“And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.”
Genesis 36 is a chapter that records the genealogy of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and provides information about the descendants of Esau. This particular verse is part of a list of kings who ruled in the land of Edom, which was the region inhabited by Esau’s descendants.
In this verse, it mentions the death of Baalhanan, the son of Achbor. After Baalhanan’s death, Hadar becomes the new king, succeeding him in ruling over Edom. The verse also gives details about Hadar’s city, Pau, and mentions his wife’s name, Mehetabel, who was the daughter of Matred and the granddaughter of Mezahab.
While this verse primarily provides historical and genealogical information about the rulers of Edom, it also reflects the fulfillment of God’s promise to Esau. In Genesis 27:39-40, Isaac, Esau’s father, prophesied that Esau would live by his sword and serve his brother Jacob. The genealogy in Genesis 36 shows the development of Esau’s descendants as a distinct nation with kings and cities.
It is worth noting that this verse may not hold direct theological or moral teachings like other passages in the Bible. However, it contributes to the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan, illustrating the continuation of the lineage of Esau and the fulfillment of God’s promises to him.