Mar 18

Genesis 36:1-43
Memorise Deuteronomy 7:9
“He is Esau the father of the Edomites”

Coming to Genesis 36, we are given a summary of what happened to Isaac’s other son Esau before the next chapter continues with the account of Jacob and his children. In reading through the very detailed look into the generations of Esau, we have a good reminder that God always keeps His promises, despite the sin of men. By marrying the heathen women of Canaan, Esau might have forgotten God and turned away in sin and rebellion, yet God never forgot him. We now see a whole chapter dedicated to an account of his descendants, as God proves that He is indeed a faithful God who will always fulfil His covenants.

Even before Esau was born, God promised his mother in Genesis 25:23,“Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger”. Although he was the elder, and therefore the weaker nation, nonetheless he was to form a nation of his own. Later, his father Isaac would have this blessing to give him in Genesis 27:39-40: “Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; And by thy sword shalt thou live”. Now, many years after those promises were given, we see how God indeed prospered Esau and made his family a rich and powerful nation, for in describing the houses of Esau and Jacob, the Bible says “their riches were more than they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle” (Genesis 36:7). Esau was thus known as the father of the Edomites, whose dukes and kings are listed through the rest of the chapter.

And so Esau moved to the land of Seir. This was a mountainous region to the south of Canaan. It was an easily defensible position that allowed Edom to flourish and prosper. It is sad however, that in time to come, the Edomites would become enemies of Israel, and would prove to be a constant thorn in their side. Nonetheless we know that God certainly had a plan and purpose in all that He did, and He raised up the Edomites for His purpose and glory. To know about the end of the Edomites, you can read the short book of Obadiah which rebukes them for their pride and cruelty against Israel, and predicts their eventual judgment and destruction.

Thought: God always remembers – both to bless and to judge.
Prayer: Lord, may I be faithful always, even as You are faithful.