Genesis 26:34-35

Esau’s marriage 26:34-35

We can identify three purposes for this brief section.

1. Moses explained and justified the reason for Jacob’s later departure for Paddan-aram (Genesis 27:46 to Genesis 28:2).

2. Moses identified the ancestors of the Edomites who later played a major role in Israel’s history.

3. Moses revealed Esau’s carnal character again.

Esau showed no interest in the special calling of his family but sought to establish himself as a great man in the world by marrying Canaanite women (cf. Genesis 11:4). These were evidently the daughters of Canaanite lords. [Note: Josephus, 1:18:4. See K. Luke, "Esau’s Marriage," Indian Theological Studies 25:2 (June 1988):171-90.] The Canaanites were, of course, under God’s curse (Genesis 9:25-27). Contrast Esau’s method of securing wives with Abraham’s plan to identify God’s choice of a wife for Isaac.

"These preliminary notices [in Genesis 26:34-35] put into perspective the cunning deed of Jacob and Rebekah. They demonstrate that Esau was not fit to inherit the blessing." [Note: Sailhamer, "Genesis," p. 189.]