Genesis 36:39

When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife's name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.

Study Bible

When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died
The name "Baal-hanan" means "Baal is gracious" in Hebrew. Baal was a common deity worshiped in the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility and storms. The inclusion of "Baal" in his name suggests the syncretism present in Edomite culture, where local deities were revered alongside or instead of Yahweh. "Achbor" means "mouse" in Hebrew, a name that might reflect humility or insignificance. The death of Baal-hanan marks a transition in leadership, a common theme in Genesis, where the passing of one leader makes way for another, emphasizing the temporal nature of human authority.

Hadad reigned in his place
"Hadad" is a name associated with a storm god in ancient Semitic religions, similar to Baal. This name indicates the continued influence of polytheistic beliefs in Edom. The phrase "reigned in his place" signifies the orderly succession of leadership, a critical aspect of maintaining stability in ancient societies. It reflects the divine allowance of earthly governance, where God permits human rulers to exercise authority, albeit temporarily and under His ultimate sovereignty.

His city was named Pau
The city "Pau" is not widely known in archaeological records, but its mention here highlights the importance of urban centers in ancient Edomite society. Cities were hubs of political, economic, and religious activity. Naming a city often signified ownership or a significant event, suggesting Hadad's influence or a notable occurrence during his reign. This reflects the biblical theme of place and identity, where locations often carry spiritual and historical significance.

and his wife was Mehetabel
"Mehetabel" means "God makes happy" in Hebrew, indicating a theophoric element in her name, which contrasts with the polytheistic names of the male figures. This could suggest a remnant acknowledgment of the God of Israel within Edomite culture. The mention of a wife in genealogies often signifies alliances and the continuation of lineage, crucial for maintaining dynastic power and influence.

the daughter of Matred
"Matred" is a name of uncertain meaning, but its inclusion highlights the matrilineal aspect of genealogies, which is less common in ancient texts. This could indicate the importance of her family or lineage, suggesting that her marriage to Hadad was significant for political or social reasons. It underscores the biblical theme of family and heritage, where ancestry plays a vital role in identity and destiny.

the daughter of Me-zahab
"Me-zahab" means "waters of gold" in Hebrew, a name that evokes wealth and prosperity. This could imply that Mehetabel came from a prosperous or influential family, further emphasizing the strategic nature of her marriage to Hadad. The mention of wealth aligns with biblical themes of blessing and provision, where material prosperity is often seen as a sign of divine favor, though it also serves as a reminder of the potential for idolatry and misplaced trust in riches.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Baal-hanan
The son of Achbor, who was a king of Edom. His name means "Baal is gracious," indicating the influence of Canaanite religion in Edom.

2. Achbor
The father of Baal-hanan. His name means "mouse," and he is mentioned as part of the Edomite lineage.

3. Hadad
The successor of Baal-hanan as king of Edom. Hadad is a name associated with a storm god in ancient Near Eastern cultures, reflecting the syncretism in Edom.

4. Pau
The city where Hadad reigned. The exact location is uncertain, but it was significant enough to be mentioned as the seat of Hadad's rule.

5. Mehetabel
The wife of Hadad, whose name means "God makes happy." She is noted for her lineage, being the daughter of Matred and granddaughter of Mezahab.

Teaching Points

The Influence of Culture
The names and practices of the Edomite kings reflect the cultural and religious influences surrounding them. As Christians, we must be aware of how our culture influences our faith and ensure that our primary allegiance is to God.

The Importance of Lineage
The detailed genealogies in the Bible remind us of the importance of heritage and legacy. We should consider what spiritual legacy we are leaving for future generations.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The rise and fall of kings in Edom, as recorded in Genesis 36, remind us that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers. We can trust in His ultimate plan and purpose, even when earthly powers seem dominant.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the cultural influence seen in the names of Edomite kings challenge us to examine the cultural influences in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual legacy is aligned with God's will, as seen through the genealogies in the Bible?

3. How does the sovereignty of God over the nations, as demonstrated in the rise and fall of Edomite kings, provide comfort and assurance in today's world?

4. What lessons can we learn from the relationship between Israel and Edom that apply to our relationships with those who may not share our faith?

5. How can we guard against the syncretism of faith and culture, ensuring that our worship remains true to the God of the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The lineage of Edomite kings in Genesis 36 parallels the genealogies found in 1 Chronicles 1, which also lists the descendants of Esau, showing the historical and familial connections between Israel and Edom.

The mention of Hadad connects to 1 Kings 11, where another Hadad, an adversary of Solomon, is mentioned, highlighting the ongoing tension between Israel and Edom.

The influence of Canaanite religion, as seen in names like Baal-hanan, can be compared to the warnings against idolatry found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 12.