Psalm 36:1-14

Admittedly this chapter contains names hard to pronounce.  One might wonder why it was included in Scripture, given it involves the lineage of Esau who was not in the Messianic line.  We are reminded that 2 Tim. 3:16-17 tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed (inspired) and is profitable for doctrine, reproof of bad doctrine, correction of sin in our lives, and instruction in righteousness.  We can assume this chapter is no different.

First, note the context of this chapter.  The story of the promised Savior has recently gone through Abraham, Isaac and now Jacob.  The story has not gone through Ishmael nor Esau.  As the story turned to Isaac’s family there was a brief reference to Ishmael’s genealogy (25:12-18).  Now as the story turns to Jacob’s family (37:2) there is a detailed account of the descendants of Esau.  Both Ishmael and Esau were blessed by their fathers, even though they were not the “chosen sons”.  This chapter speaks of the beginnings of the nation of Edom in the land of (Mt.) Seir.  Esau is Edom (v8).

Let us ask, then: what is profitable for us in this chapter?

·        Doctrine.  Great doctrines of God are clearly evident.  God’s sovereign choice of Jacob and not Esau resulted in Esau leaving the “promised” land (v7-8).  As the prophet would say, “Jacob have I loved; Esau have I hated” (Mal. 1:2-3).  We see God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word to Rebekah (25:23) and through Isaac (27:39-40).  We see God’s goodness in the provision He makes for Esau in giving him a land all his own (Dt. 2:4-6).

·        Reproof.  We are kept from a false idea about God.  Some misunderstand God’s hatred of Esau: His love for Jacob was so strong that His relationship to Esau was hatred.  It is like Jesus’ words in Luke 14:26 where our devotion to Him makes all other relationships, such as with parents and children, to be “hate”.  But God is good to Esau (33:8-9).  God gave Esau every opportunity to submit himself to God’s plan of a Savior through Jacob.  We may even see God’s love in the very listing, by name, of those mentioned in this chapter.

·        Correction. We see Esau’s poor choices for wives, taking them from the Canaanites (v2).  This created a problem for Esau’s parents (26:34-35).  His rebellious attitude may illustrate the “ancient hatred” that would characterize the line of Esau against the family of Jacob (Ezek. 35:5).  Scripture warns about Esau’s rejection of God’s grace that became a defiling root of bitterness (Heb. 12:14-17).

·        Instruction in righteousness.  There is an encouragement to patience on the part of God’s people in the reference tucked away in v31.  Eventually the day would come when there would be a king in Israel.  Edom was a flourishing nation long before Israel would return to the land, and even longer before she would have her first king.  But God would, in His time, give Israel a king, and can be trusted to do it again in His Son.