What does Genesis 36:9 mean?
This verse serves as a title for the remainder of the chapter. The sons, grandsons, and generations of Esau's people, the Edomites, will be listed along with some landmarks in their history. The name "Edom" means "red," and comes from Esau's birth (Genesis 25:25) and an incident with his brother, Jacob (Genesis 25:30). Esau's body was notably hairy (Genesis 27:11), so it's ironic that the country where he settles is referred to as "Seir," meaning "shaggy or hairy."The Edomites, children of Esau, will grow to become rivals of the Israelites, children of Jacob. Despite being "brother" nations, they will develop deep conflict (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11). A subgroup, the Amalekites, will become especially venomous enemies (Exodus 17:8, 16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:2–3).