Genesis 36:21 - Edom's chiefs: Divine justice unfolds?

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Hebrew Text

וְדִשׁוֹן וְאֵצֶר וְדִישָׁן אֵלֶּה אַלּוּפֵי הַחֹרִי בְּנֵי שֵׂעִיר בְּאֶרֶץ אֱדוֹם׃

English Translation

And Dishon, and Eżer, and Dishan: these are the chiefs of the Ḥori, the children of Se῾ir in the land of Edom.

Transliteration

Vedishon ve'etzer vedishan eleh alufei hahori bnei se'er be'eretz edom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְדִשׁ֥וֹן וְאֵ֖צֶר וְדִישָׁ֑ן אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֧י הַחֹרִ֛י בְּנֵ֥י שֵׂעִ֖יר בְּאֶ֥רֶץ אֱדֽוֹם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

The verse lists the chiefs of the Ḥori, descendants of Se'ir, who inhabited the land of Edom before the children of Esav (Edom) conquered it. This passage appears in Bereishit 36:21 as part of the genealogy of Esav's lineage, emphasizing the transfer of power in Se'ir from the indigenous Ḥori to the descendants of Esav.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (on Bereishit 36:20) explains that the Ḥori were the original inhabitants of Mount Se'ir, named for their dwelling in caves (ḥorim, from the Hebrew root חור, meaning "cave"). He notes that these chiefs were later displaced by Esav's descendants, fulfilling the divine plan that Esav would inherit Se'ir (as hinted in Devarim 2:12).

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (on Bereishit 36:20-21) elaborates that the Torah meticulously records these names to establish the legitimacy of Edom's possession of Se'ir. Since the land was initially inhabited by the Ḥori, the Torah documents their chiefs to show that Esav's conquest followed a natural succession, similar to other nations displacing prior inhabitants.

Midrashic Interpretation

Midrash Aggadah (Bereishit Rabbah 82:15) connects the name Dishon (דִּישׁוֹן) to the word dash (דש), meaning "to tread," symbolizing the Ḥori's eventual subjugation under Edom.
Eżer (אֵצֶר) is interpreted as "helper" (from עזר), alluding to the temporary assistance the Ḥori provided to Esav's family before their displacement.

Halachic and Historical Significance

The Ibn Ezra (on Bereishit 36:21) highlights that these names reflect the political structure of ancient Edomite society, where tribal chiefs (aluphim) held authority. This structure parallels the later organization of the twelve tribes of Israel, showing how familial and tribal leadership was a common model in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the Horites mentioned in Genesis 36:21?
A: The Horites (חֹרִי) were an ancient people who lived in the land of Seir, which later became part of Edom. According to Rashi and other commentators, they were called 'Horites' because they originally lived in caves (from the Hebrew word 'hor,' meaning cave). They were eventually conquered by Esau's descendants (the Edomites), as mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:12.

Q: Why does the Torah list all these names of chiefs in Genesis 36:21?
A: The Torah lists these chiefs to document the genealogy and history of the region that would become Edom, which was connected to the family of Esau (Yaakov's brother). Ramban explains that these details show how Hashem fulfilled His promise to Avraham that his descendants would inherit lands of other nations. Additionally, recording these names preserves historical accuracy in the Torah's narrative.

Q: What is the significance of Seir in Genesis 36:21?
A: Seir was the mountainous region where the Horites lived before it became part of Edom. The name 'Seir' is significant because it was later associated with Esau and his descendants (Edomites). The Midrash notes that this land was originally inhabited by others before being given to Esau’s family, showing how territories shifted according to divine providence.

Q: How does Genesis 36:21 connect to the broader story of the Torah?
A: This verse is part of the genealogy of Esau (Edom), which contrasts with the lineage of Yaakov (Israel). The Torah includes these details to show the fulfillment of Hashem’s blessings—Esau became a nation with chiefs, just as Yitzchak had prophesied (Genesis 27:39-40). It also highlights that Edom would later have a complex relationship with Israel, as seen in later books like Obadiah.