Another Culture

Another Culture

Genesis 36: Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom. ² Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; ³ and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth. ⁴ Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reuel. ⁵ And Aholibamah bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These were the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

 

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Before Jacob left to get married, Esau his twin brother, took wives from the local women. Isaac and Rebekah had settled in the land of Canaan. Esau married Adah a Hittite  and Aholibamah a Hivite. Isaac and Rebekah disapproved the marriage choices. Esau went to his uncle Ishmael’s people and married Mahalath, meaning beautifully adorned; mild; smooth, pleasing to the touch; rhythmic movements; sweet, harmonious sounds; dancers; singers; cithara; harp; lyre. She may also be referred to as Basemath, meaning Sweet-smelling or sweet smile.

 

My Observations:

• Esau chose to give up his birthright for food he could have fixed for himself.
• Esau chose to marry women who disregarded pre-incarnate JESUS.
• Esau tried to change his ways by seeking a woman outside of the Canaanite women.

 

GOD told the story of Jacob, then turns the story over to Esau. During Jacob’s 20 years he was away, Esau lived differently. Deeply hurt by Jacob’s deception. Esau vowed to kill Jacob. But instead, he forgave him. Esau seemed to focus his attention on growing warrior leaders. His hunting skills were impeccable. Isaac loved his skills.

 

But unfortunately, Esau chose to not listen to the pre-incarnate JESUS. He did things his way and lived a life that rebelled, just like the children of Canaan. Esau was highly influenced by the Canaan culture, which rebelled not too long after the ark landed on dry land. The disrespectful culture had gotten to Esau.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go backwards and mention Esau to Moses?
• Do you believe that you are either for GOD or against HIM?
• What ways do you fight GOD and have you asked HIM to guide those ways?