BIRTHRIGHT EXILE – Genesis 36

Chapter 36 in Genesis signals a transition to the final climactic section of the first book of Moses. The last we encountered the phrase: “these are the generations” was in chapter 25. The circumstances are remarkably similar. The patriarch Abraham breaths his last in a good old age and is gathered to his people (25:8) just as his son Isaac has died in (35:29). Abraham's sons, otherwise no strangers to conflict, reunite at their father's funeral. Isaac and Ishmael place him in the cave at Machpelah next to Sarah, his wife (25:9). A generation later, Jacob and Esau bury Isaac in the same location (35:29, 40:30-31). Each patriarch funeral occasion is then followed in the record by a brief mention of the generations of the non-covenant son. The genealogy of Ishmael is recorded in (25:12-18), while the line of Esau is charted in our chapter today. Each of these documents is then followed by a lengthy biography of the covenant son line. Isaac and Jacob's years are detailed from chapter 25 through 35 while Jacob and his sons will remain the focus from chapter 37 through 50 with special attention on Joseph all the way to the close of Genesis. 37:2 opens with “these are the generations of Jacob” and continues illuminating the legacy of redemptive hope and salvation for the remaining 14 chapters. Why this chapter recording Esau's lineage? Several purposes are apparent in the context including fulfillment of promise and prophecy to Abraham, Isaac, and Rebekah. Rebekah was told by the Lord Himself (25:23) “two nations are in your womb...one stronger than the other...” The tribal influence and ruling might of Esau's generations is clearly confirming this prophecy as chapter 36 chronicles his growing power in the land of Seir/Canaan. Furthermore, Isaac had given a patriarchal pronouncement over Esau in (27:39-40) indicating a wilderness habitation and life by the sword for his son. Additionally, upon covenant confirmation and renewal at Bethel in chap. 35, Jacob was reminded of promises that had been passed down for 3 generations (35:11) “...a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall come from your own body.” This promise was certainly proven true in Esau's lineage as it would be in Jacob's lineage as well. Herein a contrast is to be drawn and this is the purpose for chapter 36 which will be our focus for this message.