Topical Encyclopedia
Dishon is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies of the descendants of Seir the Horite. He is recognized as one of the chiefs of the Horites, a group of people who inhabited the land of Seir before the Edomites. The name "Dishon" is believed to mean "thresher" or "antelope," reflecting the ancient practice of naming individuals with terms that denote characteristics or roles.
Genealogy and FamilyDishon is introduced in the genealogical records found in the Book of Genesis. He is listed as a son of Seir the Horite, making him a member of the indigenous people who lived in the region of Seir, which is associated with the mountainous area of Edom. The genealogical account in
Genesis 36:20-21 states: "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom."
Dishon is further mentioned in the context of his own descendants.
Genesis 36:25 records: "These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah." This indicates that Dishon had a brother named Anah, and he himself fathered children, continuing the lineage of the Horites.
Role and SignificanceAs a chief of the Horites, Dishon held a position of leadership and influence within his community. The Horites were known for their early settlement in the region that would later become Edom, and they played a significant role in the history of the area. The chiefs, including Dishon, were likely responsible for the governance and organization of their people, as well as for maintaining their cultural and social structures.
The mention of Dishon and his family in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. These records serve to establish the historical and familial connections between different groups and individuals, providing insight into the complex relationships that shaped the ancient Near East.
Cultural and Historical ContextThe Horites, as descendants of Seir, were among the original inhabitants of the land before the Edomites, descendants of Esau, took possession of it. The integration and eventual dominance of the Edomites over the Horites is a reflection of the broader patterns of migration and conquest that characterized the ancient world.
Dishon's inclusion in the biblical genealogies highlights the interconnectedness of various peoples and the unfolding of God's plan through different lineages. The Horites, though not as prominently featured as other groups in the biblical narrative, contribute to the rich tapestry of history that the Bible presents.
Biblical References·
Genesis 36:20-21 : "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom."
·
Genesis 36:25 : "These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah."
Dishon's presence in the biblical text, though brief, serves as a reminder of the diverse peoples and histories that are woven into the narrative of Scripture, each playing a part in the unfolding account of God's interaction with humanity.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Dishonfatness; ashes
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Dishon(antelope)
- The fifth son of Seir. (Genesis 36:21,26,30;1 Chronicles 1:38)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DISHAN; DISHONdi'-shan, di'-shon (dishan, dishon, "antelope," "pygarg"): A Horite clan, mentioned as the youngest "son" and elsewhere as the "grandson" of Seir. The form Dishon occurs several times in the list of Horite clans, together with many other totem names (Genesis 36 passim;1 Chronicles 1:38, 41). SeeGray, HPN, 89.
Strong's Hebrew
1787.Dishon -- two Edomites... 1786, 1787.
Dishon. 1788 . two Edomites. Transliteration:
Dishon Phonetic
Spelling: (dee-shone') Short Definition:
Dishon. Word
...1788.dishon -- mountain goat (a cermonially clean animal)
...dishon. 1789 . mountain goat (a cermonially clean animal). Transliteration:dishon
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-shone') Short Definition: ibex....dishon. 1789 ....
1789. Dishan -- an Edomite
... Word Origin fromdishon Definition an Edomite NASB Word Usage Dishan (5).Dishon.
Another form of Diyshown Dishan, an Edomite --Dishon. see HEBREW Diyshown....
Library
Chapter xxxvi
... Je'ush (v. Genesis 36:5) may mean "helper (is God)." Nahath (v. Genesis 36:13) means
"rest," Zerah ""rising" or "east";Dishon (v. Genesis 36:21) ""gazelle...
Thesaurus
Dishon (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DISHAN;
DISHON.
... See Gray, HPN, 89. Multi-Version
Concordance
Dishon (7 Occurrences). Genesis 36:21
Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.
...Dishan (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DISHAN;DISHON.... See Gray, HPN, 89. Multi-Version
Concordance Dishan (5 Occurrences). Genesis 36:21Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan....
Pygarg (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrewsdishon, "springing", (Deuteronomy 14:5), one of
the animals permitted for food. It is supposed to be the Antelope addax....
Ithran (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ITHRAN. ith'-ran (yithran, "excellent"): (1) A
descendant of Seir the Horite, son ofDishon (Genesis 36:26 1 Chronicles 1:41)....
Anah (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:25 These are the children of Anah:Dishon and Oholibamah, the
daughter of Anah.... 1 Chronicles 1:41 The sons of Anah:Dishon....
Keran (2 Occurrences)
... Keran (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:26 These are the children ofDishon: Hemdan, Eshban,
Ithran, and Keran. (BBE NIV). 1 Chronicles 1:41 The sons of Anah:Dishon....
Eshban (2 Occurrences)
... Eshban (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:26 These are the children ofDishon: Hemdan,
Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.... 1 Chronicles 1:41 The sons of Anah:Dishon....
Ezer (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:21Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.... 1 Chronicles 1:38 The sons of Seir: Lotan,
and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, andDishon, and Ezer, and Dishan....
Cheran (2 Occurrences)
... Cheran (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:26 These are the children ofDishon: Hemdan,
Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.... 1 Chronicles 1:41 The sons of Anah:Dishon....
Se'ir (36 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:21Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.... 1 Chronicles 1:38 The sons of Seir: Lotan,
and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, andDishon, and Ezer, and Dishan....
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