“And Esau went unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Jacob’s journey to Padan-aram, which begins in Genesis 28:10. However, Genesis 28:9 provides some context by mentioning Esau, Jacob’s brother, and his actions before Jacob embarks on his journey.
To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore its background and its implications within the larger narrative of Genesis.
Esau’s Actions: In this verse, it states that Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael. Ishmael was Abraham’s son through Hagar, and he had twelve sons who became the heads of twelve Arab tribes. Esau’s decision to marry a daughter of Ishmael indicates his involvement with the descendants of Abraham’s other son and his acceptance of a wife from within that lineage.
Marrying into Other Lineages: Throughout the book of Genesis, the issue of intermarriage with other tribes and lineages is a recurring theme. The concern arises from the need to preserve the chosen lineage through which the covenant with God would be fulfilled. Esau’s marriage to a daughter of Ishmael is seen as a departure from the chosen lineage and raises questions about his commitment to the promises given to Abraham and Isaac.
Contrasting Esau and Jacob: This verse also serves to contrast Esau’s actions with those of Jacob. While Esau marries outside the chosen lineage, Jacob, as we will later see, is instructed not to marry from the Canaanite tribes but rather to seek a wife from within his own kin (Genesis 28:1-2). This contrast between the two brothers highlights Jacob’s obedience and adherence to the covenant, while Esau’s actions suggest a divergence from the chosen path.
Foreshadowing Future Conflicts: The mention of Esau’s marriage to Mahalath, a daughter of Ishmael, foreshadows the ongoing conflict between the descendants of Esau (Edomites) and the descendants of Jacob (Israelites). This conflict becomes significant throughout biblical history, with Edom frequently opposing and warring against Israel.
In conclusion, Genesis 28:9 provides important context by highlighting Esau’s actions before Jacob embarks on his journey. The verse reveals Esau’s departure from the chosen lineage by marrying a daughter of Ishmael, which raises questions about his commitment to the covenant promises. It also serves to contrast Esau’s actions with Jacob’s obedience and foreshadows future conflicts between their respective descendants.
