The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam.Lotan is identified as a descendant of Seir the Horite, a group of people who lived in the region of Edom before the Edomites. The mention of Lotan's sons, Hori and Hemam, provides insight into the genealogical records of the Horites, who were integrated into the Edomite lineage. The name "Hori" is likely related to the Horites themselves, suggesting a connection to the mountainous region they inhabited. "Hemam" is less clear in meaning but contributes to the understanding of the familial structures in ancient Edom. This genealogy underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, as the Edomites are descendants of Esau, Abraham's grandson.
Timna was Lotan’s sister.
Timna's mention as Lotan's sister highlights the importance of women in genealogical records, which is less common in ancient texts. Timna is also noted elsewhere as a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and the mother of Amalek, a significant figure in Israel's history. This connection to Amalek ties Timna to the ongoing narrative of conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, as seen inExodus 17 and1 Samuel 15. The inclusion of Timna in this genealogy may also reflect the broader cultural practice of recording significant female figures who played roles in the lineage and history of a people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
LotanA descendant of Seir the Horite, Lotan is mentioned as a chief among the Horites. His lineage is significant in the genealogical records of Esau's descendants.
2.
HoriOne of Lotan's sons, Hori's name is associated with the Horites, a group of people who lived in the region of Seir before the Edomites.
3.
HemamAnother son of Lotan, Hemam is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the Horites.
4.
TimnaLotan's sister, Timna is notable for being a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and the mother of Amalek, a significant figure in the history of Israel.
5.
SeirThe region where the Horites lived, later inhabited by the descendants of Esau, known as the Edomites.
Teaching Points
The Importance of GenealogyThe genealogical records in
Genesis 36 highlight the significance of lineage in understanding God's unfolding plan. Each name and connection serves a purpose in the broader account of Scripture.
God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe displacement of the Horites by Esau's descendants demonstrates God's sovereign hand in the affairs of nations and peoples, fulfilling His promises and purposes.
Interconnectedness of Biblical CharactersThe relationships between the Horites and Esau's descendants remind us of the interconnectedness of biblical characters and events, encouraging us to see the Bible as a cohesive account.
Legacy and InfluenceTimna's role as the mother of Amalek shows how individuals can have a lasting impact on history, for better or worse. This challenges us to consider the legacy we are leaving behind.
Understanding Our Spiritual HeritageJust as the Israelites understood their physical lineage, Christians are called to understand their spiritual heritage in Christ, recognizing the continuity of God's redemptive work through history.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 36:22?
2.How does Genesis 36:22 highlight the lineage of Seir the Horite?
3.What can we learn about Esau's descendants from Genesis 36:22?
4.How does Genesis 36:22 connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 17?
5.Why is understanding genealogies important for comprehending biblical history and prophecy?
6.How can studying Genesis 36:22 deepen our appreciation for God's faithfulness in Scripture?
7.What is the significance of Lotan's sons in Genesis 36:22 for biblical genealogy?
8.How does Genesis 36:22 contribute to understanding the Edomite lineage?
9.Why are Seir the Horite's descendants mentioned in Genesis 36:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 36?
11.Who were the Horites in the Bible?
12.Genesis 36:20-30 lists Horite chiefs, yet extrabiblical sources offer scant support--what explains this historical gap?
13.How historically plausible is it that one person like Doeg could have slaughtered 85 priests in one event (1 Samuel 22:18)?
14.Where is the Land of Uz located?What Does Genesis 36:22 Mean
The sons of Lotan were Hori and HemamGenesis 36 sets out the family line of Esau (Edom). Lotan is introduced as the firstborn of Seir the Horite (Genesis 36:20), and verse 22 tells us, “The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam.”
• This is a straightforward statement of lineage, confirming two literal sons. Compare1 Chronicles 1:38, which repeats the same names, underscoring accuracy.
• The Horites were the original inhabitants of the hill country of Seir (Deuteronomy 2:12), and Scripture affirms that Esau’s descendants intermarried with them, gradually absorbing their territory (Genesis 36:8).
• Recording the sons’ names matters because these men became clan heads (Genesis 36:29). The line of promise comes through Jacob, yet God still preserves the record of Esau’s relatives, demonstrating His comprehensive sovereignty over all nations (Acts 17:26).
Timna was Lotan’s sisterThe verse continues, “Timna was Lotan’s sister.”
• Naming a sister in a genealogical list is unusual and signals her later importance.Genesis 36:12 explains why: “Timna was a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz.”
• By noting Timna here, Moses prepares us for the birth of Amalek, ancestor of the Amalekites—persistent foes of Israel (Exodus 17:14-16;1 Samuel 15:2).
• The insertion underlines that choices made inside one family line (Esau’s) will ripple across Israel’s history. Even centuries later, God reminds Saul that the Amalekites’ enmity began in these earliest family ties (1 Samuel 15:2).
• The detail also shows that God’s Word does not overlook women’s roles. Though patriarchal lists center on sons, the Spirit ensures Timna’s name is preserved because her offspring will shape redemptive history.
summaryGenesis 36:22 may appear to be a routine family note, yet it roots Israel’s story in real people and places. By recording Hori and Hemam, Scripture confirms the rise of Horite clans that merged with Esau’s line. By spotlighting Timna, it foreshadows the emergence of the Amalekites. Every name serves God’s larger narrative: He oversees nations, remembers individuals, and keeps His covenant purposes moving forward.
(22)
Timna.--Not the Timna mentioned in
Genesis 36:12; for she is here described as sister of Lotan the brother of Zibeon, who was grandfather of Aholibamah, Esau's wife. But the Timna mentioned there was the concubine of Esau's grandson, and junior by four generations.
Verse 22. -
And the children of Lotan were Hori - the name of the tribe (ver. 20) -
and Hemam: - or, Homam (
1 Chronicles 1:39); "Destruction" (Gesenius), "Commotion" (Furst, Murphy) -
and Lotan's sister was Timna - probably the concubine of Eliphaz (ver. 12).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The sonsבְנֵי־(ḇə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Lotanלוֹטָ֖ן(lō·w·ṭān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3877:Lotan -- a son of Seirwereוַיִּהְי֥וּ(way·yih·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beHoriחֹרִ֣י(ḥō·rî)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2753:Choriand Heman.וְהֵימָ֑ם(wə·hê·mām)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1967:HemamTimnaתִּמְנָֽע׃(tim·nā‘)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8555:Timna -- an Edomite namewas Lotan’sלוֹטָ֖ן(lō·w·ṭān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3877:Lotan -- a son of Seirsister.וַאֲח֥וֹת(wa·’ă·ḥō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 269:Sister -- a sister
Links
Genesis 36:22 NIVGenesis 36:22 NLTGenesis 36:22 ESVGenesis 36:22 NASBGenesis 36:22 KJV
Genesis 36:22 BibleApps.comGenesis 36:22 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 36:22 Chinese BibleGenesis 36:22 French BibleGenesis 36:22 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 36:22 The children of Lotan were Hori (Gen. Ge Gn) 
