What does Genesis 36:6 mean?
Esau's twin brother, Jacob, fled his home in fear (Genesis 27:42) thanks to Esau's rage at being cheated out of his firstborn blessing (Genesis 27:30–35). They seem to have reconciled peacefully many years later (Genesis 33:1–4). However, the two men are both leaders of large tribes, and must separate so the land can support them both (Genesis 36:7). His chosen location is southeast of the Promised Land which was promised to Jacob (Genesis 35:12).When Esau was born, he was notably red and hairy (Genesis 25:25). Later, he famously sold his birthright for some red stew (Genesis 25:30). This earned him the name "Edom," meaning "red," and the country where his descendants settled was ironically called "Seir," meaning "shaggy or hairy" (Genesis 36:8). This land was already inhabited (Genesis 14:6), but Esau's tribes took over (Deuteronomy 2:12).
In time, the two nations founded by these brothers will become bitter enemies. Jacob's descendants are known by his new name, Israel (Genesis 35:10). Esau's are known by his nickname, Edom. Israelites and Edomites will clash frequently in the Old Testament (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).