Genesis 36:2

Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite,

Study Bible

Esau took his wives
The phrase "Esau took his wives" indicates a deliberate action by Esau, suggesting a choice that reflects his character and priorities. In the Hebrew context, marriage was not just a personal decision but a familial and covenantal one. Esau's choice to marry Canaanite women was significant because it diverged from the practices of his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac, who sought to keep their lineage separate from the Canaanites. This decision foreshadows the tension between Esau's descendants, the Edomites, and the Israelites.

from the daughters of Canaan
The "daughters of Canaan" refers to the women of the Canaanite tribes, who were known for their idolatrous practices. The Canaanites were descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, and were often at odds with the descendants of Shem, from whom the Israelites came. Esau's marriages to Canaanite women were a source of grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, as noted in Genesis 26:34-35. This choice symbolizes a departure from the covenantal promises given to Abraham and Isaac, highlighting Esau's disregard for his spiritual heritage.

Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite
"Adah" is one of Esau's wives, and her name means "ornament" or "adornment" in Hebrew. She is identified as the daughter of Elon the Hittite. The Hittites were one of the prominent Canaanite tribes, known for their advanced culture and military prowess. By marrying Adah, Esau aligns himself with the Hittites, further distancing himself from the Abrahamic covenant. This marriage reflects Esau's integration into the surrounding cultures rather than maintaining the distinctiveness of his heritage.

Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite
"Oholibamah" means "tent of the high place" in Hebrew, suggesting a connection to religious or cultic practices. Her lineage is traced through Anah and Zibeon, indicating the importance of family heritage in the ancient Near Eastern context. The Hivites, like the Hittites, were part of the Canaanite tribes. This marriage further emphasizes Esau's assimilation into the Canaanite culture. The mention of her ancestry underscores the significance of familial ties and the potential influence of her background on Esau's household.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. Known for selling his birthright to Jacob and later being deceived out of his father's blessing.

2. Adah
One of Esau's wives, identified as the daughter of Elon the Hittite. The Hittites were a group of people living in Canaan, often seen as outsiders to the covenant community of Israel.

3. Oholibamah
Another wife of Esau, described as the daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite. The Hivites were also inhabitants of Canaan, and like the Hittites, were not part of the covenant community.

4. Canaan
The land where Esau took his wives from, which was inhabited by various tribes and peoples who were often in conflict with the descendants of Abraham.

5. Hittites and Hivites
These are two of the many tribes living in Canaan. They were often seen as pagan and outside the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
Esau's choice to marry Canaanite women reflects a disregard for the covenantal promises given to his family. Believers today are called to prioritize spiritual values and relationships that honor God.

Consequences of Unequally Yoked Relationships
Esau's marriages serve as a cautionary tale about the potential spiritual consequences of forming close relationships with those who do not share the same faith and values.

Understanding Cultural Contexts
Recognizing the cultural and historical context of Esau's marriages helps us understand the broader account of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of remaining distinct from surrounding influences.

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite Esau's choices, God's plan continued through Jacob. This reminds us that God's purposes prevail even when individuals make choices that seem contrary to His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Esau's marriages to Canaanite women reflect his attitude towards his family's covenant with God?

2. In what ways can believers today ensure that their relationships honor their commitment to God, especially in the context of marriage?

3. How does understanding the cultural background of the Hittites and Hivites enhance our understanding of Esau's account?

4. What lessons can we learn from Esau's life about the importance of valuing spiritual inheritance over immediate gratification?

5. How can we apply the principle of being "unequally yoked" to our friendships and partnerships today, and what scriptures support this application?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 26:34-35
This passage describes Esau's marriage to Judith and Basemath, both Hittite women, which caused grief to Isaac and Rebekah. This highlights the ongoing tension between Esau's choices and the covenantal expectations of his family.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
God commands the Israelites not to intermarry with the Canaanite nations to prevent them from turning away from God. Esau's marriages can be seen as a departure from this principle, even before it was formally given.

Hebrews 12:16-17
Esau is described as a "profane person" who sold his birthright for a single meal, emphasizing his disregard for spiritual matters, which is reflected in his choice of wives.