Aholibamah or Abolibamah
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Etymology and Meaning:
The name Aholibamah is of Hebrew origin, and it is often interpreted to mean "tent of the high place" or "my tent is exalted." This name reflects the cultural and religious significance of tents and high places in ancient Semitic societies, often associated with worship and divine encounters.

Biblical References:
Aholibamah is mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the wives of Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. Her account is primarily found in Genesis 36, which details the genealogy of Esau, also known as Edom.

· Genesis 36:2 : "Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite."
· Genesis 36:5 : "And Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan."

Family and Lineage:
Aholibamah is identified as the daughter of Anah and the granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite. Her marriage to Esau signifies a union with the Canaanite tribes, which was a point of contention within the patriarchal narratives, as Esau's marriages to Canaanite women were displeasing to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34-35).

Aholibamah bore Esau three sons: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These sons became leaders of their respective clans, contributing to the formation of the Edomite nation. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, played a significant role in the history of Israel, often depicted as both kin and adversaries.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The mention of Aholibamah and her lineage highlights the complex interrelations between the Israelites and the surrounding Canaanite tribes. Marriages such as Esau's to Aholibamah illustrate the blending of cultures and the tensions that arose from differing religious and cultural practices.

In the broader biblical narrative, the descendants of Esau, including those through Aholibamah, are often portrayed in contrast to the descendants of Jacob, emphasizing themes of rivalry and reconciliation. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, are frequently mentioned in prophetic literature, symbolizing nations opposed to Israel but also subject to God's ultimate plan for redemption.

Theological Significance:
Aholibamah's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. Her account, though brief, contributes to the overarching theme of God's sovereignty in the unfolding of history and the establishment of nations. The genealogies in Genesis serve to trace the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting the diverse paths through which God's purposes are realized.

Conclusion:
While Aholibamah's personal account is not extensively detailed in Scripture, her role as a matriarch in the Edomite lineage is significant. Her presence in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of relationships and events that shape the biblical history and God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Aholibamah or Abolibamah

(my tabernacle is exulted), One of the three wives of Esau. (B.C. 1797.) She was the daughter of Anah. (Genesis 36:2,26) In the earlier narrative, (Genesis 26:34) Aholi-bamah is called Judith, which may have been her original name.

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