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 of Esau’s wife Oholibamah
Oholibamah is one of Esau's wives, and her name means "tent of the high place," which may suggest a connection to the religious practices of the time. Esau's marriages to Canaanite women, including Oholibamah, were a source of grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, as they were outside the covenant lineage. This highlights the tension between Esau's choices and the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac.

(daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon)
Anah and Zibeon are mentioned as part of the Horite lineage, a group of people who lived in the region of Seir before Esau's descendants, the Edomites, took control. The Horites were known for their connection to the land of Seir, which is located in the mountainous region of Edom, south of the Dead Sea. This geographical context is significant as it sets the stage for the later conflicts between Israel and Edom.

whom she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
Jeush, Jalam, and Korah are the sons of Esau and Oholibamah. These names are significant as they represent the continuation of Esau's lineage, which would become the Edomites. The Edomites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of Israel, highlighting the long-standing enmity between the descendants of Jacob and Esau. The mention of these sons also underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, as Esau's descendants became a distinct nation.

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.