Genesis 36:1-19 – Children of Esau
It’s easy to get bogged down in genealogies and difficult names in this chapter, but we must remember that all of Scripture is important and worthwhile – even the lists of names.
Esau is called Edom (meaning red) here which reminds us of the foolish bargain he made to sell his birthright in exchange for some red stew. It also reminds us that Esau in despising God’s covenant blessings, even though he may be rich and have many descendants, does not have the thing that really matters – a relationship with God.
Even though Esau sins by having three wives, these wives only bear him 5 sons. But God is still going to bless Esau with many descendants. God also gives to Esau the land of Mount Seir. Even the Israelites are not to take this land away from the Edomites (children of Edom). God’s word is accomplished, and Esau is removed from Canaan leaving it for Jacob.
Only the names of Esau’s sons and grandsons are recorded not their history, for it is the Church, God’s people, that we are given the record of in the Bible, not those outside God’s Kingdom. These descendants of Esau were called chiefs, possibly because they were men of war, with soldiers under them, while Jacob’s descendants are still just humble shepherds. We should not put too much value in titles for it is a person’s relationship with God that is the most important thing.
Questions
- What does Edom mean?
- How many sons did Esau have?
- What title did Esau’s descendants have?
Prayer Points
- Pray that our children would value their covenant blessings.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.