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Genesis 36:9 - Esav's legacy in Seir?

Genesis 36:9 - בראשית 36:9

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה תֹּלְדוֹת עֵשָׂו אֲבִי אֱדוֹם בְּהַר שֵׂעִיר׃

English Translation

And these are the generations of ῾Esav the father of Edom in mount Se῾ir:

Transliteration

Ve'eleh toldot Esav avi Edom behar Se'ir.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֛לֶּה תֹּלְד֥וֹת עֵשָׂ֖ו אֲבִ֣י אֱד֑וֹם בְּהַ֖ר שֵׂעִֽיר׃
וְאֵ֛לֶּה תֹּלְד֥וֹת עֵשָׂ֖ו אֲבִ֣י אֱד֑וֹם בְּהַ֖ר שֵׂעִֽיר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse "וְאֵלֶּה תֹּלְדוֹת עֵשָׂו אֲבִי אֱדוֹם בְּהַר שֵׂעִיר" (And these are the generations of Esav the father of Edom in Mount Seir) appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 36:9. This verse marks the beginning of a detailed genealogy of Esav (Esau), the brother of Yaakov (Jacob), and his descendants, who became the nation of Edom. The Torah often provides genealogies to highlight the development of nations and their relationships with the Jewish people.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "אֵלֶּה תֹּלְדוֹת" (these are the generations) is used here to list Esav's descendants, just as similar phrasing is used for other biblical figures. He notes that the Torah specifies "בְּהַר שֵׂעִיר" (in Mount Seir) to indicate that Esav settled there, fulfilling the prophecy given to Rivka (Rebecca) that two nations would emerge from her womb (Bereishit 25:23). Rashi also emphasizes that Esav is called "אֲבִי אֱדוֹם" (the father of Edom) because his descendants formed the Edomite nation, which played a significant role in biblical history.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam (Maimonides) does not comment directly on this verse, his broader teachings about divine providence and the unfolding of history can be applied here. The detailed account of Esav's lineage underscores the Torah's view that all nations have a role in Hashem's plan, even those historically opposed to Israel. The mention of Edom is particularly significant, as Edom later becomes a symbol of oppression and exile in Jewish tradition (see Ovadiah 1).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:13) elaborates on why Esav's genealogy is recorded in such detail. It explains that this serves as a contrast to the lineage of Yaakov, highlighting the divergent paths of the two brothers. While Yaakov's descendants became the bearers of the covenant and Torah, Esav's descendants became a powerful but morally flawed nation. The Midrash also notes that Mount Seir was given to Esav as an inheritance, as stated in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 2:5, showing that Hashem allocated lands to all nations.

Significance of Edom in Jewish Tradition

  • Historical Rivalry: Edom is often identified with Rome and later oppressive empires in rabbinic literature, symbolizing the forces opposed to Torah values.
  • Prophetic Warnings: The prophets (e.g., Yeshayahu 34, Ovadiah 1) speak of Edom's eventual downfall as a manifestation of divine justice.
  • Moral Lesson: The contrast between Yaakov and Esav serves as a lesson about choosing spiritual greatness over material power.

Conclusion

This verse, while seemingly a simple genealogical record, carries deep theological and historical significance in Orthodox Jewish thought. It reminds us of the divine plan for all nations and the enduring tension between the values of Yaakov and Esav. The detailed account of Esav's descendants also sets the stage for understanding later biblical narratives involving Edom and their role in Jewish history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 6a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the geographical boundaries of Edom and its connection to Esau.
📖 Bava Batra 123a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the lineage and descendants of Esau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the generations of Esav' mean in Genesis 36:9?
A: The phrase 'the generations of Esav' refers to the descendants and lineage of Esav (Esau), who is called the father of Edom. This verse introduces the detailed list of Esav's family that follows in the chapter, showing his offspring and their roles in establishing the nation of Edom (Rashi on Genesis 36:9).
Q: Why does the Torah list the descendants of Esav in detail?
A: The Torah lists Esav's descendants to show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Esav would also become a great nation (Genesis 25:23). Additionally, knowing the origins of Edom helps us understand future interactions between the Jewish people and Edom (Ramban on Genesis 36:9).
Q: What is the significance of Mount Se'ir in this verse?
A: Mount Se'ir was the region where Esav and his descendants settled, as it was given to them by Hashem (Deuteronomy 2:5). This area became the homeland of the Edomites, and the Torah mentions it to establish their historical connection to this land (Rashi on Genesis 36:8-9).
Q: How does Esav being called 'the father of Edom' relate to Jewish history?
A: Esav being called 'the father of Edom' is significant because Edom later becomes a symbol for certain nations that opposed the Jewish people throughout history. Our sages often associate Edom with forces that challenge the values of Yaakov (Jacob) and his descendants (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 63:7).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the listing of Esav's generations?
A: We learn that Hashem keeps His promises—just as He blessed Esav with descendants and land. It also teaches us that even nations outside of Bnei Yisrael have a role in the divine plan (Malbim on Genesis 36:9). Additionally, it reminds us to recognize the importance of family lineage in the Torah's narrative.