Genesis 36:2 - Esav's forbidden Canaanite marriages?

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Hebrew Text

עֵשָׂו לָקַח אֶת־נָשָׁיו מִבְּנוֹת כְּנָעַן אֶת־עָדָה בַּת־אֵילוֹן הַחִתִּי וְאֶת־אָהֳלִיבָמָה בַּת־עֲנָה בַּת־צִבְעוֹן הַחִוִּי׃

English Translation

῾Esav took his wives of the daughters of Kena῾an; ῾Ada the daughter of Elon the Ḥittite, and Oholivama, daughter of ῾Ana, daughter of Żiv῾on the Ḥivvite;

Transliteration

Esav lakach et-nashav mibnot Kena'an et-Ada bat-Eilon haChiti ve'et-Aholivama bat-Ana bat-Tziv'on haChivi.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֵשָׂ֛ו לָקַ֥ח אֶת־נָשָׁ֖יו מִבְּנ֣וֹת כְּנָ֑עַן אֶת־עָדָ֗ה בַּת־אֵילוֹן֙ הַֽחִתִּ֔י וְאֶת־אׇהֳלִֽיבָמָה֙ בַּת־עֲנָ֔ה בַּת־צִבְע֖וֹן הַֽחִוִּֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

Esav's Marriages to Canaanite Women

The verse states that Esav took wives from the daughters of Canaan, specifically naming Adah and Oholibamah. This is significant because Avraham and Yitzchak had instructed their descendants not to intermarry with the Canaanites (Bereshit 24:3, 28:1). Rashi explains that Esav's choice to marry Canaanite women demonstrated his disregard for his parents' values and traditions, marking a fundamental difference between him and Yaakov, who followed the family's spiritual path.

The Identity of Esav's Wives

The verse mentions two wives:

Adah bat Elon the Hittite: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 65:1) notes that "Elon" means "oak tree," symbolizing idolatry, as Canaanites worshipped under trees. This highlights the spiritual incompatibility of Esav's marriage.
Oholibamah bat Anah bat Tzivon the Hivite: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) identifies Tzivon as a descendant of Seir the Horite, suggesting that Oholibamah was not purely Canaanite but still from a problematic lineage. Ramban adds that her name ("my tent is in a high place") hints at pagan worship.

Contrast with Yaakov's Marriages

Unlike Esav, Yaakov married within the family of Lavan, who, despite his flaws, was from Avraham's extended lineage (Bereshit 28:2). The Sforno emphasizes that Esav's marriages to Canaanite women reflected his assimilation into their corrupt moral and idolatrous culture, whereas Yaakov upheld the spiritual legacy of Avraham and Yitzchak.

Spiritual Implications

The Kli Yakar observes that Esav's marriages symbolize his attachment to materialism and earthly desires (represented by Canaanite culture), while Yaakov's path was one of spiritual refinement. This distinction foreshadows the divergent destinies of their descendants—Edom (Rome) and Israel.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 123a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the lineage and marriages of Esau, particularly focusing on his choice of wives from the daughters of Canaan.

📖 Sanhedrin 99b

The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the moral and spiritual implications of Esau's actions, including his marriages to Canaanite women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Esav marry Canaanite women?
A: Esav married Canaanite women despite his parents' disapproval (Genesis 28:8-9). The Torah emphasizes this to contrast him with Yaakov (Jacob), who followed his parents' guidance to marry within the family. Rashi explains that Esav's choice showed his disregard for his parents' values, as Canaanite women were known for idolatry and immorality.

Q: What is the significance of listing Esav's wives in Genesis 36:2?
A: Listing Esav's wives highlights the difference between him and Yaakov. While Yaakov married righteous women (Rachel and Leah) from Avraham's family, Esav married Canaanites, showing his spiritual decline. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that these marriages contributed to Esav's negative traits and distanced him from his family's legacy.

Q: Who were the Hittites and Hivites mentioned in this verse?
A: The Hittites and Hivites were Canaanite nations known for idol worship and immoral practices. The Torah frequently warns against intermarrying with them (Deuteronomy 7:3). Rashi explains that Esav's marriages to these women demonstrated his rejection of his family's spiritual path, as these nations opposed Avraham's teachings.

Q: Why does the Torah mention Esav's wives' lineage in detail?
A: The Torah specifies their lineage to emphasize their Canaanite origins, reinforcing that Esav chose wives from nations Avraham and Yitzchak (Isaac) avoided. Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this detail foreshadows the later conflicts between Yaakov's descendants (Israel) and Esav's descendants (Edom), who were influenced by Canaanite culture.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Esav's choice of wives?
A: Esav's marriages teach the importance of choosing a spouse who shares one's spiritual values. The Talmud (Kiddushin 70a) states that a person's character is influenced by their surroundings, and marrying outside the faith can lead one astray. This verse reminds us to prioritize spiritual compatibility in relationships.