Genesis 36:34

And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead.

And Jobab {H3103} died {H4191}, and Husham {H2367} of the land {H776} of Temani {H8489} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

When Yovav died, Husham from the land of the Temani reigned in his place.

When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.

And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

Commentary

Genesis 36:34 is a brief, factual statement within the extensive genealogy of Esau, also known as Edom. This chapter meticulously records the descendants of Esau and the early rulers or "dukes" and kings of the Edomite nation, which originated from Esau, Jacob's twin brother.

Context

This verse is part of a list of eight kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel (see Genesis 36:31). It signifies a transition of power: Jobab, the second king mentioned, dies, and Husham, from the land of Temani, takes his place. The "land of Temani" refers to Tema, a region associated with the Edomites, known for its wisdom (see Jeremiah 49:7).

Key Themes

  • Historical Record-Keeping: The Bible's commitment to detailed historical and genealogical records is evident. This chapter provides a foundational understanding of the Edomites, a people who would often be in conflict with Israel throughout their history, stemming from the initial rivalry between Jacob and Esau.
  • Succession of Power: The verse highlights the natural cycle of life, death, and leadership succession. It shows that even in ancient kingdoms, the transfer of authority was a regular occurrence, impacting the structure and stability of nations.
  • Divine Sovereignty: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the meticulous listing of these kings, even those outside the direct line of the Abrahamic covenant, subtly reinforces the biblical perspective that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and their rulers, orchestrating history according to His broader plan.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Jobab" and "Husham" are proper nouns, and "Temani" refers to an inhabitant or region of Tema. There are no profound linguistic nuances in the original Hebrew for this particular verse; it's a straightforward historical statement of succession.

Practical Application

Though seemingly a simple historical note, Genesis 36:34 reminds us that:

  • God's Story is Comprehensive: The Bible doesn't just focus on the covenant people but provides context by documenting surrounding nations, showing the breadth of God's interaction with humanity.
  • Every Life Has a Place: Even figures mentioned briefly in genealogies play a part in the unfolding of God's overarching narrative and the flow of human history.
  • The Reliability of Scripture: The inclusion of such detailed, factual records underscores the Bible's claim to be a reliable historical document, grounding its spiritual truths in real-world events and lineages.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 49:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

  • Genesis 36:11 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.

  • Genesis 36:15 (2 votes)

    These [were] dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn [son] of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz,

  • Job 2:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.