Genesis 36:36
New International Version
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah succeeded him as king.

New Living Translation
When Hadad died, Samlah from the city of Masrekah became king in his place.

English Standard Version
Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

Berean Standard Bible
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.

King James Bible
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

New King James Version
When Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

New American Standard Bible
Then Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah became king in his place.

NASB 1995
Then Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah became king in his place.

NASB 1977
Then Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah became king in his place.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah became king in his place.

Amplified Bible
Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah succeeded him.

Christian Standard Bible
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah became king in his place.

American Standard Version
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

English Revised Version
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah succeeded him as king.

International Standard Version
After Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah ruled in his place.

NET Bible
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.

New Heart English Bible
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.

World English Bible
Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Hadad dies, and Samlah of Masrekah reigns in his stead;

Young's Literal Translation
and Hadad dieth, and reign in his stead doth Samlah of Masrekah;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Hadad will die, and Samlah from Masrekah will reign in his stead.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Adad was dead, there reigned in his stead, Semla of Masreca.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Adad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

New American Bible
When Hadad died, Samlah, from Masrekah, succeeded him as king.

New Revised Standard Version
Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah succeeded him as king.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Hadad died and Samla reigned after him from Maserqa.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Adad died; and Samada of Massecca reigned in his stead.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Kings of Edom
35When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith. 36When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place. 37When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 1:43-50
These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor. His city was named Dinhabah. / When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. / When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. ...

Genesis 25:13-16
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, / Mishma, Dumah, Massa, / Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. ...

Genesis 17:20
As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.

Genesis 25:23
and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”

Genesis 28:3-4
May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. / And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.”

Genesis 32:28
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”

Genesis 35:11
And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you.

Exodus 15:15
Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,

Numbers 24:18
Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.

Deuteronomy 2:4-5
and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. / Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession.

Deuteronomy 2:12
The Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land that the LORD gave them as their possession.)

Deuteronomy 2:22
just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day.

Joshua 24:4
and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I gave Esau Mount Seir to possess, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt.

1 Samuel 14:47
After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them.

1 Kings 11:14-17
Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. / Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom. / Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

A.

Genesis 36:36
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

Jump to Previous
Death Died Dieth Hadad Masrekah Masre'kah Reign Reigned Samlah Stead Succeeded
Jump to Next
Death Died Dieth Hadad Masrekah Masre'kah Reign Reigned Samlah Stead Succeeded
Genesis 36
1. Esau's three wives.
6. His removal to mount Seir.
9. His sons.
15. The dukes which descended of his sons.
20. The sons and dukes of Seir the Horite.
24. Anah finds mules.
31. The kings of Edom.
40. The dukes that descended of Esau.














When Hadad died
This phrase marks a transition in leadership among the Edomites, descendants of Esau. Hadad's death signifies the end of his reign, a common occurrence in ancient monarchies where leadership was often passed through death rather than abdication. The name Hadad is associated with a storm god in ancient Near Eastern cultures, indicating possible cultural influences or religious syncretism in Edom.

Samlah from Masrekah
Samlah is introduced as the successor to Hadad. The name Samlah is not widely known outside this context, suggesting he may not have been a prominent figure beyond his reign. Masrekah, his place of origin, is not definitively located today, but it is believed to be within the region of Edom. This highlights the localized nature of leadership and the importance of regional identity in ancient times.

reigned in his place
The phrase indicates a continuation of governance and stability within the Edomite kingdom. The succession of kings in Edom, as recorded in Genesis 36, reflects a structured political system. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over nations and leaders, as seen in Daniel 2:21, where God is described as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." The orderly transition also contrasts with the often tumultuous changes in leadership seen in Israel's history, emphasizing the distinct paths of Esau's and Jacob's descendants.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hadad
A king of Edom mentioned in the genealogy of Esau's descendants. His death marks a transition in leadership.

2. Samlah
The successor to Hadad, who becomes the king of Edom. His reign signifies the continuation of Edomite leadership.

3. Masrekah
The place associated with Samlah, indicating his origin or the region he governed.
Teaching Points
Leadership Transitions
The change from Hadad to Samlah highlights the natural progression of leadership. In our lives, we should be prepared for transitions and trust in God's sovereignty over leadership changes.

Genealogical Importance
The genealogies in the Bible, including the list of Edomite kings, remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. We should value our spiritual heritage and recognize God's hand in history.

Edom's Role in Biblical History
Understanding Edom's place in the biblical account helps us see the broader picture of God's plan for nations. We should seek to understand our role in God's unfolding account.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The rise and fall of leaders and nations are under God's control. This should encourage us to pray for our leaders and trust in God's ultimate plan for our world.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 36:36?

2. How does Genesis 36:36 demonstrate God's sovereignty in leadership transitions?

3. What can we learn from Hadad's reign about God's plan for nations?

4. How does Genesis 36:36 connect to God's promises to Abraham's descendants?

5. How can we apply the leadership lessons from Genesis 36:36 in our lives?

6. What does Hadad's rule teach us about God's control over historical events?

7. Who was Hadad son of Bedad in Genesis 36:36, and what is his historical significance?

8. How does Genesis 36:36 fit into the broader narrative of Esau's descendants?

9. What does the reign of Hadad in Genesis 36:36 reveal about Edomite governance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 36?

11. How could Esau's family, in Genesis 36:6-8, have grown so rapidly despite known demographic constraints?

12. Genesis 36:31-39 describes Edomite kings before Israel's monarchy--how does this align with later biblical timelines?

13. In Genesis 36:2-3, Esau's wives differ from those mentioned in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9--why the discrepancy?

14. Genesis 36:20-30 lists Horite chiefs, yet extrabiblical sources offer scant support--what explains this historical gap?
What Does Genesis 36:36 Mean
Saying farewell to Hadad

Genesis 36:35 records Hadad’s victories “against Midian in the field of Moab,” yet verse 36 now states, “When Hadad died….” His death signals the close of one season and the opening of another, just as Psalm 90:10 reminds us of life’s brevity and Ecclesiastes 3:2 speaks of “a time to be born and a time to die.”

– The Bible’s candid mention of each king’s death (1 Chronicles 1:46) underscores both historical accuracy and the steady rhythm of God-governed transitions (Hebrews 9:27).


Samlah steps forward

– “Samlah” appears abruptly with no lineage given, showing that authority can rise from unexpected places; compare God’s later choice of David, a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:11-12).

– Leadership shifts may seem merely political, yet Psalm 75:6-7 affirms, “exaltation comes neither from the east nor the west… but God is the Judge; He brings one down and exalts another.”

– In Edom’s list of eight early kings (Genesis 36:31-39), Samlah occupies the sixth spot, reminding us that every leader fits within a larger, divinely scripted timeline.


from Masrekah

– Masrekah lay in the hill country of Edom, south of the Dead Sea, aligning with the region later called “Seir” (Genesis 32:3; 36:8).

– By naming Samlah’s hometown, Scripture anchors the narrative in verifiable geography, as it does with Saul of Gibeah (1 Samuel 11:4) or Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:45).

– Location often shapes calling: Masrekah’s desert terrain forged resilient people, echoing how Moses’ years in Midian prepared him for leadership (Exodus 2:15-22).


reigned in his place

– The phrase highlights an orderly succession long before Israel had a monarchy; Genesis 36:31 notes, “These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites.”

– God permitted Edom to develop kingship while Israel remained a tribal confederation, illustrating diverse divine timetables (Deuteronomy 2:5; Acts 17:26).

– Practical takeaways:

• Authority is temporary; it should be stewarded, not clutched (2 Samuel 23:3-4).

• Transitions need not breed chaos when God is acknowledged as ultimate King (Psalm 24:1).

• Faith accepts both arrival and departure of leaders, trusting the Lord who “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21).


summary

Genesis 36:36 offers more than a passing fact: Hadad’s death, Samlah’s emergence, the mention of Masrekah, and the seamless transfer of rule together display God’s meticulous oversight of nations. Every change of regime sits inside His sovereign plan, urging believers to rest in His unchanging Kingship while engaging responsibly within their own time and place.

Verse 36. - And Hadad died, and Samlah - "Covering," "Garment," (Gesenius, Furst, Murphy) - of Masrekah - "Vineyard" (Gesenius) - reigned in his stead.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Hadad
הֲדָ֑ד (hă·ḏāḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1908: Hadad -- three Edomites

died,
וַיָּ֖מָת (way·yā·māṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

Samlah
שַׂמְלָ֖ה (śam·lāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8072: Samlah -- a king of Edom

from Masrekah
מִמַּשְׂרֵקָֽה׃ (mim·maś·rê·qāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4957: Masrekah -- a place in Edom

reigned
וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ (way·yim·lōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

in his place.
תַּחְתָּ֔יו (taḥ·tāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of


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OT Law: Genesis 36:36 Hadad died and Samlah of Masrekah reigned (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 36:35
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