Genesis 36:2

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;

Esau {H6215} took {H3947} his wives {H802} of the daughters {H1323} of Canaan {H3667}; Adah {H5711} the daughter {H1323} of Elon {H356} the Hittite {H2850}, and Aholibamah {H173} the daughter {H1323} of Anah {H6034} the daughter {H1323} of Zibeon {H6649} the Hivite {H2340};

'Esav chose Kena'ani women as his wives: 'Adah the daughter of Eilon the Hitti; Oholivamah the daughter of 'Anah the daughter of Tziv'on the Hivi;

Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite,

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

Commentary

Genesis 36:2 introduces two of Esau's wives, Adah and Aholibamah, highlighting their origins from Canaanite tribes: the Hittites and the Hivites. This verse is part of a detailed genealogy of Esau, also known as Edom, which establishes the lineage of a people distinct from and often antagonistic to the descendants of Jacob.

Context

Chapter 36 serves as a significant digression to trace the descendants of Esau before returning to the narrative of Jacob's family. This specific verse reiterates Esau's marital choices, which were a source of "grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah," as noted in Genesis 26:34-35. Esau's decision to marry women from the local Canaanite population stood in stark contrast to his brother Jacob, who, under parental instruction, sought a wife from their own kindred in Padan-aram, as seen in Genesis 28:1-2, following Abraham's earlier command for Isaac in Genesis 24:3. Esau's choices reveal a consistent pattern of prioritizing immediate gratification over covenant fidelity.

Key Themes

  • Esau's Divergent Path: This verse underscores Esau's consistent choices that deviated from the covenant path established with Abraham, particularly regarding marriage. Unlike Jacob, who sought a wife from his own people, Esau married indiscriminately among the Canaanites.
  • Ancestry of Edom: By naming these wives and their tribal affiliations, the text lays the groundwork for understanding the ethnic and cultural makeup of the Edomites, a nation that would later become a significant adversary to Israel.
  • Parental Disregard: Esau's marriages reflect a disregard for his parents' wishes and the spiritual implications of intermarriage with idol-worshipping peoples, a practice later explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3-4).

Linguistic Insights

The terms "Hittite" (Hebrew: Chitti) and "Hivite" (Hebrew: Chivvi) identify two of the indigenous Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land. These terms simply denote their ethnic origin, emphasizing that Esau's wives were from the local, non-covenant peoples rather than from Abraham's extended family, highlighting the distinct cultural and religious backgrounds.

Practical Application

While a genealogical record, Genesis 36:2 offers insights into the lasting impact of personal choices, particularly in significant life decisions like marriage. Esau's choices highlight the importance of spiritual compatibility and shared values in forming unions, as these decisions can profoundly influence not only individuals but also future generations and their relationship to God's purposes. It serves as a subtle reminder that aligning one's life choices with divine guidance and family heritage, especially in matters of faith, can prevent future complications and maintain a clear spiritual trajectory.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 36:25 (4 votes)

    And the children of Anah [were] these; Dishon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.

  • Genesis 28:9 (3 votes)

    Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.

  • Genesis 27:46 (3 votes)

    And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these [which are] of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?

  • Genesis 9:25 (2 votes)

    And he said, Cursed [be] Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

  • Genesis 26:34 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:

  • Genesis 26:35 (2 votes)

    Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.