Genesis 36:31-43

The Kings of Edom

Berean Standard Bible

31 These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites:
32 Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom; the name of his city was Dinhabah.
33 When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place.
34 When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.
35 When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith.
36 When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.
37 When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place.
38 When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place.
39 When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.
40 These are the names of Esau’s chiefs, according to their families and regions, by their names: Chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 41 Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 42 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 43 Magdiel, and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. Esau was the father of the Edomites.

What is the context?

Genesis next lists kings who ruled in Edom before any king ruled over the Israelites. Each king is named in succession, often with a father, home region, or city. A brief notice also remembers Hadad's defeat of Midian in Moab.

The list does not present a simple chain of fathers handing the throne to their sons. Its attention to different places and family names shows a succession of rulers, but it does not explain how each was chosen. The final section returns to chiefs, arranging their names by families, regions, and settlements.

The chapter closes by again identifying Esau as the father of the Edomites. His family has become an established people with territory and rulers. Genesis 37 then returns to Jacob living in Canaan, where the next part of the family's history will unfold through Joseph and his brothers.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Christians commonly understand the list as a record of Edom's early rulers and settled communities. Wesley's notes on Genesis 36:31, 43 highlight the contrast between Edom already possessing its territory and Jacob's descendants still awaiting the fuller realization of God's land promise.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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