Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Genesis » Chapter 36 » Verse 31-39

Genesis 36:31-39 King James Version (KJV)

31 And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.

33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

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

35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

37 And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

38 And Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

39 And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.


Genesis 36:31-39 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

31 And these are the kings H4428 that reigned H4427 in the land H776 of Edom, H123 before H6440 there reigned H4427 any king H4428 over the children H1121 of Israel. H3478

32 And Bela H1106 the son H1121 of Beor H1160 reigned H4427 in Edom: H123 and the name H8034 of his city H5892 was Dinhabah. H1838

33 And Bela H1106 died, H4191 and Jobab H3103 the son H1121 of Zerah H2226 of Bozrah H1224 reigned H4427 in his stead.

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

35 And Husham H2367 died, H4191 and Hadad H1908 the son H1121 of Bedad, H911 who smote H5221 Midian H4080 in the field H7704 of Moab, H4124 reigned H4427 in his stead: and the name H8034 of his city H5892 was Avith. H5762

36 And Hadad H1908 died, H4191 and Samlah H8072 of Masrekah H4957 reigned H4427 in his stead.

37 And Samlah H8072 died, H4191 and Saul H7586 of Rehoboth H7344 by the river H5104 reigned H4427 in his stead.

38 And Saul H7586 died, H4191 and Baalhanan H1177 the son H1121 of Achbor H5907 reigned H4427 in his stead.

39 And Baalhanan H1177 the son H1121 of Achbor H5907 died, H4191 and Hadar H1924 reigned H4427 in his stead: and the name H8034 of his city H5892 was Pau; H6464 and his wife's H802 name H8034 was Mehetabel, H4105 the daughter H1323 of Matred, H4308 the daughter H1323 of Mezahab. H4314


Genesis 36:31-39 American Standard (ASV)

31 And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom; and the name of his city was Dinhabah.

33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

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

35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

37 And Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his stead.

38 And Shaul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

39 And Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.


Genesis 36:31-39 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

31 And these `are' the kings who have reigned in the land of Edom before the reigning of a king over the sons of Israel.

32 And Bela son of Beor reigneth in Edom, and the name of his city `is' Dinhabah;

33 and Bela dieth, and reign in his stead doth Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah;

34 and Jobab dieth, and reign in his stead doth Husham from the land of the Temanite.

35 And Husham dieth, and reign in his stead doth Hadad son of Bedad (who smiteth Midian in the field of Moab), and the name of his city `is' Avith;

36 and Hadad dieth, and reign in his stead doth Samlah of Masrekah;

37 and Samlah dieth, and reign in his stead doth Saul from Rehoboth of the River;

38 and Saul dieth, and reign in his stead doth Baal-hanan son of Achbor;

39 and Baal-hanan son of Achbor dieth, and reign in his stead doth Hadar, and the name of his city `is' Pau; and his wife's name `is' Mehetabel daughter of Matred, daughter of Me-zahab.


Genesis 36:31-39 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

31 And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before there reigned a king over the children of Israel.

32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom; and the name of his city was Dinhabah.

33 And Bela died; and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

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

35 And Husham died; and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the fields of Moab, reigned in his stead. And the name of his city was Avith.

36 And Hadad died; and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

37 And Samlah died; and Saul of Rehoboth on the river reigned in his stead.

38 And Saul died; and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

39 And Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died; and Hadar reigned in his stead; and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred daughter of Mezahab.


Genesis 36:31-39 World English Bible (WEB)

31 These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel.

32 Bela, the son of Beor, reigned in Edom. The name of his city was Dinhabah.

33 Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place.

34 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.

35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith.

36 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.

38 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan, the son of Achbor reigned in his place.

39 Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.


Genesis 36:31-39 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

31 And these are the kings who were ruling in the land of Edom before there was any king over the children of Israel.

32 Bela, son of Beor, was king in Edom, and the name of his chief town was Dinhabah.

33 At his death, Jobab, son of Zerah of Bozrah, became king in his place.

34 And at the death of Jobab, Husham, from the country of the Temanites, became king in his place.

35 And at the death of Husham, Hadad, son of Bedad, who overcame the Midianites in the field of Moab, became king; his chief town was named Avith.

36 And at the death of Hadad, Samlah of Masrekah became king.

37 And at the death of Samlah, Shaul of Rehoboth by the River became king in his place.

38 And at the death of Shaul, Baal-hanan, son of Achbor, became king.

39 And at the death of Baal-hanan, Hadar became king in his place; his chief town was named Pau, and his wife's name was Mehetabel; she was the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Genesis 36

Commentary on Genesis 36 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 36

In this chapter we have an account of the posterity of Esau, who, from him, were called Edomites, that Esau who sold his birthright, and lost his blessing, and was not loved of God as Jacob was. Here is a brief register kept of his family for some generations.

  • 1. Because he was the son of Isaac, for whose sake this honour is put upon him.
  • 2. Because the Edomites were neighbours to Israel, and their genealogy would be of use to give light to the following stories of what passed between them.
  • 3. It is to show the performance of the promise to Abraham, that he should be "the father of many nations,' and of that answer which Rebekah had from the oracle she consulted, "Two nations are in thy womb,' and of the blessing of Isaac, "Thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth.' We have here,
    • I. Esau's wives (v. 1-5).
    • II. His remove to mount Seir (v. 6-8).
    • III. The names of his sons (v. 9-14).
    • IV. The dukes who descended of his sons (v. 15-19).
    • V. The dukes of the Horites (v. 20-30).
    • VI. The kings and dukes of Edom (v. 31-43).

Little more is recorded than their names, because the history of those that were out of the church (though perhaps it might have been serviceable in politics) would have been of little use in divinity. It is in the church that the memorable instances are found of special grace, and special providence; for that is the enclosure, the rest is common. This chapter is abridged, 1 Chr. 1:35, etc.

Gen 36:1-8

Observe here,

  • 1. Concerning Esau himself, v. 1. He is called Edom (and again, v. 8), that name by which was perpetuated the remembrance of the foolish bargain he made, when he sold his birthright for that red, that red pottage. The very mention of that name is enough to intimate the reason why his family is turned off with such a short account. Note, If men do a wrong thing they must thank themselves, when it is, long afterwards, remembered against them to their reproach.
  • 2. Concerning his wives, and the children they bore him in the land of Canaan. He had three wives, and, by them all, but five sons: many a one has more by one wife. God in his providence often disappoints those who take indirect courses to build up a family; yet here the promise prevailed, and Esau's family was built up.
  • 3. Concerning his removal to mount Seir, which was the country God had given him for a possession, when he reserved Canaan for the seed of Jacob. God owns it, long afterwards: I gave to Esau mount Seir (Deu. 2:5; Jos. 24:4), which was the reason why the Edomites must not be disturbed in their possession. Those that have not a right by promise, such as Jacob had, to Canaan, may have a very good title by providence to their estates, such as Esau had to mount Seir. Esau had begun to settle among his wives' relations, in Seir, before Jacob came from Padan-aram, ch. 32:3. Isaac, it is likely, had sent him thither (as Abraham in his life-time had sent the sons of the concubines from Isaac his son into the east country, ch. 25:6), that Jacob might have the clearer way made for him to the possession of the promised land. During the life of Isaac, however, Esau had probably still some effects remaining in Canaan; but, after his death, he wholly withdrew to mount Seir, took with him what came to his share of his father's personal estate, and left Canaan to Jacob, not only because he had the promise of it, but because Esau perceived that if they should continue to thrive as they had begun there would not be room for both. Thus dwelt Esau in Mount Seir, v. 8. Note, Whatever opposition may be made, God's word will be accomplished, and even those that have opposed it will see themselves, some time or other, under a necessity of yielding to it, and acquiescing in it. Esau had struggled for Canaan, but now he tamely retires to mount Seir; for God's counsels shall certainly stand, concerning the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitation.

Gen 36:9-19

Observe here,

  • 1. That only the names of Esau's sons and grandsons are recorded, only their names, not their history; for it is the church that Moses preserves the records of, not the record of those that are without. Those elders that lived by faith alone obtained a good report. It is Sion that produces men of renown, not Seir, Ps. 87:5. Nor does the genealogy go any further than the third and fourth generation; the very names of all after are buried in oblivion. It is only the pedigree of the Israelites, who were to be the heirs of Canaan, and of whom were to come the promised seed, and the holy seed, that is drawn out to any length, as far as there was occasion for it, even of all the tribes till Canaan was divided among them, and of the royal line till Christ came.
  • 2. That these sons and grandsons of Esau are called dukes, v. 15-19. Probably they were military commanders, dukes, or captains, that had soldiers under them; for Esau and his family lived by the sword, ch. 27:40. Note, Titles of honour have been more ancient out of the church than in it. Esau's sons were dukes when Jacob's sons were but plain shepherds, ch. 47:3. This is not a reason why such titles should not be used among Christians; but it is a reason why men should not overvalue themselves, or others, for the sake of them. There is an honour that comes from God, and a name in his house that is infinitely more valuable. Edomites may be dukes with men, but Israelites indeed are made to our God kings and priests.
  • 3. We may suppose those dukes had numerous families of children and servants that were their dukedoms. God promised to multiply Jacob, and to enrich him; yet Esau increases, and is enriched first. Note, It is no new thing for the men of this world to be full of children, and to have their bellies too filled with hidden treasures, Ps. 17:14. God's promise to Jacob began to work late, but the effect of it remained longer, and it had its complete accomplishment in the spiritual Israel.

Gen 36:20-30

In the midst of this genealogy of the Edomites here is inserted the genealogy of the Horites, those Canaanites, or Hittites (compare ch. 26:34), that were the natives of Mount Seir. Mention is made of them, ch. 14:6, and of their interest in Mount Seir, before the Edomites took possession of it, Deu. 2:12, 22. This comes in here, not only to give light to the story, but to be a standing reflection upon the Edomites for intermarrying with them, by which, it is probable, they learned their way, and corrupted themselves. Esau having sold his birthright, and lost his blessing, and entered into alliance with the Hittites, his posterity and the sons of Seir are here reckoned together. Note, Those that treacherously desert God's church are justly numbered with those that were never in it; apostate Edomites stand on the same ground with accursed Horites. Particular notice is taken of one Anah who fed the asses of Zibeon his father (v. 24), and yet is called duke Anah, v. 29. Note, Those that expect to rise high should begin low. An honourable descent should not keep men from an honest employment, nor a mean employment hinder any man's preferment. This Anah was not only industrious in his business, but ingenious too, and successful; for he found mules, or (as some read it) waters, hot-baths, in the wilderness. Those that are diligent in their business sometimes find more advantages than they expected.

Gen 36:31-43

By degrees, it seems, the Edomites wormed out the Horites, obtained full possession of the country, and had a government of their own.

  • 1. They were ruled by kings, who governed the whole country, and seem to have come to the throne by election, and not by lineal descent; so bishop Patrick observes. These kings reigned in Edom before there reigned any king over the children of Israel, that is, before Moses's time, for he was king in Jeshurun, Deu. 33:5. God had lately promised Jacob that kings should come out of his loins (ch. 35:11), yet Esau's blood becomes royal long before any of Jacob's did. Note, In external prosperity and honour, the children of the covenant are often cast behind, and those that are out of covenant get the start. The triumphing of the wicked may be quick, but it is short; soon ripe, and as soon rotten: but the products of the promise, though they are slow, are sure and lasting; at the end it shall speak, and not lie. We may suppose it was a great trial to the faith of God's Israel to hear of the pomp and power of the kings of Edom, while they were bond-slaves in Egypt; but those that look for great things from God must be content to wait for them; God's time is the best time.
  • 2. They were afterwards governed by dukes, again here named, who, I suppose, ruled all at the same time in several places in the country. Either they set up this form of government in conformity to the Horites, who had used it (v. 29), or God's providence reduced them to it, as some conjecture, to correct them for their unkindness to Israel, in refusing them a passage though their country, Num. 20:18. Note, When power is abused, it is just with God to weaken it, by turning it into divers channels. For the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof. Sin brought Edom from kings to dukes, from crowns to coronets. We read of the dukes of Edom (Ex. 15:15), yet, long afterwards, of their kings again.
  • 3. Mount Seir is called the land of their possession, v. 43. While the Israelites dwelt in the house of bondage, and their Canaan was only the land of promise, the Edomites dwelt in their own habitations, and Seir was in their possession. Note, The children of this world have their all in hand, and nothing in hope (Lu. 16:25); while the children of God have their all in hope, and next to nothing in hand. But, all things considered, it is better to have Canaan in promise than mount Seir in possession.