Genesis 36:3

and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.

Study Bible

and Basemath
Basemath is one of Esau's wives, and her name means "fragrance" or "perfume." In the context of Genesis, Esau's marriages are significant because they reflect his alliances and relationships with surrounding tribes. Basemath is also mentioned in Genesis 26:34, where she is called "Judith" in some translations, indicating possible variations in names or multiple wives with similar names. Her marriage to Esau highlights the blending of different cultural and familial lines, which was common in ancient times for political and social reasons.

daughter of Ishmael
Basemath being the daughter of Ishmael connects Esau to the lineage of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. This connection is significant because it ties Esau to the broader Abrahamic family, despite his separation from the covenant line through Isaac and Jacob. Ishmael's descendants were known to be nomadic tribes, and this marriage may have been strategic for Esau, aligning himself with a powerful and established family. This connection also fulfills God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 17:20).

and sister of Nebaioth
Nebaioth is the firstborn son of Ishmael, mentioned in Genesis 25:13. His name means "heights" or "high places," and he is considered the progenitor of the Nabateans, a significant Arab tribe. The mention of Nebaioth emphasizes the importance of familial ties and alliances in the ancient Near East. This relationship further solidifies Esau's integration into the broader network of Abraham's descendants, even as he diverges from the line of promise through Jacob. The Nabateans later became known for their advanced civilization and control of trade routes, including the famous city of Petra.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Basemath
She is one of Esau's wives, specifically mentioned as the daughter of Ishmael. Her name means "fragrance" or "perfume," indicating perhaps a sense of beauty or pleasantness.

2. Ishmael
The first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. Ishmael is considered the ancestor of the Ishmaelites, a significant group in the biblical account.

3. Nebaioth
The firstborn son of Ishmael, making him Basemath's brother. His name is often associated with the Nabateans, a group that later inhabited parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

4. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin brother to Jacob. Esau is known for selling his birthright to Jacob and later becoming the ancestor of the Edomites.

5. Edom
The region and people descended from Esau. The Edomites often had a contentious relationship with the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Family Dynamics and Decisions
Esau's marriage to Basemath, a daughter of Ishmael, reflects his attempt to align with his family's heritage. This decision can be seen as an effort to gain favor with his parents, showing the importance of family dynamics in decision-making.

Heritage and Identity
The mention of Ishmael and Nebaioth highlights the interconnectedness of biblical families and the significance of heritage in shaping identity. Understanding one's roots can provide insight into personal and communal identity.

Consequences of Choices
Esau's marriages had long-term implications for his descendants, the Edomites. This serves as a reminder that our choices can have lasting effects beyond our immediate circumstances.

Reconciliation and Relationships
The intermarriage between Esau's and Ishmael's families suggests attempts at reconciliation and maintaining relationships within the broader family network. It encourages us to seek peace and unity within our own families and communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Esau's marriage to Basemath reflect his relationship with his parents, and what can we learn about honoring family in our own lives?

2. In what ways do the genealogies in Genesis, such as the mention of Ishmael and Nebaioth, help us understand the broader biblical account?

3. How do Esau's choices in marriage impact his descendants, and what does this teach us about the long-term effects of our decisions?

4. Considering the relationship between the Israelites and Edomites, how can we apply the principles of reconciliation and peace in our own relationships?

5. How does understanding our own heritage and identity help us navigate our faith journey and relationships with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 28:9
This verse provides context for Esau's marriage to Ishmael's daughter, as it describes Esau's decision to marry into Ishmael's family after realizing his Canaanite wives displeased his parents.

Genesis 25:13-16
Lists the sons of Ishmael, including Nebaioth, providing a genealogical connection to Basemath and highlighting the broader family network.

Genesis 25:23
The prophecy given to Rebekah about her twins, Jacob and Esau, sets the stage for the ongoing tension between their descendants, including the Edomites and Israelites.