Bible Commentaries
Genesis 36

Verses 1-43

Genesis 36. Edomite Genealogies, Chieftains, and Kings.— This chapter is not a unity but a compilation with a very complicated literary history behind it. There is an element of P in it, but its extent, the degree in which it is a revision of earlier sources, and the allocation of the other matter, is very uncertain. The historical value of the chapter is great, but the genealogies and lists cannot be discussed here. Some points of interest may be mentioned. There is a strange discrepancy as to Esau’ s wives between Genesis 36:2-4; Genesis 26:34; Genesis 28:9. The same names largely recur in both lists, but in different relationships. In Genesis 36:6-8 the reason assigned for Esau’ s residence in Seir is identical with that which led to the separation of Abraham and Lot ( Genesis 13:5-12), whereas Genesis 32:3, Genesis 33:14-16 represents Esau as living in Seir while Jacob was yet in Paddan-aram. The term “ duke” would be better rendered “ chieftain” ( cf. mg.) . The kingship was not hereditary; the new king is not the son of his predecessor. The fact that their cities differ has also led some to think that the kings were more like the Hebrew judges, and ruled over parts of Edom rather than over Edom as a whole.