Zibeon: Son of Seir
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Zibeon is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies and narratives concerning the descendants of Esau and the Horites. He is identified as a Horite chief and a son of Seir, the Horite. The Horites were the original inhabitants of the land of Seir, which later became known as Edom, the territory associated with Esau and his descendants.

Genealogy and Family Connections

Zibeon is introduced in the genealogical records found in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 36:20, the Berean Standard Bible states: "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah." This passage places Zibeon among the sons of Seir, establishing his lineage as part of the Horite clan.

Further details about Zibeon's family are provided in Genesis 36:24, which mentions his children: "These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the wilderness while he was pasturing the donkeys of his father Zibeon." This verse highlights Zibeon's son Anah, who is noted for a specific discovery, indicating the family's involvement in pastoral activities.

Role and Significance

Zibeon is recognized as one of the chiefs of the Horites, a title that signifies a position of leadership and influence within the tribal structure of the Horites. Genesis 36:29-30 lists the chiefs of the Horites, including Zibeon: "These are the chiefs of the Horites: Chief Lotan, Chief Shobal, Chief Zibeon, Chief Anah, Chief Dishon, Chief Ezer, and Chief Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, according to their divisions, in the land of Seir."

The mention of Zibeon as a chief underscores his importance in the socio-political landscape of the region. The Horites, as a people, were eventually assimilated into the Edomite nation, and their chiefs played a role in the governance and organization of the land.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Horites, including Zibeon and his family, were part of the ancient Near Eastern milieu that interacted with the patriarchal figures of the Bible. Their presence in the land of Seir predates the Edomite occupation, and their integration into the Edomite lineage reflects the complex interrelations between different groups in the region.

Zibeon's mention in the genealogies serves to illustrate the interconnectedness of various tribes and families in the biblical narrative. His role as a chief and his family's activities provide insight into the pastoral and tribal life of the time.

Biblical References

· Genesis 36:20 : "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah."
· Genesis 36:24 : "These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the wilderness while he was pasturing the donkeys of his father Zibeon."
· Genesis 36:29-30 : "These are the chiefs of the Horites: Chief Lotan, Chief Shobal, Chief Zibeon, Chief Anah, Chief Dishon, Chief Ezer, and Chief Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, according to their divisions, in the land of Seir."

Zibeon's inclusion in these genealogical records highlights the significance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through various peoples and tribes.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 36:20,24,29
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,
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1 Chronicles 1:38,40
And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezar, and Dishan.
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Library

Chapter xxxvi
... of Esau, the father of the Edomites, in Mount Seir. ... was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's
son, and she ... daughter of Anah, the granddaughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Canaan
... Middle Ages, handing down from father to son the secrets ... had occupied the wadis of
Mount Seir before the ... to have married the granddaughter of "Zibeon the Hivite ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Resources
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Zibeon: A Hivite
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