Genesis 36:9 - Meaning and Application

Here we are told only the names of Esau’s sons and grandsons, not their stories. Moses keeps the records of God’s people, not of those outside the covenant family. Those who lived by faith received a good name, but it is Zion that produces people of true honor, not Seir (Psalm 87:5).

Their family line is traced only down to the third and fourth generation. After that, their names are lost to history. By contrast, the family line of Israel is followed much farther, because Israel was to inherit Canaan and through it the promised Seed, Christ. The tribes of Israel are traced until the land is divided among them, and the royal line is traced until Christ comes.

These sons and grandsons of Esau are called dukes, or ruling chiefs, in Genesis 36:15-19. They were likely military leaders, with soldiers under them, since Esau and his family lived by the sword (Genesis 27:40). Worldly honors are older outside the church than inside it. Esau’s sons were dukes while Jacob’s sons were only shepherds (Genesis 47:3).

This does not mean Christians should avoid such titles altogether. It does mean we should not think too highly of ourselves, or of others, because of them. The honor that comes from God, and a place in his house, is far more valuable. Edomites may be dukes among men, but true Israelites are made kings and priests to God.

We may also suppose these dukes had large households of children and servants, and that these were their little kingdoms. God had promised to multiply Jacob and make him rich, yet Esau grew first. It is nothing new for people of this world to have many children and also plenty of wealth stored up (Psalm 17:14). God’s promise to Jacob began later, but its blessing lasted longer, and it came fully true in spiritual Israel.