And these are the sonnes of Reuel: Nahath and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sonnes of Bashemath, Esaus wife. Genesis 36:13 (KJV)
The book of Genesis opens the biblical narrative with the creation of the world, the fall of humanity, the lives of the patriarchs, and the early formation of the nation of Israel. Chapter 36 is chiefly a genealogical record that traces the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (later called Israel). This chapter underscores the importance of family lines in Israel’s history and sets the stage for understanding the broader family network surrounding the patriarchs.
Reuel is identified in this passage as one of Esau’s sons, making him a grandson of Isaac and a great‑grandson of Abraham. His presence in the genealogy helps to establish the continuity of Esau’s lineage. The text also clarifies that Reuel is a distinct individual, not to be confused with Jeush, another son of Esau mentioned elsewhere.
The verse lists four of Reuel’s sons: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. Though the biblical record provides little detail about these men, their inclusion signals the growth of Esau’s family and the propagation of his bloodline through successive generations.
Bashemath, named in the verse, is one of Esau’s wives and the mother of Reuel’s sons. She is identified elsewhere (Genesis 36:2) as the daughter of Ishmael and the sister of Nebaioth, distinguishing her from Adah, another of Esau’s wives. By noting Bashemath’s lineage, the passage highlights the interconnection between the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and those through Ishmael, reinforcing the broader familial ties that shape the narrative of Genesis.
