Genesis 36:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, the sister of Nebaioth.

NIV: also Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.

NASB: also Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, the sister of Nebaioth.

CSB: and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.

NLT: He also married his cousin Basemath, who was the daughter of Ishmael and the sister of Nebaioth.

KJV: And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.

NKJV: and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth.

This and the previous verse (Genesis 36:2) list three of Esau's wives. It's possible he had more. The names and fathers of these wives do not match the description of Esau's wives given in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9. For instance, Genesis 26:34 cites Basemath as the daughter of Elon the Hittite. Here Basemath is described as Ishmael's daughter. Ishmael was Isaac's half-brother.

The reason for these changes is unclear. Earlier references to Esau's marriages were in the context of the stress they caused his family (Genesis 26:34–35; 27:46; 28:8–9). This passage is about those children of Esau who formed the nation of Edom, in the land of Seir. Scholars suggest Esau may have had as many as six wives, not necessarily at the same time. The three listed here would have been the most significant. It's also possible the names of his wives were changed (Genesis 17:5; 32:28; 36:8).

Genesis 36:1–8 gives a summary of what happened to Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. Esau is called Edom, literally meaning "red." This connection comes from his birth (Genesis 25:25) and an incident with his brother (Genesis 25:30). The land where he settles is also named for Esau's appearance; "Seir" literally means "shaggy." The nation of Edom grows after Esau moves away from Jacob's rapidly growing family. Jacob was given the name "Israel" by God. Over time, the "brother" nations of Israelites and Edomites will become bitter enemies. The short prophetic book of Obadiah predicts harsh judgment on Edom for their treatment of Israel (Obadiah 1:1–2).

Genesis 36 describes the generations of Esau, mostly focusing on the genealogy and rulers of the land of Edom. Repeatedly, the chapter emphasizes that Esau is Edom, repeating an association made earlier in Genesis (Genesis 25:25, 30). The Edomite people are his descendants. The regions in the land of Edom are named for his offspring. The chapter diverts briefly to give the genealogy of the Horite people (Genesis 14:6) who occupied the land before it was conquered (Deuteronomy 2:12). Finally, the chapter lists eight kings of Edom, along with the chiefs whose names became associated with the regions their clans occupied.

Genesis 35 concludes with the death of Isaac. It marks the end of the story arc which focused on him (Genesis 25:19). Genesis 36 briefly describes the generations of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, listing his sons, grandsons, and the kings of Edom, the nation that came from Esau. This is parallel to how Genesis 25:12–18 relayed the fate of Ishamel, another son who did not carry the line of promise. Genesis 37 begins the generations of Jacob, focusing mostly on the story of Joseph.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/6/2024 5:27:03 PM