March 16, 2025

The Rise and Redemption of a People: Unveiling the Names in Genesis 36

Genesis 36 records the genealogy of Esau, tracing the generations of his descendants and the chiefs of Edom. While this chapter primarily details the expansion of Esau’s lineage, the meanings of these names reveal a deeper message. Themes of trial, refuge, guidance, and deliverance are woven into these names, showcasing Elohim’s continued work among the nations. Let’s explore the significance behind these names and uncover the message they reveal about God’s sovereign plan.


Names and Their Meanings

  1. Esau – Hairy or Doer
  2. Adah – Ornament or Beauty
  3. Aholibamah – My Tent is on High
  4. Basemath – Perfume or Fragrance
  5. Eliphaz – Elohim is Pure Gold or My Elohim is Fine Gold
  6. Reuel – Friend of Elohim
  7. Jeush – He Will Help or Gather
  8. Jalam – Hidden or Concealed
  9. Korah – Baldness or Ice
  10. Teman – South or Right Hand
  11. Omar – Eloquent or Speaker
  12. Zepho – Watchtower or Overseer
  13. Gatam – Their Touch or Burned
  14. Kenaz – Hunter or Possessor
  15. Amalek – Dweller in a Valley or War-like
  16. Nahath – Rest or Descent
  17. Zerah – Rising or Dawn
  18. Shammah – Heard or Witness
  19. Mizzah – Fear or From a Source

A Message of Redemption Through Name Meanings

Now that we understand the meaning behind each of these names, let’s connect them to reveal the deeper message they convey:

"The Doer (Esau) will see Ornamented Beauty (Adah) lifted high, for My Tent is on High (Aholibamah), and a Fragrance (Basemath) will rise. Elohim is Pure Gold (Eliphaz), and the Friend of Elohim (Reuel) will be Helped and Gathered (Jeush), even when Hidden (Jalam) or Facing the Cold (Korah).

The Right Hand (Teman) will Speak (Omar) and Watch Over (Zepho) His People. Though Burned (Gatam) or Hunted (Kenaz), even in the Valley of Battle (Amalek), they will Find Rest (Nahath) at the Rising Dawn (Zerah). They will be Heard (Shammah), for Elohim Sees their Fear (Mizzah) and Brings Deliverance from the Source of Life."


Reflection

This message speaks of restoration, guidance, and deliverance amid trial. Even when hidden, hunted, or wandering in the valley of struggle, Elohim watches over and gathers His people. The rising dawn (Zerah) points to hope and renewal, a promise that Elohim will hear (Shammah) and answer in due time.

Esau’s descendants faced many trials, but even within this genealogy, we see Elohim’s hand at work. The references to help, gathering, and deliverance remind us that no people are forgotten in God’s plan. His tent is on high (Aholibamah), yet He reaches down to those in the valleys (Amalek) and calls them to find rest (Nahath) in Him.

As you reflect on these names and their meanings, consider how Elohim is working in your life. No matter the trials, He hears, He gathers, and He restores.