31 And these are the kings who were ruling in the land of Edom before there was any king over the children of Israel. 32 Bela, son of Beor, was king in Edom, and the name of his chief town was Dinhabah. 33 At his death, Jobab, son of Zerah of Bozrah, became king in his place. 34 And at the death of Jobab, Husham, from the country of the Temanites, became king in his place. 35 And at the death of Husham, Hadad, son of Bedad, who overcame the Midianites in the field of Moab, became king; his chief town was named Avith. 36 And at the death of Hadad, Samlah of Masrekah became king. 37 And at the death of Samlah, Shaul of Rehoboth by the River became king in his place. 38 And at the death of Shaul, Baal-hanan, son of Achbor, became king. 39 And at the death of Baal-hanan, Hadar became king in his place; his chief town was named Pau, and his wife's name was Mehetabel; she was the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 36:31-39
Chapter Contents
Esau and his descendants.
The registers in this chapter show the faithfulness of God to his promise to Abraham. Esau is here called Edom, that name which kept up the remembrance of his selling his birth-right for a mess of pottage. Esau continued the same profane despiser of heavenly things. In outward prosperity and honour, the children of the covenant are often behind, and those that are out of the covenant get the start. We may suppose it a trial to the faith of God's Israel, to hear of the pomp and power of the kings of Edom, while they were bond-slaves in Egypt; but those that look for great things from God, must be content to wait for them; God's time is the best time. Mount Seir is called the land of their possession. Canaan was at this time only the land of promise. Seir was in the possession of the Edomites. The children of this world have their all in hand, and nothing in hope, Luke 16:25; while the children of God have their all in hope, and next to nothing in hand. But, all things considered, it is beyond compare better to have Canaan in promise, than mount Seir in possession.