Genesis 36:22 - Esau's lineage: Lotan's descendants

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ בְנֵי־לוֹטָן חֹרִי וְהֵימָם וַאֲחוֹת לוֹטָן תִּמְנָע׃

English Translation

And the children of Lotan were Ḥori and Hemam

Transliteration

Vayihyu vnei-Lotan Chori veHeimam va'achot Lotan Timna.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּהְי֥וּ בְנֵי־לוֹטָ֖ן חֹרִ֣י וְהֵימָ֑ם וַאֲח֥וֹת לוֹטָ֖ן תִּמְנָֽע׃

Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis: Lotan's Descendants

The verse (Genesis 36:22) lists the children of Lotan, son of Seir the Horite, as Ḥori and Hemam, and mentions their sister Timna. This genealogy appears in the context of the Edomite lineages, detailing the descendants of Esau's brother-in-law.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the name Ḥori indicates a connection to the Horites, the cave-dwelling inhabitants of Seir. He notes that Hemam is alternatively called "Homam" in 1 Chronicles 1:39, suggesting a scribal variation. Regarding Timna, Rashi cites Midrashic sources (e.g., Bereishit Rabbah 82:14) that identify her as a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and mother of Amalek—highlighting her significance in the lineage of Israel's adversaries.

Midrashic Insights

Timna's Role: The Midrash (Sanhedrin 99b) elaborates on Timna's desire to join Abraham's family through marriage. When rejected, she became attached to Esau's line, ultimately bearing Amalek—a nation destined to oppose Israel (Devarim 25:17-19). This underscores Divine providence in shaping historical enmities.
Horite Identity: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests the Horites were indigenous to Seir before Esau's descendants displaced them (Devarim 2:12), with Ḥori's name preserving their legacy.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b) derives from Timna's story that rejection of sincere converts—even those with impure motives—can have far-reaching consequences. This aligns with the principle of darchei noam (pleasant ways) in engaging with outsiders (Mishlei 3:17).

Literary Context

Ibn Ezra observes that such genealogies, though seemingly peripheral, establish historical and geopolitical contexts for later conflicts (e.g., Israel's encounters with Amalek and Edom). The inclusion of Timna—a female figure—in a patriarchal list also signals her pivotal role in the narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the children of Lotan mentioned in Genesis 36:22?
A: The verse states that Lotan's children were Ḥori and Hemam. According to Rashi, Lotan was a descendant of Seir the Ḥorite, who lived in the land of Edom. The names Ḥori and Hemam represent clans or families within the Ḥorite people.

Q: Why is the genealogy of Lotan included in the Torah?
A: The Torah includes genealogies like this to trace the origins of nations and families, especially those connected to the Israelites. Ramban explains that these details help us understand the historical context of the Edomites and neighboring tribes, who later interacted with the descendants of Yaakov (Jacob).

Q: What is the significance of mentioning Lotan's sister Timna in this verse?
A: Although the verse focuses on Lotan's sons, it also mentions his sister Timna. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Timna later became a concubine of Elifaz, son of Esav (Esau), showing how these families were interconnected. This highlights the close relationship between the Ḥorites and Edomites.

Q: What can we learn from the names Ḥori and Hemam in this verse?
A: Names in the Torah often carry meaning. Ḥori may relate to the word 'ḥor' (cave), suggesting their dwelling places, while Hemam might imply 'noise' or 'multitude,' indicating a large family. Rashi notes that these names reflect the characteristics or origins of these ancient clans.