Genesis 36

Why are the descendants of Esau recorded in scripture? Esau despised his birthright. He and his descendants were removed from the blessing God had promised Abraham. So why record the genealogy? It is not for us, today’s reader that it’s included. The truth of this text is not found in what it means to us. The truth is found in what it meant to the original readers of the word. This text was written for the Hebrews who were fleeing after 400 years of slavery in Egypt.

The book of Genesis was written to teach them truth about their God. He was the creator of the universe. He was the one whose mighty works brought forth a flood and yet saved Noah. He was the one who chose Abraham. He was the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. He was the God of Israel. He was the God that promised that even though Esau was no longer included in the covenant promise, Esau would father nations and would be blessed.

Esau and his descendants are included in the book of Genesis to teach the Hebrews that God is a promise keeper. Esau’s descendants formed the nation of Edom. His descendants became chiefs and kings. God kept his promise.
Esau and his dependents are also included to be a bad example. Esau and his sons all intermarried with the Canaanites and other tribes of the area. As a result when the Hebrews returned to Canaan from Egypt the Edomites no longer served the God of Abraham. They had given themselves over to pagan worship.

The genealogy of Esau means little to us today. But the lessons it taught to the Israelites are still just as true. God is still a promise keeper. Followers of God who intermarry with nonbelievers still risk their children growing up without faith. The bible still speaks truth today. Sometimes to recognize it we must place ourselves in the position of the original readers.