Genesis 36:4

And Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath gave birth to Reuel,

Study Bible

And Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau
Adah
The name "Adah" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "ornament" or "adornment." In the context of Genesis, Adah is one of Esau's wives, and her mention here highlights the familial and tribal connections that are significant in the narrative of the patriarchs. Adah's role as a mother in the lineage of Esau underscores the importance of women in the continuation of family lines and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham's descendants.

bore
The Hebrew word for "bore" is "yalad," which means to bring forth or give birth. This term is frequently used in genealogical records in the Bible, emphasizing the continuation of family lines and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises through successive generations. The act of bearing children is seen as a divine blessing and a means of participating in God's creative work.

Eliphaz
Eliphaz, whose name means "God is fine gold" or "God is my strength," is the firstborn son of Esau and Adah. In the broader biblical narrative, Eliphaz is recognized as an ancestor of the Edomites, a group that plays a significant role in Israel's history. The mention of Eliphaz here serves to establish the genealogical and historical context of the Edomites, who are often seen as both kin and adversaries to the Israelites.

to Esau
Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, is a central figure in the Genesis narrative. His name, meaning "hairy" or "rough," reflects his physical characteristics and perhaps his rugged nature. Esau's marriages and offspring are significant in understanding the development of the Edomite nation, which is often contrasted with Israel. The mention of Esau here reminds readers of the complex family dynamics and the unfolding of God's plan through both chosen and non-chosen lines.

Basemath bore Reuel
Basemath
The name "Basemath" means "fragrance" or "perfume" in Hebrew. She is another wife of Esau, and her inclusion in this genealogy highlights the diverse familial connections that contribute to the formation of the Edomite tribes. Basemath's role as a mother in Esau's lineage underscores the importance of women in the biblical narrative and the continuation of God's covenant promises.

bore
As previously noted, the Hebrew word "yalad" signifies the act of giving birth, which is a recurring theme in biblical genealogies. This term emphasizes the continuity of life and the unfolding of God's purposes through successive generations. The act of bearing children is seen as a divine blessing and a means of participating in God's creative work.

Reuel
Reuel, meaning "friend of God" or "God is a friend," is another son of Esau, born to Basemath. His name reflects a positive relationship with the divine, which is significant in the context of the biblical narrative. Reuel's mention in this genealogy serves to establish the historical and familial context of the Edomites, who are both kin and adversaries to the Israelites. The inclusion of Reuel highlights the complex interplay of relationships and the unfolding of God's plan through various family lines.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Adah
One of Esau's wives, Adah is a Hittite woman. Her marriage to Esau is significant as it reflects Esau's alliances with the Canaanite tribes, which were often at odds with the descendants of Abraham.

2. Eliphaz
The son of Esau and Adah. Eliphaz becomes an important figure as he is the father of several Edomite chiefs, indicating the expansion and influence of Esau's lineage.

3. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau is the twin brother of Jacob. Known for selling his birthright, Esau's descendants, the Edomites, play a significant role in the history of Israel.

4. Basemath
Another wife of Esau, Basemath is also a Canaanite woman. Her marriage to Esau further illustrates the blending of Esau's family with the local tribes.

5. Reuel
The son of Esau and Basemath. Reuel's lineage is part of the broader account of the Edomites, who are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Covenant Relationships
Esau's marriages to Canaanite women illustrate the potential pitfalls of forming alliances outside of God's covenant community. Believers are encouraged to seek relationships that honor God and align with His purposes.

Legacy and Influence
The descendants of Esau, including Eliphaz and Reuel, remind us that our choices impact future generations. We are called to consider how our actions today shape the legacy we leave behind.

Spiritual Discernment
Esau's life serves as a cautionary tale about the need for spiritual discernment. Believers are urged to value their spiritual inheritance and make decisions that reflect their commitment to God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Esau's marriages to Adah and Basemath reflect his priorities and values, and what can we learn from this about making choices that honor God?

2. In what ways do the descendants of Esau, such as Eliphaz and Reuel, illustrate the broader account of God's plan for the nations surrounding Israel?

3. How does the account of Esau and his descendants challenge us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions on future generations?

4. What lessons can we draw from the relationship between Esau and Jacob, and how does this inform our understanding of reconciliation and forgiveness?

5. How can we apply the warning in Hebrews 12:16-17 about Esau's disregard for his birthright to our own spiritual lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 26:34-35
This passage describes Esau's marriages to Canaanite women, which caused grief to Isaac and Rebekah. It highlights the cultural and spiritual tensions between Esau's choices and the covenantal promises given to Abraham's descendants.

Obadiah 1:1-21
The book of Obadiah prophesies against Edom, the nation descended from Esau. It underscores the longstanding enmity between Edom and Israel, rooted in the familial divisions seen in Genesis.

Hebrews 12:16-17
This New Testament passage warns against godlessness like Esau, who traded his birthright for a single meal. It serves as a moral lesson on the consequences of prioritizing immediate desires over spiritual inheritance.