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Genesis 36:26 - Esau's lineage: hidden significance?

Genesis 36:26 - בראשית 36:26

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה בְּנֵי דִישָׁן חֶמְדָּן וְאֶשְׁבָּן וְיִתְרָן וּכְרָן׃

English Translation

And these are the children of Dishan; Ḥemdan, and Eshban, and Yitran, and Keran.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh bnei Dishan Chemdan ve'Eshtan ve'Yitran u'Cheran.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י דִישָׁ֑ן חֶמְדָּ֥ן וְאֶשְׁבָּ֖ן וְיִתְרָ֥ן וּכְרָֽן׃
וְאֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י דִישָׁ֑ן חֶמְדָּ֥ן וְאֶשְׁבָּ֖ן וְיִתְרָ֥ן וּכְרָֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

This verse appears in Bereishit 36:26 as part of the genealogy of Esav (Esau) and the chiefs of Seir. The Torah meticulously lists the descendants of Esav and the Horite clans to establish the nations that emerged from them, as well as their relationship to Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Commentary on the Names

Rashi notes that the names of Dishan's sons—Ḥemdan, Eshban, Yitran, and Keran—reflect the characteristics or deeds of these individuals or their ancestors. For example:

  • Ḥemdan (חֶמְדָּן): Related to the root חמד ("desire"), possibly indicating someone who was desired or esteemed.
  • Eshban (אֶשְׁבָּן): May derive from אשׁ ("fire") and בן ("son"), suggesting a fiery or passionate nature.
  • Yitran (יִתְרָן): From יתר ("abundance" or "excellence"), implying one who was distinguished.
  • Keran (כְּרָן): Possibly connected to כר ("lamb") or כרה ("to dig"), indicating pastoral or agricultural traits.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra emphasizes that these genealogies serve a historical purpose, documenting the nations that would later interact with Bnei Yisrael. The detailed listing underscores the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would inherit the land, while other nations (like those of Esav) would dwell separately.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bereishit 11) teaches that the Torah records these lineages to highlight the contrast between Esav's descendants, who became worldly rulers, and Yaakov's descendants, who were chosen for spiritual greatness. Dishan's sons, as chiefs of Edom, represent the transient power of nations, whereas Bnei Yisrael's destiny is tied to Torah and divine service.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) derives from such genealogies the importance of recognizing familial and national distinctions. Just as Dishan's lineage was distinct from Yaakov's, so too must Bnei Yisrael maintain their unique identity through mitzvot and ethical conduct.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the children of Dishan in Genesis 36:26?
A: The Torah lists the descendants of Esau's family, including Dishan's children, to show the fulfillment of G-d's promise that Esau would become a great nation (Genesis 36:1). Rashi explains that these genealogies highlight the distinction between Jacob's spiritual legacy and Esau's material success.
Q: What is the significance of names like Hemdan and Eshban in Genesis 36:26?
A: Names in the Torah often reflect character traits or historical events. While the exact meanings aren't always clear, the Midrash sometimes connects names to their root meanings. For example, 'Hemdan' relates to 'desire,' possibly indicating qualities valued by Esau's descendants. However, the main purpose is documenting family lines.
Q: How does Genesis 36:26 relate to Jewish tradition today?
A: This verse reminds us that every detail in Torah has meaning. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) teaches that even genealogical lists contain lessons. Here, we learn that G-d keeps His promises (as Esau became numerous) and that Torah values spiritual legacy (Jacob's line) over material success (Esau's line).
Q: Why does the Torah spend so much time on Esau's family tree?
A: Rashi explains that listing Esau's descendants (including Dishan's children) serves two purposes: 1) To show they became kings and chiefs before Israel had kings (fulfilling Isaac's blessing to Esau), and 2) To distinguish clearly between Esau's line and Jacob's line, as Jacob's descendants would become the Jewish people.