Genesis 36:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together. The land of their sojournings could not support them because of their livestock.

NIV: Their possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying could not support them both because of their livestock.

NASB: For their possessions had become too great for them to live together, and the land where they resided could not support them because of their livestock.

CSB: For their possessions were too many for them to live together, and because of their herds, the land where they stayed could not support them.

NLT: There was not enough land to support them both because of all the livestock and possessions they had acquired.

KJV: For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.

NKJV: For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock.

Esau has moved his family, his servants, and all that he owns away from Jacob and outside of the land of promise (Genesis 36:8). The two brothers were once so opposed that Jacob fled to avoid being murdered (Genesis 27:42). Later, they seem to have reconciled (Genesis 33:1–4). The reason for this separation is simply population. Between them, Jacob and Esau owned too much livestock for the land to support both tribes living in proximity. This echoes the reason given for Abraham and Lot parting ways earlier in Genesis (Genesis 13:8–13).

Seir is already inhabited by the Horites (Genesis 14:6), whom Esau's tribes will overcome (Deuteronomy 2:12).

The descendants of Esau will become known as the nation of Edom (Genesis 25:30; 36:1). Jacob's sons will father the tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:10). The Old Testament records many incidents of strife between these nations, as they grow to become vehement enemies (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).

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 4/27/2024 8:50:09 PM