Genesis 36:4

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

Study Bible

And Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau
Adah was one of Esau's wives, and her name means "ornament" or "adornment." She was a Hittite, which is significant because Esau's marriages to Canaanite women were a source of grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34-35). Eliphaz, her son, would become a prominent figure, as he is considered the ancestor of the Edomites, a nation often in conflict with Israel. Eliphaz's name means "God is fine gold," indicating a possible acknowledgment of divine favor or blessing. In the Book of Job, Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's friends, is traditionally linked to this Eliphaz, suggesting a long-standing lineage and influence.

Basemath gave birth to Reuel
Basemath, also known as Mahalath in some passages, was another wife of Esau. Her name means "fragrance" or "perfume," and she was the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, which shows Esau's attempt to align himself with his family's broader lineage. Reuel, her son, means "friend of God" or "God is a friend." This name reflects a positive relationship with the divine, which is significant given the often tumultuous relationship between the descendants of Esau and those of Jacob. Reuel's descendants would also become part of the Edomite lineage, contributing to the complex history between Edom and Israel.

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.