Genesis 36:20-43 – Descendants of Esau
In the middle of this genealogy of the Edomites there is inserted the genealogy of the Horites, those Canaanites that were natives of Mount Seir. The Edomites intermarried with them and went even farther away from obedience to God and picked up many idolatrous practices. Esau has sold his birthright, lost his blessing, married pagan women, and intermixed his family with the heathen Horites, so now he is seen as just another Canaanite tribe. And this is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. This should be a warning to us that no matter how godly our relatives are, we are each responsible for our own personal relationship with God.
By degrees, it seems, the Edomites wormed out the Horites, obtaining full possession of the country, and having a government of their own. They even set up kings to reign over them having already rejected the idea of having God as their king. They have the land of Mount Seir as their possession, while the children of Israel must wait for their land of promise. Often unbelievers seem to have many joys and blessings in this world, while believers must continue to wait for them. But it is far better to wait for the fulfilment of God’s promises, than be satisfied with the riches of the world.
Questions
- What tribe did the Edomites mix with?
- Who was Esau’s grandfather?
- Where did the Edomites live?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.