Genesis 36:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After detailing the offspring of Esau, the Scriptures return to earlier times to list the names of the leaders of the Horrite tribe, who were prominent in the territory of Edom prior to Esau's arrival. The term “Horrei” translates to “free” in our language. Readers are encouraged to examine Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 2:21), which provides a clearer account of how Esau's sons entered the land of the Horrites, defeated them, and claimed their territory as their own inheritance.

The lineage of Seir, who settled in the territory of Edom prior to Esau, is provided to illustrate the distinctions and connections among the families (Genesis 36:20-30).