Genesis 36:8-9
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The verse highlights that Esau settled in Seir, immediately identifying him as "Edom." This isn't just a name change, but a subtle reminder of the red stew he traded his birthright for, linking his new identity and homeland to that impulsive, defining moment of his life.
So Esau settled in the hill country of Seir. (Esau is Edom.) These are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the account of Esau gathering his family and possessions, he moved his household away from Canaan because the land could no longer support his growing wealth and livestock alongside his brother Jacob. This departure marks the establishment of Esau, now identified with the land and people of Edom, in the mountainous region of Seir. The subsequent verses then delve into the genealogies and leadership structures of Esau's descendants, the Edomites, and the original inhabitants of Seir, the Horites.
Esau moved his family and all his possessions to Mount Seir. Was this simply his own choice, or was God orchestrating events?
While Esau acted out of his own desires for wealth and space, the text subtly reveals God's guiding hand. The narrative suggests that Esau's departure from Canaan wasn't merely a personal decision, but a necessary step for God's plan to unfold for Jacob. The abundance of Esau's possessions made it impossible for him and Jacob to live together, creating a natural impetus for separation. God used these circumstances, and even Esau's own motivations, to ensure Jacob could inherit the land promised to him. This highlights how God can work through seemingly ordinary or even self-serving decisions to achieve His sovereign purposes.
The verse explicitly states, 'Esau is Edom.' What does this simple identification signify?
This verse is crucial because it establishes the identity of the nation of Edom, tracing its lineage directly back to Esau. The repetition of 'Esau is Edom' serves to connect the descendants of Esau with the land of Seir and the nation that would arise there. This isn't just a name change; it's the beginning of a distinct people whose history would often be intertwined, and sometimes in conflict, with Israel. The text meticulously lists Esau's descendants, emphasizing the formation of this new nation and its leadership structure, all stemming from the man who once traded his birthright for a bowl of stew.
Understand the original words
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Se'ir · Hebrew Proper Noun
A rugged, mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea; it became the historical territory of the Edomites and is often associated with the descendants of Esau in prophetic literature.
Edom · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun representing the descendants of Esau; it carries a deep-seated historical and theological rivalry with the nation of Israel (the descendants of Jacob), symbolizing the friction between chosen and rejected lines in the context of the patriarchal promises.
toledot · Hebrew Noun
Literally "begettings" or "account of the origin"; this term introduces a genealogical record, establishing the historical continuity and identity of a lineage, often serving as a structural marker in the book of Genesis.
This passage marks a pivotal moment where Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, separates from the covenant family and establishes his own distinct lineage and territory in Seir, laying the groundwork for the future nation of Edom.
c. 1800 BC
Esau's Life and Marriage
Esau, the grandson of Abraham, marries Canaanite women, causing distress to his parents. Later, he marries Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael.
c. 1750 BC
Isaac's Blessing and Esau's Departure
After Jacob deceives Isaac to receive the patriarchal blessing, Esau resolves to kill Jacob. Isaac then blesses Esau, promising him dominion but also foretelling his future servitude.
c. 1750 BC— this verse
Esau moves to Seir
Following his brother Jacob's departure from Canaan, Esau takes his family, possessions, and all his dependents, and settles in the hill country of Seir due to their abundant wealth.
c. 1750 BC
Genealogies of Esau's Descendants
The text details the descendants of Esau, listing his sons and grandsons, who become the leaders ('dukes') of various Edomite clans. It also records the native inhabitants of Seir, the Horites.
c. 1700 BC - 1400 BC
Edomite Kings Reign
The narrative lists kings who ruled in Edom before any king reigned over Israel, indicating a established, organized society prior to the Exodus.
This passage explicitly states that the land of Seir was given to Esau and his descendants as a possession, underscoring the divine appointment of Esau's dwelling place.
Joshua 24:4This verse directly links the land of Seir to Esau's inheritance, reinforcing that his settlement there was part of God's plan for his lineage.
Genesis 25:30This verse explains the origin of the name 'Edom' as derived from Esau's selling of his birthright for 'red' pottage, connecting the man Esau to the land and people of Edom.
Ezekiel 35:2-3This prophetic passage addresses Mount Seir (Edom) with a message of judgment, highlighting its ongoing significance and adversarial relationship with God's people.
Malachi 1:4This verse speaks of Edom as a people who will rebuild their desolate places, showing the enduring legacy of Esau's descendants and their place in redemptive history.
calvinGenesis 36:1-43: "Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom."
And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.
Et accepit Esau uxores suas, et filios suos, et filias suas, et omnes animas domus suae, et pecudes suas, et omnia jumenta sua, et omnem acquisitionem suam, quam acquis…
ellicottGenesis 36:8: "Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom."
(8) Mount Seir. —The land of Idumea extends from the southern extremity of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Elath, and consists of a chain of mountains running parallel to the Akaba, or continuation of the deep depression through which the Jordan flows till it loses itself in the Dead Sea. The hills are of limestone, with masses here and there of basalt; and though large portions are so covered with stones as to be barren, the rest is mode…
The verse highlights that Esau settled in Seir, immediately identifying him as "Edom." This isn't just a name change, but a subtle reminder of the red stew he traded his birthright for, linking his new identity and homeland to that impulsive, defining moment of his life.
Following the account of Esau gathering his family and possessions, he moved his household away from Canaan because the land could no longer support his growing wealth and livestock alongside his brother Jacob. This departure marks the establishment of Esau, now identified with the land and people of Edom, in the mountainous region of Seir. The subsequent verses then delve into the genealogies and leadership structures of Esau's descendants, the Edomites, and the original inhabitants of Seir, the Horites.
Following the account of Esau gathering his family and possessions, he moved his household away from Canaan because the land could no longer support his growing wealth and livestock alongside his brother Jacob. This departure marks the establishment of Esau, now identified with the land and people of Edom, in the mountainous region of Seir. The subsequent verses then delve into the genealogies and leadership structures of Esau's descendants, the Edomites, and the original inhabitants of Seir, the Horites.
"So Esau settled in the hill country of Seir. (Esau is Edom.) These are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir." — The verse highlights that Esau settled in Seir, immediately identifying him as "Edom." This isn't just a name change, but a subtle reminder of the red stew he traded his birthright for, linking his n…
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Last reviewed October 2026
