Genesis 36:37 - Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.
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What does "Genesis 36:37" mean?
This verse is part of a genealogical passage in Genesis 36, listing the kings of Edom who reigned before any king reigned over the Israelites. Let's break down what it means:
"Samlah died...": This is a straightforward statement indicating the death of the king named Samlah. He was previously identified as ruling Edom.
"...and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.": This means that after Samlah's death, a new king named Shaul succeeded him. The text further specifies that Shaul was from "Rehoboth by the river."
Shaul: Another king in this non-Israelite lineage. It's important not to confuse him with the later King Saul of Israel (a different Hebrew spelling in the original text helps differentiate them).
Rehoboth by the river: This is likely the name of a city or town in Edom. The phrase "by the river" suggests it was located near a significant river or water source, which would have been important for its inhabitants and agriculture. The identity of this river isn't specified.
In essence, the verse is a record of a dynastic succession in Edom. It's a piece of historical information, however brief, about the political leadership of a nation that was a neighbor and, at times, an adversary of Israel. These genealogical lists serve several purposes in the Bible:
Establishing Identity and Lineage: They help trace the origins and connections between different peoples and tribes.
Providing a Historical Context: They give a sense of the world in which the early Israelites lived.
Highlighting God's Sovereignty: Some scholars believe these lists, even when seemingly mundane, are included to demonstrate God's overarching control over history, even the history of non-Israelite nations.
So, while the verse itself may seem simple, it contributes to a larger narrative about the origins and relationships of the nations surrounding Israel.
Genesis 36:37 - Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.
What does "Genesis 36:37" mean?
This verse is part of a genealogical passage in Genesis 36, listing the kings of Edom who reigned before any king reigned over the Israelites. Let's break down what it means:
"Samlah died...": This is a straightforward statement indicating the death of the king named Samlah. He was previously identified as ruling Edom.
"...and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.": This means that after Samlah's death, a new king named Shaul succeeded him. The text further specifies that Shaul was from "Rehoboth by the river."
Shaul: Another king in this non-Israelite lineage. It's important not to confuse him with the later King Saul of Israel (a different Hebrew spelling in the original text helps differentiate them).
Rehoboth by the river: This is likely the name of a city or town in Edom. The phrase "by the river" suggests it was located near a significant river or water source, which would have been important for its inhabitants and agriculture. The identity of this river isn't specified.
In essence, the verse is a record of a dynastic succession in Edom. It's a piece of historical information, however brief, about the political leadership of a nation that was a neighbor and, at times, an adversary of Israel. These genealogical lists serve several purposes in the Bible:
Establishing Identity and Lineage: They help trace the origins and connections between different peoples and tribes.
Providing a Historical Context: They give a sense of the world in which the early Israelites lived.
Highlighting God's Sovereignty: Some scholars believe these lists, even when seemingly mundane, are included to demonstrate God's overarching control over history, even the history of non-Israelite nations.
So, while the verse itself may seem simple, it contributes to a larger narrative about the origins and relationships of the nations surrounding Israel.