Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the sons of Esav mentioned in Genesis 36:5?
A: The sons of Esav (Esau) mentioned in this verse are Ye'ush, Ya'lam, and Korach. They were born to Esav and his wife Oholivama in the land of Canaan. These names are part of the genealogy of Esav, showing his lineage and descendants.
Q: Why is the genealogy of Esav important in the Torah?
A: The genealogy of Esav is important because it establishes the lineage of the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esav. The Torah details their ancestry to distinguish them from the children of Yaakov (Jacob), as their paths and destinies diverge. Rashi and other commentators note that these details help us understand the historical relationships between these nations.
Q: What is the significance of Esav's sons being born in the land of Canaan?
A: The fact that Esav's sons were born in the land of Canaan highlights that Esav, like his brother Yaakov, had roots there. However, unlike Yaakov, whose descendants would later inherit the land, Esav's descendants (the Edomites) eventually settled elsewhere, as described later in the Torah. This distinction is important in understanding the fulfillment of Hashem's promises to Avraham's descendants.
Q: Who was Oholivama, the mother of Esav's sons in this verse?
A: Oholivama was one of Esav's wives. According to Rashi and the Midrash, she was the daughter of Anah and the granddaughter of Tzivon the Chittite. Her name is also spelled as Aholivamah in some sources. The Torah lists her children to complete the record of Esav's family.
Q: What can we learn from the mention of Esav's descendants in the Torah?
A: The detailed account of Esav's descendants teaches us that every family and nation has its place in Hashem's plan. Even though Esav and Yaakov took different paths, the Torah records both lineages with respect. This reminds us of the importance of recognizing our roots and understanding our relationships with others, as well as the divine providence guiding history.
The Sons of Esav in Canaan
The verse lists the sons of Esav (Esau) born to his wife Oholivama in the land of Canaan. According to Rashi (Genesis 36:5), the mention of their birth in Canaan is significant because it contrasts with Esav's later decision to leave Canaan for Seir (Genesis 36:6-8), demonstrating his voluntary relinquishment of any claim to the Land of Israel—a key theme in the Torah's narrative of Yaakov (Jacob) inheriting the covenant.
Names and Symbolism
The names of Esav's sons—Yeush, Yaalam, and Korach—carry deeper meanings as interpreted by Midrashic sources:
Oholivama's Role
Oholivama (also called Yehudit in Genesis 26:34) was a daughter of Anah, a descendant of Seir the Horite. Ramban (Genesis 36:2) emphasizes that her Canaanite origins reinforced Esav's ties to the land, yet his eventual departure underscored his divergence from the spiritual destiny of Yaakov.
Historical Context
The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 11a) discusses how Esav's descendants—particularly through these sons—formed powerful nations (e.g., Amalek from Timna, a concubine of Elifaz, Esav's other son). The listing of these names in the Torah serves as a historical record of rival nations and their origins, as elaborated in the commentary of Radak.