Today's Reading: Genesis 36
Esau's decision to
settle in Seir allowed him to establish a new life and a legacy separate from
his twin brother Jacob. This helped to shape his identity and the identity of
Edom as a distinct people and nation. This decision sealed the separation
between Jacob and Esau, marking the distinction between the
covenant-people of God (Jacob, the Israelites) and those outside the covenant
(Esau, the Edomites).
The outcome of Esau
settling in Seir was the establishment of the land and people of Edom. Located on
the east side of the Arabah, this ancient land bordering ancient Israel,
in what is now southwestern Jordan, between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of
Aqaba. Over time, Edom developed into a distinct and powerful kingdom,
with its own culture, traditions, and political power.
From this point
forward, Edom is often mentioned as a rival and sometimes an enemy of Israel in
the Bible. Despite this, the two nations maintained a complex and sometimes
cooperative relationship, with periods of peace as well as conflict. Later on,
both Saul and David fought against the Edomites, with David conquering them and
forcing them into labor
Genesis 36:8 not only
provides a historical context for the geography and people of Edom, but also
highlights the lasting impact of our choices and decisions. Esau's decision to
settle in Seir had far-reaching consequences, not just for himself, but for
future generations as well. This verse serves as a reminder that our actions and
choices have the power to shape our lives, as well as the lives of those around
us, for better or for worse.
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