Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the sons of Reuel mentioned in Genesis 36:17?
A: The sons of Reuel, who was the son of Esav (Esau), were Nachat, Zerach, Shammah, and Mizza. These individuals became chiefs (allufim) in the land of Edom, as recorded in the Torah. Rashi explains that these names represent prominent families or leaders descended from Esav.
Q: Why does the Torah list the descendants of Esav in detail?
A: The Torah lists the descendants of Esav to show the fulfillment of Hashem's blessing to Avraham that his descendants would become great nations (Genesis 17:4-6). Even though Esav was not the chosen heir, his lineage was still significant. Ramban explains that these details also help distinguish the Edomites from the Israelites later in history.
Q: What is the significance of the title 'Aluf' (chief) in this verse?
A: The title 'Aluf' (chief) indicates that these descendants of Esav held leadership positions in Edom. According to Ibn Ezra, this term refers to tribal leaders or rulers. The Torah lists them to show the political structure that developed from Esav's lineage, contrasting with the spiritual destiny of Yaakov's descendants.
Q: Who was Basemat mentioned at the end of the verse?
A: Basemat was one of Esav's wives, the daughter of Yishmael (Genesis 36:3) and the mother of Reuel. The Torah mentions her to clarify the lineage, showing that Reuel and his descendants came from this marriage. Rashi notes that Basemat is also called Machalat in Genesis 28:9, as names sometimes varied.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the listing of Esav's descendants?
A: This listing teaches that Hashem keeps His promises—Esav became a great nation as foretold. Additionally, the Sforno explains that documenting these families helps us understand historical relationships between nations. It also reminds us that material success (like Esav's) is temporary compared to the eternal spiritual legacy of Yaakov's descendants.
Context of the Verse
This verse appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 36:13, listing the descendants of Reuel, the son of Esav (Esau), and the chiefs (alufim) who emerged from his lineage in the land of Edom. The verse emphasizes the political and tribal structure of Edom, which descended from Esav, the brother of Yaakov (Jacob). The mention of Basemat as Esav’s wife connects this lineage to earlier narratives about Esav’s marriages (e.g., Bereishit 36:3).
Rashi’s Commentary
Rashi explains that the term aluf (chief) refers to a leader or ruler, not necessarily a king, but one who held significant authority in Edom. He notes that these chiefs were descendants of Reuel, who was the son of Esav and Basemat (daughter of Yishmael). Rashi also points out that Basemat is referred to here as "Esav’s wife," whereas earlier (Bereishit 26:34), she is called Mahalat—indicating that she had two names, a common occurrence in Tanach.
Ramban’s Insights
The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the listing of Esav’s descendants serves to contrast their worldly success with the spiritual destiny of Yaakov’s lineage. While Esav’s line produced powerful chiefs and kings (as detailed later in the chapter), Yaakov’s descendants were chosen for a covenantal relationship with Hashem. The Ramban also highlights that the Torah meticulously records Edom’s genealogy because of its future interactions with Israel (e.g., the rivalry between Edom and Israel in later biblical history).
Midrashic Perspectives
Halachic and Historical Significance
The Sefer HaYashar and other traditional sources note that Edom’s chiefs were precursors to later kingdoms that opposed Israel. The Torah’s detailed account of Edom’s lineage serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between the descendants of Esav and Yaakov, a theme revisited in prophecies about Edom’s eventual downfall (e.g., Ovadiah 1:21).