Genesis 36:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Secondly, it seems unlikely that the nation of Idumea, which shared origins with Israel, could have had eight monarchs prior to Moses’ era, especially as they transitioned from a patriarchal system to governance by elders, eventually leading to a united form of leadership, followed by a return to rule by elders (1 Chronicles 1:51).

However, the first argument is somewhat diminished by the possibility that Moses could have prophesied future kings of Israel based on the insights from divine revelation pertaining to Israel (Genesis 35:11). In this context, his statement about Idumea may imply that ‘These are the kings of Idumea, who existed for a time before the kings from the lineage of Israel, as was foretold to him.’ The second argument also lacks robustness when we consider that the kings mentioned in Idumea’s list spanned various generations and ruled in different locations, indicating they were likely selected from the elders of distinct Idumean tribes, making it improbable one would ascend to the throne at a young age. Hence, the succession detailed in Moses’ list could have occurred within the span of his lengthy life, which lasted a hundred and twenty years. It is interesting to note that more detail is provided about the last king listed than about his predecessors, and notably, his death is not recorded, whereas all former kings are mentioned (Num. 20:14). Was this not the king who ruled during the time when Moses dispatched envoys from Kadesh to the king of Edom? (Num. 20:14). It does not detract from the authenticity and integrity of Moses’ writings to suggest that the account of Esau's descendants may have been added posthumously, similar to the additions made in Deuteronomy concerning his death; nevertheless, it is clear from the context that such a hypothesis is not necessary at this point.

The writer lists only eight Idumean kings, a count that is notably limited, suggesting his contemporaneity with the Jewish monarchs. The mention of an Idumean king occurs during the 40 years of the Israelites' wanderings (Num. 20:14), and at least 400 years elapsed before the reign of Saul. Did each Idumean king rule for a minimum of 50 years? (Num. 14:14) Such reflections imply that the reference to the kings of Idumea and Israel likely originates with Moses. Why, then, would he utilize such terminology if living long before the time of Hebrew kings? The context of Moses' narrative clarifies this expression. He presents the story of humanity and the Jewish nation through a theocratic lens, detailing how the Lord guides humankind towards salvation from primordial evil. Historical occurrences and the fates of nations are interwoven with the Lord's promises of deliverance. The narrative of Adam and Eve exemplifies the realization of the first Gospel in their lives, while the accounts of Shem and Ham reflect Noah's prophecies. Similarly, Abraham's story is a testament to the promises and covenants made by the Lord (Gen. 25:23). In this manner, Moses narrates the saga of Esau and Jacob through Rebekah's prophecy: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be separated from your body; one will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Accordingly, Moses illustrates how Esau, being the elder and more powerful, reflected the initial dominance of his lineage over Jacob's. Esau had already established himself in Seir, while Jacob was still in Laban's service; Esau’s progeny had kings, while Jacob’s descendants were journeying through the wilderness toward the promised land. Thus, Moses conveys that the initial part of the prophecy has indeed been fulfilled, but part of it remains to be realized. Esau did not receive the firstborn blessing from his father and had distanced himself from paternal favor, which cast uncertainty over his prosperity and that of his descendants. While it is true that he possesses kings, the promise extended to Jacob also guarantees that Israel will have kings, as stated, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply; nations and peoples will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give to you and your descendants after you” (Gen. 35:11-12). By Moses' time, this promise had already seen substantial fulfillment: Jacob had multiplied into a vast nation and had settled in significant numbers in the promised land beyond the Jordan. Can there be any doubt that the remaining aspects of this promise will also come to pass? Moses did not question the conquest of the entire promised land as he prepared to join his ancestors, as evidenced throughout Deuteronomy. He also harbored no doubts regarding the establishment of kings within Israel and provided laws concerning the election and governance of future Jewish kings (Deut. 17:14-20). This context connects seamlessly with Moses’ expression that is under examination.