36:18 (2 votes)

    And these [are] the sons of Aholibamah Esau's wife; duke Jeush, duke Jaalam, duke Korah: these [were] the dukes [that came] of Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau's wife.