As an assignment for this chapter I asked if the class participants would construe why an entire chapter would address the descendents of Esau.  As I began delving into commentaries and scripture references here are my conclusions:

1.     This chapter gives evidence of the original promise that Esau would become the head of a nation.

2.    One of Esau’s descendents (verse 11), Eliphaz the Temanite, was mentioned in the book of Job as one of the friends that came to Job to offer comfort during the trials and tribulations Job was experiencing.  Job himself was from the land of Uz meaning he probably lived in Edom!

3.    A child was born to Esau by the name of Amalek (verse 12).  If you go back to chapter 14, verse 7, you will read about the tribal people living in the Negev and in the Sinai peninsula called the Amalekites.  We will be reading more about this tribe in studies to come so remember the name Amalekites. 

4.    Beginning in verse 31 kings are mentioned that proceed from Esau’s descendents “before any Israelite king reigned”.  As I consulted my commentary I want to give the exact explanation written within the text.  So from the Believer’s Bible Commentary, written by William MacDonald, on page 70, here is what Mr. MacDonald has penned:

“Moses, the author of Genesis, knew by divine revelation that Israel would eventually have a king.  As seven generations of the ungodly line of Cain were given in chapter 4, so seven generations of kings in the ungodly line of Esau are mentioned here in verses 33-39.  Seven, the number of completeness, probably indicates the entire line.  Not one of Esau’s descendants is mentioned in God’s registry of the faithful; all are lost in the obscurity of those who depart from the living God.  They had temporary riches and the passing fame of this world, but nothing for eternity.”

I also remembered that a chapter was dedicated/written about the descendents of Ishmael.  Ishmael was the son of Abraham, just as Esau was the son of Isaac.  Both of these men were sons of the heir to the Promised Covenant.  So close and yet so far.

Father, you have offered eternal life through your only son, Jesus Christ.  We are heirs to the Promised Covenant paid for by the blood of the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Happy are those who accept and partake of the table you have already prepared.   What an absolutely wonderful feast arranged by our Heavenly Father.   Thank you for loving us so much.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 37.  From this chapter until the end of the book of Genesis we will be discussing a pivotal character of scripture, Joseph.  Of the two sons born to Jacob by his beloved Rachel, Joseph was the older and Benjamin the youngest.  This story catalogs the adventures of Joseph and subsequently additional consequences suffered by Jacob by the hands of his sons.  Inevitably, God’s Will shines through as the story progresses, but Joseph’s story, like many of our own, is filled with valleys and mountain top experiences which build our faith and belief in Almighty God.

1.      Why did Jacob give a coat of many colors to Joseph?  Didn’t he realize the danger of favoritism? 

2.    Note the dreams of Joseph; what were they and what were their meanings?  Once again, why would Joseph tell these dreams to his older brothers?

3.    What was the original plan to get rid of Joseph by his brothers?  Who tried to avert the plan?  Why?

4.    What did happen to Joseph?  What was the explanation given to Jacob?