Genesis 36 Devotional Bible Study

Genesis 36 Chapter Summary

Esau took his family and moved to Seir because he and Jacob had too many possessions to live together. Their country became known as Edom, and they had kings before Israel did.

 

Family, Your Enemies

The Israelites would later wage war against the Edomites, repeatedly. They would also war against the descendants of Abraham’s nephew Lot – the Ammonites and Moabites. They’re still in conflict with the descendants of Abraham’s son, Ishmael, now known as Arabs.

Those who were closest in relation to the tribes of Israel, those who should have been their closest allies, became some of their worst enemies.

Have you ever been hurt by a family member?

It reminds me of Micah the prophet’ words:

Do not trust a neighbor;
    put no confidence in a friend.
Even with the woman who lies in your embrace
    guard the words of your lips.
For a son dishonors his father,
    a daughter rises up against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
    a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me. (Micah 7:5-7)

When we can’t trust family, close friends, or even a spouse, we can still trust the Lord.