And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

GENESIS 36:37KJV
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Genesis 36:37 (KJV)

What does Genesis 36:37 mean?

Genesis 36:37 records that Samlah died, and Saul from Rehoboth by the river became king in his place. This verse is part of a list describing the succession of rulers among the descendants of Esau.

Genesis 36 is recounting the genealogy and leadership transitions of Edom, the nation descended from Esau. The verse simply notes the death of one leader, Samlah, and the rise of another, Saul, who is identified by his hometown, Rehoboth by the river. This helps trace the line of Edomite kings and shows the orderly change in leadership.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 36:37

  • רְחֹבוֹת (Rehoboth, transliteration: rᵉchovot) means "broad places" or "open spaces." The verse specifies "Rehoboth by the river," likely to distinguish this location from other places named Rehoboth, and to give a clearer idea of Saul’s origin.
  • נָהָר (nahar, transliteration: nahar) means "river." Its mention here highlights the geographic setting of Saul’s hometown, possibly referring to a significant river in the region of Edom.

Why Genesis 36:37 matters

  • Genesis 36:37 helps clarify the historical record of Edomite kings, showing that their leadership changed over time, much like other ancient nations.
  • The mention of specific places and people roots the story in real geography and history, giving readers a sense of the broader world outside Israel.
  • By tracking the succession of rulers, the passage emphasizes the organized structure of Edom and its significance as a neighboring nation to Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Samlah” Hebrew H8072 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 36:36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:48 And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

“Rehoboth” Hebrew H7344 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 10:11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,
  • Genesis 26:22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:48 And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

“river” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.