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 from the daughters of Canaan:
Esau's choice to marry Canaanite women is significant in the biblical narrative. The Canaanites were descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, and were often associated with practices contrary to the faith of Abraham's descendants. This decision contrasts with the actions of his brother Jacob, who was sent to Paddan-aram to find a wife from his mother's family, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the covenant lineage. Esau's marriages to Canaanite women were a source of grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, as noted in Genesis 26:34-35.

Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Adah is one of Esau's wives, and her lineage is traced to the Hittites, a significant group in the ancient Near East known for their advanced civilization and conflicts with Egypt and other nations. The Hittites are mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, and their presence in Canaan is well-documented archaeologically. The marriage to a Hittite woman further illustrates Esau's departure from the covenantal expectations of his family.

Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite:
Oholibamah's lineage is more complex, as she is connected to the Hivites, another Canaanite group. The Hivites are mentioned in various parts of the Old Testament, often as inhabitants of the land that Israel was to conquer. The mention of her father, Anah, and grandfather, Zibeon, provides a genealogical context that underscores the integration of Esau's family with the local Canaanite tribes. This integration is significant in understanding the later tensions between the descendants of Esau (Edomites) and Israel.

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.