Gen 36:31-43 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 36:31-43: The Kings and Dukes of Edom This passage describes how the descendants of Esau, or Edom, became powerful in their land. The Edomites first had kings before Israel ever did, and later their government changed to dukes (chiefs). Even though God promised Jacob that kings would come from his family (Genesis 35:11 ), Esau’s descendants became rulers first. This shows that people who are not part of God’s promise sometimes appear to succeed quickly, but their success does not last forever. The Israelites had to wait for God’s promises, but in the end, God’s timing is always best (Genesis 36:31-43 ). v. 31-39 : The kings who ruled Edom are listed. These kings were not from the same family line but were probably chosen by the people. The Edomites had their own kings before Israel had any, which may have been hard for the Israelites to accept, especially when they were suffering as slaves in Egypt (Deuteronomy 33:5 ). The Edomites’ success came quickly, but it did not last as long as God’s promises to Israel.

‏ Genesis 36:31-43

Genesis 36:31-43: The Kings and Dukes of Edom

This passage describes how the descendants of Esau, or Edom, became powerful in their land. The Edomites first had kings before Israel ever did, and later their government changed to dukes (chiefs). Even though God promised Jacob that kings would come from his family (Genesis 35:11 ^a), Esau’s descendants became rulers first. This shows that people who are not part of God’s promise sometimes appear to succeed quickly, but their success does not last forever. The Israelites had to wait for God’s promises, but in the end, God’s timing is always best (Genesis 36:31-43 ^b).

v. 31-39: The kings who ruled Edom are listed. These kings were not from the same family line but were probably chosen by the people. The Edomites had their own kings before Israel had any, which may have been hard for the Israelites to accept, especially when they were suffering as slaves in Egypt (Deuteronomy 33:5 ^c). The Edomites’ success came quickly, but it did not last as long as God’s promises to Israel.

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v. 40-43: Later, Edom was ruled by dukes, who were leaders over different areas at the same time. This change may have happened because of problems or as a punishment for not helping Israel when they needed to pass through their land (Numbers 20:18 ^d). While the Edomites enjoyed their land and power, the Israelites had only God’s promise of Canaan. This reminds us that having hope in God’s promise is better than having things on earth right now (Luke 16:25 ^e).