Lexical Summary Gatam: Gatam Original Word: גַּעְתָּם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gatam Of uncertain derivation; Gatam, an Edomite -- Gatam. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Edomite NASB Translation Gatam (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs גַּעְתָּם proper name, masculine a chief of Edom, son of Eliphaz Genesis 36:11,16; 1 Chronicles 1:36. גַּף see below גפף. below גפן (√ of following; meaning ?). Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrences and Genealogical Placement Gatam appears three times in the Old Testament (Genesis 36:11, Genesis 36:16, 1 Chronicles 1:36), always within genealogical lists tracing the descendants of Esau. He is named among the sons of Eliphaz, Esau’s firstborn, and is counted with the “chiefs” (clan leaders) of Edom. These passages show: • Genesis 36:11: “The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.” Thus Gatam stands in the third generation from Abraham (Abraham → Isaac → Esau → Eliphaz → Gatam). His placement signals his role as an early tribal head within the Edomite confederation. Historical and Cultural Setting Edom occupied the rugged territory south-southeast of the Dead Sea. Genesis 36 describes a rapid development from family to nation, marking chiefs (’allup̄îm) rather than individual patriarchs. Gatam’s inclusion among these leaders highlights the decentralized, clan-based governance characteristic of Edom during the second millennium BC. Archaeological surveys of the Arabah and Seir regions confirm settlement patterns that align with loosely connected tribal entities under such chiefs. The Edomite Line and Its Spiritual Significance While Scripture grants covenant promises to Jacob, it also records Esau’s posterity in detail. The chronicling of Gatam and his brothers underscores three theological points: 1. Divine Sovereignty over All Nations God’s providence extends beyond the covenant line. By naming Gatam, Scripture affirms that every nation, even one often hostile to Israel, arises under His guiding hand (Deuteronomy 2:4-5, Acts 17:26). 2. Fulfillment of Promises to Abraham The Lord promised that Abraham would become “the father of many nations” (Genesis 17:5). Gatam’s clan embodies part of that fulfillment through Esau. Though Edom does not inherit the land of promise, it still manifests God’s word to Abraham. 3. Moral Contrast and Warning Edom’s later animosity toward Israel (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah 10-14) stands as a cautionary tale. Gatam’s lineage, initially neutral, eventually participates in hostility that brings judgment (Jeremiah 49:7-22). These outcomes illuminate the consequences of resisting God’s redemptive program. Prophetic Resonances The prophets frequently address Edom. Isaiah 34, Jeremiah 49, Ezekiel 35, and Obadiah pronounce judgments that encompass all Edomite clans. Though Gatam himself is not singled out, his descendants would have been included. Notably, Obadiah 21 foresees a future in which “the kingdom shall be the LORD’s,” affirming that no earthly chiefdom, however ancient, can withstand God’s ultimate reign. Christological Perspective The New Testament traces Christ’s lineage through Jacob, yet His ministry touches Edom indirectly. Jesus ministers in the Decapolis and Perea—regions once influenced by Edomite migrations. The reconciliation offered through the cross extends to every tribe, including Edomite descendants (Ephesians 2:14-16). Gatam’s recorded name therefore anticipates the wider scope of salvation history: nations outside the covenant line are not forgotten in God’s redemptive plan. Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Value of “Hidden” Lives Though Gatam appears only in lists, his name teaches that every person has a place in God’s unfolding story. Pastoral work should dignify individuals who feel invisible, reminding them that God knows and records their lives. 2. Importance of Genealogy and Memory Scripture’s meticulous genealogies encourage believers to honor family heritage while seeing God’s hand across generations. Churches can foster intergenerational discipleship that learns from both faithfulness and failure in ancestral lines. 3. Watchfulness against Bitterness Edom’s later bitterness toward Israel warns modern believers to guard against resentments that can harden into entrenched opposition to God’s purposes (Hebrews 12:15-17). Conclusion Gatam, a minor figure by human estimation, serves as a marker of God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and comprehensive historical record. His brief mentions invite reflection on the dignity bestowed upon every lineage and the ultimate submission of all nations to the redemptive rule of Christ. Forms and Transliterations גַּעְתָּ֖ם געתם וְגַעְתָּ֔ם וְגַעְתָּ֖ם וגעתם ga‘·tām ga‘tām gaTam vegaTam wə·ḡa‘·tām wəḡa‘tāmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:11 HEB: אוֹמָ֔ר צְפ֥וֹ וְגַעְתָּ֖ם וּקְנַֽז׃ NAS: Omar, Zepho and Gatam and Kenaz. KJV: Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. INT: Omar Zepho and Gatam and Kenaz Genesis 36:16 1 Chronicles 1:36 3 Occurrences |
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