JUN 22

Genesis 36
Memorise Ephesians 6:17
"...for the commandment is a lamp, and the law is a light..."

There are some facts in the Bible that are not found simply in one place, but in several passages throughout the Bible. By reading Genesis 36, we can understand more about the Edomites. The Edomites are the descendants of Esau, and we know from earlier records in Genesis that he was the son of Isaac and the twin brother of Jacob (Genesis 25:24-26). We also know how Esau lost his birthright to Jacob through unfair means. Hence, Esau hated Jacob. The hatred the Edomites have for the Israelites may have originated from this same hatred. In Gen 36:2, we read that Esau took wives of the Canaanites, who were neighbours of the Israelites, which also helps us understand why the Edomites became a part of the history of Israel, because they were geographically near. Reading the long list of the descendants of Esau, we know that they had become a sizable nation. This fulfills the promise made to Abraham by God, that he would be the father of many nations. (Genesis 17:4). In addition, this is also a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Rebekah when the Lord said in Gen 25:23 that there were two nations in her womb. We also know that Edom, though a weaker nation than Israel, still posed a threat, as history later records how Edom joined forces with the Assyrians to partake in the destruction of Israel. Gen 36:8 tells us that Esau dwelt in Mount Seir, which concurs with Obadiah 1:3 where we are told that the Edomites took pride in living in high places

Gen 36 helps us understand the Edomites better. Understanding their origins as descendants of Esau helps us understand why the Edomites hate the Israelites so much. Furthermore, we see that God in His mercies did prosper them. They were not neglected and grew as a nation by God’s blessings. Hence God’s judgment against them was justified because, despite God’s goodness, they continued to commit heinous sins against Him and His chosen people.

Interpreting Obadiah better and correctly involves understanding the Edomites better and this is best done by referring to other parts of scripture where the Edomites are mentioned. Reading Gen 36 helps breathe life into our study of Obadiah, as it adds other dimensions to our understanding of the Edomites.

Thought: The only nation that God promised He will preserve is Israel.
Prayer: Lord, help me to have the diligence to study parts of the Bible that I am not so familiar with.