What is the meaning of Genesis 36:14? These are the sons - Scripture is giving an exact, historical list, reminding us that God tracks real families and fulfills His purposes through them (Genesis 36:1; Genesis 17:7). - Genealogies in Genesis never appear as filler; they connect the covenant story from Abraham through Isaac to Esau, showing the breadth of God’s dealings beyond the chosen line (Genesis 25:23; Acts 17:26). of Esau’s wife Oholibamah - Naming Esau’s wife underscores that the Edomite clans did not arise randomly but through a specific marriage God allowed (Genesis 26:34–35). - Oholibamah is listed among Esau’s three Canaanite wives (Genesis 36:2); each wife becomes a branch of Edomite heritage, highlighting how Esau’s decisions shaped an entire nation (Malachi 1:2–3). (daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon) - The added family details ground Oholibamah in the Horite line (Genesis 36:20, 24), reminding readers that the Edomites were intertwined with the peoples of Seir. - Mentioning both father and grandfather stresses generational continuity; God knows every link in the chain (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 105:8). whom she bore to Esau - The phrase confirms literal parentage; these children are biologically Esau’s, anchoring future Edomite chiefs to their forefather (Genesis 36:9). - Bearing children “to” someone points to covenant-family responsibility (Genesis 30:1–3). Even outside the Abrahamic covenant line, family remains a sacred trust. Jeush, Jalam, and Korah - Three sons become three Edomite chiefs (Genesis 36:18; 1 Chronicles 1:35). God multiplies Esau just as He promised Abraham many nations (Genesis 17:4-6). - Jeush: later head of a clan whose name means “he helps,” illustrating God’s common grace beyond Israel. - Jalam: name suggests “conceal” or “dwell,” reflecting how these tribes settled the hill country of Seir (Deuteronomy 2:5). - Korah: distinct from Moses’ contemporary; this Korah fathers an Edomite line, proving identical names can belong to separate stories (Exodus 6:24). summary Genesis 36:14 records the literal sons born to Esau through Oholibamah: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. Each phrase situates these boys in a precise family, anchoring future Edomite clans in verifiable history. By preserving Esau’s genealogy, Scripture shows God’s faithfulness to multiply Abraham’s descendants—even those outside the covenant line—demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His intimate involvement in every generation. |
    |