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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 1 of 5
Genesis 36:1-28
Jacob’s family is now complete with the birth of Benjamin (Genesis 35:24). But at the same time Esau’s family is prospering. It numbers numerous dukes as well as kings (vv. 15-19). Some young people are keen to become leaders but how much better it is to obey the Lord and to serve His own than to have authority over a lot of people. The Lord teaches this to His disciples: "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them . . . but so shall it not be among you: but . . . whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all" (Mark 10:42-44).
Amongst the powerful men mentioned in this chapter, one of them found hot* springs in the desert, a picture of all the deceptions of this world and of that which will never quench one’s thirst (v. 24). Another, Amalek, was to become the most desperate of all Israel’s enemies and Israel will have dealings with him all through his history.
The end of v. 8 reminds us that Esau is Edom. The name of Jacob the supplanter has been changed to Israel, the Prince of God, while Esau has become Edom (Genesis 25:30), which means "red", "soup". What terrible irony! This man and his race after him, from generation to generation, have been condemned to bear the name of a dish of food exchanged for its blessing.
*JND New Translation. Genesis 36:24.
