Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the sons of Reuel mentioned in Genesis 36:13?
A: The sons of Reuel, who was the son of Esav (Esau), were Nachat, Zerach, Shammah, and Mizzah. They were the grandsons of Esav through his wife Basemat, as recorded in the Torah (Genesis 36:13). Rashi explains that these names are listed to trace the lineage of Esav's descendants, showing the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Esav would become a great nation (Genesis 36:1).
Q: Why does the Torah list the descendants of Esav in detail?
A: The Torah lists Esav's descendants in detail (including his grandsons in Genesis 36:13) to show that Hashem fulfilled His promise that Esav would become a great nation (Genesis 25:23). Additionally, the Ramban explains that these genealogies help distinguish the Edomite nations (descendants of Esav) from the Israelites, as they would later interact in history. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 10b) also notes that knowing these lineages helps identify future interactions with these nations.
Q: What is the significance of Basemat being mentioned as Esav's wife in Genesis 36:13?
A: Basemat is mentioned as Esav's wife to clarify the lineage of his descendants. According to Rashi, Basemat was also known as Adah (Genesis 36:2), one of Esav's three wives. The Torah specifies which children came from which wife to maintain accurate genealogical records. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:7) explains that Esav's marriages to Canaanite women (like Basemat) influenced his descendants' traits, differentiating them from Yaakov's (Jacob's) lineage.
Q: How does Genesis 36:13 connect to the broader story of the Torah?
A: Genesis 36:13 is part of a larger section detailing Esav's descendants, showing how he became the father of the Edomite nation. This is important because the Torah later discusses interactions between Israel (Yaakov's descendants) and Edom (Esav's descendants). The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:4) notes that these genealogies help establish historical and halachic distinctions between nations, particularly regarding future relations with Edom.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 36:13) lists the sons of Reuel, who was the son of Esav (Esau) and Basemat. This passage appears in the genealogy of Esav's descendants, detailing the families that emerged from him. The Torah meticulously records Esav's lineage to contrast it with the lineage of Yaakov (Jacob), emphasizing the divergent paths of these two brothers and their respective nations.
Explanation of Names and Lineage
Rashi (Genesis 36:13) notes that Basemat, mentioned here as Esav's wife, is the same person referred to earlier as Adah (Genesis 36:2). The Torah uses different names for the same individuals to reflect their virtues or roles. Basemat means "spice," symbolizing her pleasantness, while Adah may relate to adornment or nobility.
Significance in the Genealogy of Esav
The Ramban (Nachmanides, Genesis 36:6-8) explains that the Torah details Esav's descendants to show how he established himself separately from Yaakov, fulfilling the prophecy that two nations would emerge from Rivka (Rebecca). The listing of names also serves as a historical record, as some of these tribes later interacted with Israel (e.g., the Edomites).
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:13) highlights that Esav's descendants were given honor and leadership in their own right, demonstrating Hashem's justice in granting them worldly success, even as the spiritual legacy remained with Yaakov.
Lessons from the Verse