Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the 'Alufim' (chiefs) mentioned in Genesis 36:16?
A: The 'Alufim' (chiefs) in Genesis 36:16 were tribal leaders descended from Elifaz, the son of Esav (Esau). They ruled in the land of Edom. Rashi explains that these chiefs were powerful figures who governed their respective clans, and the Torah lists them to show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Esav would become a great nation (Genesis 25:23).
Q: Why is Amalek mentioned in Genesis 36:16?
A: Amalek is mentioned in Genesis 36:16 as one of the chiefs descended from Elifaz, son of Esav. The Amalekites later became bitter enemies of the Jewish people (as seen in Exodus 17:8-16). The Midrash teaches that Amalek represents cruelty and opposition to Hashem's will, which is why the Torah traces their lineage here as a warning about their future actions.
Q: What is the significance of listing Esav's descendants in Genesis 36?
A: Listing Esav's descendants in Genesis 36 shows how Hashem fulfilled His promise that Esav would become a great nation (Genesis 25:23). Ramban explains that the Torah details their lineage to contrast Esav's worldly kings and chiefs with Yaakov's spiritual legacy. This teaches that material success (like Esav's) is temporary, while spiritual legacy (like Yaakov's) is eternal.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'in the land of Edom' in Genesis 36:16?
A: The Torah specifies 'in the land of Edom' to show that these chiefs ruled in the territory associated with Esav (who was also called Edom). Rashi explains that Edom was named after the red lentil stew ('adom' means red) for which Esav sold his birthright (Genesis 25:30). This connects their lineage to Esav's choices and his separation from Yaakov's spiritual path.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 36:16 about family and legacy?
A: Genesis 36:16 teaches that our choices shape our descendants' legacy. Esav's focus on physical strength and worldly power led to mighty chiefs like Amalek, who opposed Hashem's will. In contrast, Yaakov's devotion to spirituality produced the 12 tribes of Israel. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 11a) discusses how Esav's descendants achieved temporary greatness, while Yaakov's legacy is eternal, teaching us to prioritize spiritual values over material success.
Context in Sefer Bereishit
This verse (Bereishit 36:16) appears in the genealogy of Esav (Esau) and lists the tribal chiefs descended from Elifaz, Esav's eldest son. The Torah meticulously documents the lineage of Esav to establish the origins of the Edomite nation, which would later become a rival to Israel.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the term "אַלּוּף" (alluf) here refers to a chieftain or leader of a clan. He notes that these chiefs were descendants of Elifaz, who was the firstborn son of Esav (Bereishit 36:15). Rashi also emphasizes that עֲמָלֵק (Amalek), listed here, would later become the progenitor of the nation of Amalek, Israel's eternal enemy (Shemot 17:16).
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra observes that the Torah lists these chiefs to demonstrate the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would multiply (Bereishit 17:4-6). Even Esav's lineage prospered, though the primary blessing remained with Yaakov.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:13) highlights the significance of Amalek's mention, noting that his emergence from Esav's lineage foreshadows future conflict. The Midrash connects this to the principle that "the deeds of the fathers are a sign for the children," as Amalek would later attack Israel in the wilderness (Shemot 17:8).
Rambam's Perspective
While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his teachings in Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 5:1) regarding Amalek underscore the eternal obligation to remember and oppose Amalek's evil, rooted in this genealogical origin.
Key Lessons