Genesis 28:9
Genesis 28:9 in Multiple Translations
Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.
Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.
and Esau went unto Ishmael, and took, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife.
So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath, the daughter of Abraham's son Ishmael, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had.
So he went to Ishmael's family and married an additional wife—Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth.
Then went Esau to Ishmael, and tooke vnto the wiues, which he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abrahams sonne, the sister of Nabaioth, to be his wife.
and Esau goeth unto Ishmael, and taketh Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, sister of Nebajoth, unto his wives, to himself, for a wife.
So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife.
Then went Esau to Ishmael, and took to the wives which he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.
He went to Ismael, and took to wife, besides them he had before, Maheleth the daughter of Ismael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nabajoth.
Because of that, Esau went to see his uncle Ishmael, and married Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael. Mahalath was the sister of Nabaioth and the granddaughter of Abraham.
Esau already had 2 wives, and they were both from Canaan country. So he thought, “I have to marry a woman from our own family, so that my father will be happy with me again.” So Esau went to the place where his uncle Ishmael lived. Ishmael was Abraham’s son. And Esau married Ishmael’s daughter Mahalath. Her oldest brother was called Nebayoth. Then Esau had 3 wives.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 28:9
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 28:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
עֵשָׂ֖ו
אֶל
יִשְׁמָעֵ֑אל
וַ/יִּקַּ֡ח
אֶֽת
מָחֲלַ֣ת
בַּת
יִשְׁמָעֵ֨אל
בֶּן
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
אֲח֧וֹת
נְבָי֛וֹת
עַל
נָשָׁ֖י/ו
ל֥/וֹ
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֵשָׂ֖ו
ʻÊsâv
H6215
Esau
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יִשְׁמָעֵ֑אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
Ishmael
N-proper
וַ/יִּקַּ֡ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מָחֲלַ֣ת
Machălath
H4258
Mahalath
N-proper
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
יִשְׁמָעֵ֨אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
Ishmael
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֲח֧וֹת
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs
נְבָי֛וֹת
Nᵉbâyôwth
H5032
Nebaioth
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נָשָׁ֖י/ו
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp | Suff
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 28:9
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
עֵשָׂ֖ו
ʻÊsâv
H6215
"Esau"
N-proper
Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, and his name means 'hairy'. He sold his birthright to Jacob and lost the divine blessing, as told in Genesis 25:29-34, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples.
Definition: § Esau = "hairy" eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: Esau. See also: Genesis 25:25; Genesis 33:9; Jeremiah 49:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יִשְׁמָעֵ֑אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
"Ishmael"
N-proper
Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.
וַ/יִּקַּ֡ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מָחֲלַ֣ת
Machălath
H4258
"Mahalath"
N-proper
The name of a woman, Mahalath, who was the daughter of Jerimoth and wife of King Rehoboam, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:18.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.11.18; daughter of: Jerimoth (H3406N) and Abihail (H0032J); married to Rehoboam (H7346); mother of: Jeush (H3266K), Shemariah (H8114H), Zaham (H2093) § Mahalath = "stringed instrument" 1) daughter of Jerimoth son of king David and wife, evidently the 1st, of king Rehoboam the grandson of king David 2) daughter of Ishmael and wife of Esau
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Mahalath. See also: Genesis 28:9; 2 Chronicles 11:18.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
יִשְׁמָעֵ֨אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
"Ishmael"
N-proper
Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אֲח֧וֹת
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
נְבָי֛וֹת
Nᵉbâyôwth
H5032
"Nebaioth"
N-proper
Nebaioth was a son of Ishmael and the name of the country where he settled, mentioned in Genesis 25:13. He was a brother of Kedar and other sons of Ishmael. The name Nebaioth means 'heights'.
Definition: A man of the Arabs living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.13; son of: Ishmael (H3458); brother of: Kedar (H6938), Adbeel (H0110), Mibsam (H4017), Mishma (H4927), Dumah (H1746), Massa (H4854), Hadad (H2301), Tema (H8485), Jetur (H3195), Naphish (H5305), Kedemah (H6929) and Mahalath (H4258) § Nebaioth or Nebajoth = "heights" 1) a son of Ishmael 2) people descended from1 called the Nabateans with their capital at Petra
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Nebaioth, Nebajoth. See also: Genesis 25:13; Genesis 36:3; Isaiah 60:7.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נָשָׁ֖י/ו
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 28:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 28:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 28:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 28:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 28:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
- Sermons on Genesis 28:9
Context — Esau Marries Mahalath
7and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram.
8And seeing that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women,
9Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.
10Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. 11On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 36:3 | and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. |
| 2 | Genesis 36:18 | These are the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: Chiefs Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. They are the chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah. |
| 3 | Genesis 36:13 | These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath. |
| 4 | Genesis 26:34 | When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. |
| 5 | Genesis 25:13–17 | These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes. Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. |
Genesis 28:9 Summary
This verse tells us that Esau married Mahalath, who was his cousin, because his father Isaac didn't approve of the women Esau had already married. It shows that Esau was trying to please his father, but he was already married to other women, which can lead to problems, as we see in other parts of the Bible like Genesis 24:4 and 1 Kings 11:3. We can learn from Esau's example to seek God's approval and follow His will, rather than trying to please others or seek worldly happiness. By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking to please Him, we can find true fulfillment and contentment, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Esau go to Ishmael to marry Mahalath?
Esau went to Ishmael to marry Mahalath because his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women Esau had already married, as seen in Genesis 28:8, and perhaps Esau was trying to appease his father by marrying within their family lineage, similar to the practice in Genesis 24:4 where Abraham sought a wife for Isaac from his own relatives.
Who was Mahalath and what was her relationship to Abraham?
Mahalath was the daughter of Ishmael, who was Abraham's son, making her Abraham's granddaughter, as stated in Genesis 28:9, and the sister of Nebaioth.
What can we learn from Esau's decision to marry multiple wives?
Esau's decision to marry multiple wives, in addition to the wives he already had, may indicate a lack of contentment and a pursuit of worldly happiness, which is a theme also seen in the life of Solomon in 1 Kings 11:3, where his many wives led him astray from following God wholeheartedly.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Genesis?
This verse shows Esau's response to his father's disapproval and highlights the family dynamics and relationships within the descendants of Abraham, which is a central theme in the book of Genesis, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 where God promises to make Abraham's descendants into a great nation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I try to appease others or seek their approval, and how can I instead seek God's approval and follow His will?
- How can I learn from Esau's mistakes and cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision for my life?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be pursuing worldly happiness or fulfillment, and how can I redirect my focus to seeking first the kingdom of God, as taught in Matthew 6:33?
- In what ways can I prioritize building strong, godly relationships within my own family and community, just as the biblical patriarchs sought to do?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 28:9
Then went Esau unto Ishmael,.... Not to Ishmael in person, for he was now dead, Genesis 25:17, and had been dead as is reckoned about fourteen years before this, but to the house of Ishmael: and took
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 28:9
When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padan-aram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
1760 Esau went unto Ishmael; either to his person, or rather to his family, called Ishmael by their father’ s name, as David is sometimes put for David’ s posterity; for Ishmael seems to have been dead before this, from , though that may possibly be a prolepsis, and then this may be Ishmael himself. Mahalath, called also Bashemath, . He thought by this means to ingratiate himself with his father, and so to get another and a better blessing; but he takes no care to reconcile himself to God, nor observes his hand in the business. Besides, he mends one fault by committing another, and taking a third wife when he had one too many before, and her too he unwisely fetcheth out of that stock which was begotten to bondage, and was utterly uncapable of the inheritance. Nebajoth was Ishmael’ s eldest son, , who alone is here mentioned, either in the name of all the rest, whose sister she is by consequence supposed to be; or because peradventure she and Nebajoth were Ishmael’ s children by the same mother, and the rest by another.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
Genesis 28:9 Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’ s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.Ver. 9. Then went Esau unto Ishmael.] Stulta haec fuit κακοζηλια, et hypocrisis , saith Pareus rightly. Apes will be imitating men: spiders have their webs, and wasps their honeycombs. Hypocrites will needs do something, that they may seem to be somebody: but, for want of an inward principle, they do nothing well: they amend one error with another, as Esau here; and as Herod prevents perjury by murder. Thus, while they shun the sands, they rush upon the rocks, and while they keep off the shallows, they fall into the whirlpool. Sed nemo ira perplexus tenetur inter duo vitia, quin exitus pateat absque tertio , saith an ancient. Incidit in Scyllam, cupiens vitare Charybdim .
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
Verse 9. Then went Esau unto Ishmael] Those who are apt to take every thing by the wrong handle, and who think it was utterly impossible for Esau to do any right action, have classed his taking a daughter of Ishmael among his crimes; whereas there is nothing more plain than that he did this with a sincere desire to obey and please his parents. Having heard the pious advice which Isaac gave to Jacob, he therefore went and took a wife from the family of his grandfather Abraham, as Jacob was desired to do out of the family of his maternal uncle Laban. Mahalath, whom he took to wife, stood in the same degree of relationship to Isaac his father as Rachel did to his mother Rebekah. Esau married his father's niece; Jacob married his mother's niece. It was therefore most obviously to please his parents that Esau took this additional wife. It is supposed that Ishmael must have been dead thirteen or fourteen years before this time, and that going to Ishmael signifies only going to the family of Ishmael. If we follow the common computation, and allow that Isaac was now about one hundred and thirty-six or one hundred and thirty-seven years of age, and Jacob seventy-seven, and as Ishmael died in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of his age, which according to the common computation was the one hundred and twenty-third of Isaac, then Ishmael must have been dead about fourteen years. But if we allow the ingenious reasoning of Mr. Skinner and Dr.
Kennicott, that Jacob was at this time only fifty-seven years of age, and Isaac consequently only one hundred and seventeen, it will appear that Ishmael did not die till six years after this period; and hence with propriety it might be said, Esau went unto Ishmael, and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael to be his wife. See Clarke on Genesis 26:34, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 28:9
9. unto the wives] i.e. in addition to Judith and Basemath (Genesis 26:34). Mahalath … the sister of Nebaioth] Nebaioth was the firstborn son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). In Genesis 36:3, the name of Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth, appears as Basemath. Here she is called Mahalath; while Basemath, in Genesis 26:34, is the name of one of Esau’s Hittite wives. Ishmael is mentioned in this verse as the uncle of Esau. The reference is personal, though it may also denote tribal kinship. According to P’s chronology, it would appear that Ishmael was at this time 114 years old, and lived for 23 years more. Cf. Genesis 17:24-25, Genesis 25:17; Genesis 25:26, Genesis 26:34.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 28:9
9. Then went Esau unto Ishmael — That is, unto the family of Ishmael, who, himself, had been dead many years. Genesis 25:17. Nebajoth was Ishmael’s firstborn. Genesis 25:13.
Sermons on Genesis 28:9
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(Genesis) Genesis 26:18-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the word of God. He compares the impact of water in a desert to the transformative power of the |
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(Genesis) Genesis 28:1-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the focus is on Isaac calling Jacob and blessing him. Isaac instructs Jacob not to take a wife from the daughters of Canaan, but instead to go to Padenarum and marr |