And Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

GENESIS 36:38KJV
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Genesis 36:38 (KJV)

What does Genesis 36:38 mean?

Genesis 36:38 records that Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor became king in his place. This verse is part of a list describing the succession of rulers in the land of Edom.

Genesis 36 is a genealogical record, and here, the writer is simply noting the transition of leadership after Saul's death. The focus is on the historical sequence of Edomite kings, showing who ruled and who followed, without giving extra details about their reigns or actions.

Why Genesis 36:38 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the line of Edomite kings, showing that Edom had its own line of rulers separate from Israel, which is important for understanding the region's history.
  • By naming Baalhanan as the son of Achbor, the verse gives a specific family connection, which helps trace the genealogy and relationships among Edom’s leaders.
  • The verse is part of a larger passage that emphasizes the established and organized nature of Edom’s leadership before Israel had kings, highlighting a contrast between the two nations’ development.

Where else these words appear

“Baalhanan” Hebrew H1177 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 36:39 And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:49 And when Shaul was dead, Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:50 And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

“Achbor” Hebrew H5907 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 36:39 And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
  • 2 Kings 22:14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe;(now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.
  • Jeremiah 26:22 And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor, and certain men with him into Egypt.