31 Now these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the sons of Israel . 32 Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom , and the name of his city was Dinhabah . 33 Then Bela died , and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah became king in his place . 34 Then Jobab died , and Husham of the land of the Temanites became king in his place . 35 Then Husham died , and Hadad the son of Bedad , who defeated Midian in the field of Moab , became king in his place ; and the name of his city was Avith . 36 Then Hadad died , and Samlah of Masrekah became king in his place . 37 Then Samlah died , and Shaul of Rehoboth on the Euphrates River became king in his place . 38 Then Shaul died , and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor became king in his place . 39 Then Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died , and Hadar became king in his place ; and the name of his city was Pau ; and his wife's name was Mehetabel , the daughter of Matred , daughter of Mezahab . 40 Now these are the names of the chiefs descended from Esau , according to their families and their localities , by their names : chief Timna , chief Alvah , chief Jetheth , 41 chief Oholibamah , chief Elah , chief Pinon , 42 chief Kenaz , chief Teman , chief Mibzar , 43 chief Magdiel , chief Iram . These are the chiefs of Edom (that is, Esau , the father of the Edomites ), according to their habitations in the land of their possession .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 36:31-43
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.