What Does Genesis 36:31-39 Mean?
Genesis 36:31-39 describes the list of kings who ruled in Edom before any king reigned over Israel. This record shows that organized kingdoms existed before Israel’s monarchy, highlighting God’s sovereignty over all nations. It also subtly emphasizes Israel’s uniqueness - God was their King long before they asked for a human one.
Genesis 36:31-39
These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the people of Israel. Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom, the name of his city being Dinhabah. Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place, the name of his city being Avith. When Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. Then Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place, the name of his city being Pau; his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Key Facts
Book
Author
Moses
Genre
Narrative
Date
Approximately 1440 BC (traditional date)
Key Themes
Key Takeaways
- Edom had kings before Israel, showing God’s plan unfolds in all nations.
- Human rulers rise and fall, but God’s authority never ends.
- God’s promises to Abraham include nations beyond Israel, fulfilled through history.
Context of the Edomite Kings List
This list of Edomite kings comes after the genealogies of Esau’s descendants and highlights the development of Edom as a nation before Israel had kings.
Esau, also known as Edom, settled in the hill country of Seir and became the father of the Edomites, whose leaders and tribes are listed in detail. By the time we reach Genesis 36:31-39, the focus shifts from family lines to political leadership, showing that Edom had kings long before Israel did.
This historical note sets the stage for Israel’s later request for a king in 1 Samuel 8, reminding us that God was already at work in surrounding nations even as He prepared His people for their own monarchy.
Edom's Early Monarchy and God's Promise to Abraham
This list of Edomite kings highlights that organized rule existed in the region well before Israel became a nation with a monarchy.
The note 'before any king reigned over the people of Israel' is more than a historical marker - it points back to God’s earlier promises. In Genesis 17:6, God told Abraham, 'I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you,' and in Genesis 35:11, He repeated, 'A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.' These promises applied to Israel and also to other nations such as Edom, descended from Esau.
The fact that Edom had kings so early shows that God was fulfilling His word in ways people might not expect. Leadership and authority in the ancient world were tied to stability, power, and divine favor, and Edom’s monarchy signaled their place among the nations. Yet Israel’s delay in having a king wasn’t a sign of failure - it was part of God’s plan to establish Himself as their true King first.
Edom had kings long before Israel needed one, but God was already ruling over both.
This contrast prepares us for Israel’s later request for a king in 1 Samuel 8, where they want to be 'like other nations.' But here in Genesis, we see that even those nations were under God’s sovereign hand. The Edomite kings ruled, but God was still in control, working out His promises across generations.
God's Providence Over All Nations
Although Edom had kings before Israel, God’s guidance extended to all nations, not only His chosen people.
This list isn’t just ancient history - it shows that God’s promises to Abraham were unfolding broadly, as He said, 'I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you... and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you' (Genesis 12:2-3).
Though Edom was a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, God still raised up and removed their kings according to His providence, reminding us that He rules over every nation’s rise and fall.
Edom's Kings and the Coming King: A Contrast Pointing to Christ
The line of Edomite kings, established long before Israel’s monarchy, sets up a quiet but powerful contrast with the coming Davidic king - and ultimately, the eternal Kingship of Jesus Christ.
Later, when Israel asks for a king 'like all the nations' (1 Samuel 8:5), God allows it - but warns them it will lead to oppression. Saul, Israel’s first king, was rejected for disobedience and consulting a medium, similar to the Edomite king Saul who died for his breach of faith (Genesis 36:38). Meanwhile, Edom blocks Israel’s peaceful passage in Numbers 20:14-21, showing their hardened pride - yet God still holds them accountable, as Samuel later declares, 'To obey is better than sacrifice' (1 Samuel 15:23), a truth that applies to all nations.
While Edom had kings who rose and fell, God was preparing a King whose reign would never end.
But where Edomite and Israelite kings failed, Jesus - the true Son of David and descendant of Abraham - fulfills God’s promise perfectly, reigning not by human strength but through sacrificial love, offering eternal peace to all who trust in Him.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I once found myself chasing approval like a king chasing power - trying to prove I was enough through my work, my choices, my image. But reading about these Edomite kings, one after another rising and falling, reminded me that no human authority lasts. They ruled, they died, and another took their place. It hit me: I don’t need to prove my worth through performance. God was ruling long before any of us took a throne in our own lives. When I stopped trying to be my own king and let God lead - even in small daily decisions - I found peace I hadn’t known. It isn’t about control. It’s about trusting the One who already exists.
Personal Reflection
- Where in my life am I trying to be my own king instead of submitting to God’s quiet leadership?
- How does knowing that God rules over every nation, not only my personal struggles, affect my view of world events and conflicts?
- What would living as a citizen of God’s kingdom this week look like, instead of pursuing my own ambitions?
A Challenge For You
This week, pause once a day and ask God to show you one area where you’re trying to control things on your own. Surrender it in prayer. Then, choose one practical way to honor God as your true leader - maybe by showing kindness when you’d rather assert yourself, or trusting Him with a decision instead of overthinking it.
A Prayer of Response
God, thank You that You were King long before any human ruled. Forgive me for the times I try to run my life on my own. I don’t want to be my own king. Help me trust Your rule in my heart, my home, and my daily choices. Guide me today as Your follower, not as someone chasing power, but as someone resting in Your peace. Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Genesis 36:20-30
Provides background on the Horite chiefs of Seir, setting the stage for Esau’s descendants displacing them and establishing Edomite rule.
Genesis 36:40-43
Continues the list of Edomite chiefs, showing the tribal structure that coexisted with or followed the monarchy.
Connections Across Scripture
Numbers 20:14-21
Edom refuses Israel passage during the Exodus, showing their pride and independence, yet still under God’s sovereign control.
Obadiah 1:1-4
God pronounces judgment on Edom for pride and violence, affirming that no nation escapes His justice, despite early success.
Matthew 1:6
Jesus, the eternal King, descends from David, fulfilling God’s promise of kingship that began with nations like Edom.
Glossary
places
Edom
The land settled by Esau and his descendants, located in the hill country of Seir, south of Judah.
Dinhabah
The city ruled by Bela, first king of Edom, though its exact location is unknown today.
Bozrah
A major Edomite city, associated with Jobab son of Zerah, later mentioned in prophetic judgment oracles.