Genesis 36:14

These are the sons of Esau's wife Oholibamah (daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon) whom she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

Study Bible

These are the sons
This phrase introduces a genealogical record, a common feature in the book of Genesis. Genealogies serve to establish historical and familial connections, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through specific lineages. In Hebrew, "sons" (בנים, banim) often signifies descendants or offspring, highlighting the continuation of a family line, which is crucial in the biblical narrative for the unfolding of God's covenantal promises.

of Esau’s wife Oholibamah
Oholibamah is one of Esau's wives, and her name means "tent of the high place" in Hebrew. This name may suggest a connection to nobility or a significant status within her community. Esau's marriages to Canaanite women, including Oholibamah, are significant as they reflect his departure from the covenantal line of Abraham, which was to be continued through Isaac and Jacob. This choice of spouse is a pivotal point in Esau's life, illustrating the broader theme of covenant faithfulness versus worldly alliances.

daughter of Anah
Anah is a figure mentioned in the genealogies of Esau's descendants. The mention of Anah here serves to provide a historical and familial context, linking Oholibamah to a specific lineage. In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity and inheritance rights. Anah's mention underscores the importance of familial ties and heritage in the biblical narrative.

and granddaughter of Zibeon
Zibeon is another figure in the genealogical record, and his mention further establishes the lineage of Oholibamah. The term "granddaughter" (בת, bat) in Hebrew emphasizes the multi-generational aspect of the genealogy. This highlights the continuity of family lines and the importance of ancestry in understanding one's place within God's unfolding plan.

whom she bore to Esau
This phrase indicates the maternal lineage of Esau's children, emphasizing the role of Oholibamah in the continuation of Esau's line. The act of bearing children is a recurring theme in Genesis, often associated with the fulfillment of divine promises and the perpetuation of family lines. In the context of Esau, it also reflects the divergence from the covenantal line of Jacob, as Esau's descendants become associated with the Edomites, a nation often in conflict with Israel.

Jeush, Jalam, and Korah
These names represent the sons of Esau and Oholibamah. Each name carries its own significance and reflects the cultural and familial identity of Esau's descendants. Jeush, Jalam, and Korah are part of the Edomite lineage, which plays a significant role in the biblical narrative as a neighboring nation to Israel. The mention of these names serves to document the growth and expansion of Esau's family, contrasting with the line of Jacob, through whom the covenantal promises are fulfilled.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin brother of Jacob. Esau is the ancestor of the Edomites.

2. Oholibamah
One of Esau's wives, a Hittite woman, and the daughter of Anah. Her name means "tent of the high place."

3. Anah
Father of Oholibamah, mentioned in the genealogy of Esau's descendants.

4. Zibeon
Grandfather of Oholibamah, a Hivite, and part of the lineage of Esau's wives.

5. Jeush, Jalam, and Korah
Sons of Esau and Oholibamah, who became leaders of Edomite clans.

Teaching Points

Understanding Lineage and Legacy
The genealogies in Genesis remind us of the importance of family heritage and the impact of our choices on future generations.

Cultural and Spiritual Influences
Esau's marriages to Canaanite women illustrate the potential conflicts that arise when cultural practices diverge from spiritual convictions.

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite human choices and conflicts, God's purposes prevail, as seen in the unfolding account of Esau and Jacob's descendants.

The Consequences of Decisions
Esau's alliances through marriage had lasting implications for his descendants, teaching us to consider the long-term effects of our decisions.

Reconciliation and Redemption
The account of Esau and Jacob ultimately points to the possibility of reconciliation and the redemptive work of God in broken relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the genealogy of Esau's descendants in Genesis 36:14 reflect the broader account of Esau's life and choices?

2. In what ways do Esau's marriages to Canaanite women illustrate the tension between cultural practices and spiritual convictions?

3. How can understanding the lineage of Esau and his descendants help us appreciate the historical context of the Edomites in later biblical accounts?

4. What lessons can we learn from Esau's family dynamics about the importance of making decisions that align with God's purposes?

5. How does the account of Esau and Jacob encourage us to seek reconciliation and trust in God's redemptive work in our own family relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 26:34-35
This passage describes Esau's marriages to Hittite women, which were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah, highlighting the cultural and spiritual tensions in Esau's family.

Genesis 28:8-9
Esau's decision to marry within the Canaanite tribes is contrasted with Jacob's journey to find a wife from his own people, emphasizing the divergence in their paths.

Obadiah 1:1-21
The prophecy against Edom, the descendants of Esau, reflects the long-standing enmity between Edom and Israel, rooted in the familial tensions between Esau and Jacob.