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Genesis 36:18 - Esav's lineage through Oholivama

Genesis 36:18 - בראשית 36:18

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה בְּנֵי אָהֳלִיבָמָה אֵשֶׁת עֵשָׂו אַלּוּף יְעוּשׁ אַלּוּף יַעְלָם אַלּוּף קֹרַח אֵלֶּה אַלּוּפֵי אָהֳלִיבָמָה בַּת־עֲנָה אֵשֶׁת עֵשָׂו׃

English Translation

And these are the sons of Oholivama ῾Esav’s wife; the chief Ye῾ush, the chief Ya῾lam, the chief Qoraĥ: these were the chiefs that came of Oholivama the daughter of ῾Ana, ῾Esav’s wife.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh bnei Oholivama eshet Esav aluf Ye'ush aluf Ya'alam aluf Korach eleh alufei Oholivama bat-Ana eshet Esav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֗לֶּה בְּנֵ֤י אׇהֳלִֽיבָמָה֙ אֵ֣שֶׁת עֵשָׂ֔ו אַלּ֥וּף יְע֛וּשׁ אַלּ֥וּף יַעְלָ֖ם אַלּ֣וּף קֹ֑רַח אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֞י אׇהֳלִֽיבָמָ֛ה בַּת־עֲנָ֖ה אֵ֥שֶׁת עֵשָֽׂו׃
וְאֵ֗לֶּה בְּנֵ֤י אׇהֳלִֽיבָמָה֙ אֵ֣שֶׁת עֵשָׂ֔ו אַלּ֥וּף יְע֛וּשׁ אַלּ֥וּף יַעְלָ֖ם אַלּ֣וּף קֹ֑רַח אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֞י אׇהֳלִֽיבָמָ֛ה בַּת־עֲנָ֖ה אֵ֥שֶׁת עֵשָֽׂו׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Lineage of Oholivama

The verse lists the descendants of Oholivama, one of Esav's wives, and their status as alufim (chieftains). Rashi (on Bereishit 36:18) explains that the term aluf signifies leadership, as these descendants ruled over clans within Edom. The mention of Oholivama's lineage—"the daughter of Ana"—is significant, as the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:14) notes that Ana was the son of Tzivon, linking her to the corrupt influences of Seir (Chamorim).

The Names of the Chieftains

The three chieftains—Ye'ush, Ya'lam, and Korach—each represent distinct aspects of Esav's legacy:

  • Ye'ush (יעוש): The Radak suggests this name derives from ya'ush (despair), symbolizing the fleeting nature of Esav's worldly power.
  • Ya'lam (יעלם): Ramban connects this to ne'elam (hidden), implying that Esav's descendants would eventually fade from prominence.
  • Korach (קרח): The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) notes that this name is shared with the rebellious Korach of Israel, hinting at strife within Edom's leadership.

Oholivama's Background

Oholivama is identified as "the daughter of Ana, the daughter of Tzivon" (Bereishit 36:2). The Sforno explains that her lineage through Tzivon (a Chitti) reflects Esav's intermarriage with Canaanite families, contrary to the values of Avraham's household. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:13) further associates her name ("Oholivama"—"my tent is exalted") with idolatrous practices, contrasting with the sanctity of Yaakov's tents (Bereishit 25:27).

Historical Context of the Alufim

The alufim system in Edom, as detailed in Bereishit 36, underscores the transient nature of Esav's dynasty. The Ibn Ezra observes that while Esav's descendants achieved temporary power, their legacy lacked the enduring covenant granted to Yaakov. This aligns with the prophecy (Malachi 1:2-3), where Hashem declares His preference for Yaakov over Esav.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the descendants of Esav (Esau) in detail?
A: The Torah lists Esav's descendants to show that Hashem fulfilled His promise to Avraham that his descendants would become great nations (Genesis 17:4-6). Even though Esav was not chosen to continue the covenant, he still became a powerful nation, as seen through these detailed listings of his chiefs and offspring (Rashi on Genesis 36:1).
Q: Who was Oholivama, and why is she mentioned specifically?
A: Oholivama was one of Esav's wives, the daughter of Ana (Genesis 36:2). She is mentioned specifically because she bore three chiefs (Alufim) among Esav's descendants (Genesis 36:18). The Torah lists her lineage to distinguish her from Esav's other wives and to highlight the fulfillment of Hashem's blessing of prosperity to Esav's family.
Q: What does 'Aluf' mean in this verse?
A: 'Aluf' (אַלּוּף) means 'chief' or 'tribal leader.' In Esav's lineage, these were powerful clan leaders who governed the Edomite tribes. The term signifies their prominence and the organized tribal structure of Esav's descendants (Ibn Ezra on Genesis 36:15).
Q: Why is Esav's family history important in the Torah?
A: Esav's family history is important because it shows the fulfillment of blessings given to him (Genesis 27:39-40) and establishes the origins of the Edomites, who later interacted with the Jewish people. The Torah records this to contrast Esav's worldly success with Yaakov's spiritual legacy (Ramban on Genesis 36:1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the listing of Esav's descendants?
A: We learn that Hashem keeps His promises—even to those not chosen for the covenant, like Esav. Additionally, the Torah teaches us the importance of recording history accurately, as these details help us understand future interactions between the Jewish people and the nation of Edom (Malbim on Genesis 36).