◄ Genesis 28:9 ►
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.
Study Bible
Esau went to Ishmael

Esau's decision to go to Ishmael reflects his attempt to align himself with a branch of the family that was also descended from Abraham, though not through the line of promise. Ishmael, like Esau, was a firstborn who did not receive the covenant blessing. This action may indicate Esau's desire to gain favor or legitimacy by marrying within the broader Abrahamic family, despite his previous marriages displeasing his parents (Genesis 26:34-35).

Gen 25:9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave…
1Ch 1:28 The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael.
Gen 21:20-21 And God was with the boy, and he grew up…

and married Mahalath,

Mahalath, whose name means "stringed instrument" or "lyre," becomes Esau's wife. This marriage is significant as it represents Esau's continued departure from the covenantal line. Unlike Jacob, who was sent to marry within the family of Laban, Esau's choice reflects a lack of concern for the covenant promises associated with his grandfather Abraham.

Gen 36:3 and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.
Gen 26:34-35 When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives…
Gen 27:46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life…

the sister of Nebaioth

Nebaioth is the firstborn son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). Mentioning Nebaioth highlights the connection to Ishmael's lineage, which was significant in the context of tribal and familial alliances. This connection to Nebaioth may have been seen as a strategic alliance, though it was outside the covenant line.

Gen 25:13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael:…
1Ch 1:29 These are their genealogies: Nebaioth the firstborn…
Isa 60:7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you;…

and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael,

This phrase emphasizes the familial connection to Abraham, though through Ishmael, who was not the child of promise. Ishmael's descendants were blessed by God to become a great nation (Genesis 17:20), but they were distinct from the line through Isaac, which carried the covenant promises.

Gen 25:12 This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael…
Gen 16:15-16 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael…
Gen 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him;…

in addition to the wives he already had.

Esau's polygamy contrasts with the monogamous marriages of the patriarchs like Isaac and Jacob, highlighting a departure from the covenantal norms. His existing marriages to Hittite women had already caused grief to Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34-35), and this additional marriage further illustrates Esau's disregard for the spiritual and familial values of his parents.

Gen 36:2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan:…
Gen 36:5 and Oholibamah gave birth to Jeush…
Gen 36:6 Later, Esau took his wives and sons and daughters…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin brother of Jacob. Known for selling his birthright and losing his father's blessing to Jacob.

2. Ishmael
The first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. He is considered the ancestor of several Arab tribes.

3. Mahalath
The daughter of Ishmael, whom Esau marries. Her marriage to Esau is an attempt to please his parents after realizing their disapproval of his Canaanite wives.

4. Nebaioth
The brother of Mahalath and the firstborn son of Ishmael. His mention establishes Mahalath's lineage.

5. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, father of both Isaac and Ishmael. His legacy and covenant with God are central to the account.
Teaching Points
Understanding Family Dynamics
Esau's decision to marry Mahalath reflects his attempt to reconcile with his parents' values. This highlights the importance of understanding and respecting family dynamics and values in our own lives.

Consequences of Impulsive Decisions
Esau's life is marked by impulsive decisions, from selling his birthright to marrying Canaanite women. This serves as a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of short-sighted choices.

Seeking Approval
Esau's actions demonstrate a desire for parental approval. This can remind us of the importance of seeking God's approval above all, aligning our actions with His will.

Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
Esau's marriage into Ishmael's line shows the intertwining of cultural and spiritual heritages. It encourages us to consider how our own heritage influences our faith and decisions.
Bible Study Questions
1. What motivated Esau to marry Mahalath, and how does this reflect his character and priorities?

2. How do Esau's marriages contrast with Jacob's journey and choices in Genesis 28? What can we learn from these differences?

3. In what ways do family expectations and cultural heritage influence our decisions today, and how can we ensure they align with biblical principles?

4. Reflect on a time when you made an impulsive decision. What were the consequences, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future?

5. How can we seek God's approval in our relationships and life choices, and what scriptures guide us in this pursuit?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 26:34-35
These verses describe Esau's marriage to Canaanite women, which displeased Isaac and Rebekah. This context helps us understand Esau's motivation in Genesis 28:9.

Genesis 25:29-34
The account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob, highlighting his impulsive nature and lack of spiritual foresight.

Genesis 17:20
God's promise to bless Ishmael and make him fruitful, which connects to the significance of Esau marrying into Ishmael's line.

Genesis 36:2-3
Further details on Esau's wives, providing a broader picture of his family dynamics and choices.
Sermons
Life With, and Life Without, GodR.A. Redford Genesis 28:1-9
Esau, the Type of Worldliness and HypocrisyT. H. Leale.Genesis 28:6-9
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 28:6-9
Mistaken ImitationA. Fuller.Genesis 28:6-9
People
Aram, Bethuel, Esau, Haran, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Laban, Mahalath, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Bethel, Haran, Luz, Paddan-aram
Topics
Abraham's, Addition, Already, Besides, Daughter, Esau, Ishmael, Ish'mael, Mahalath, Ma'halath, Married, Nebaioth, Neba'ioth, Nebajoth, Sister, Taketh, Wife, Wives
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 28:9

     5732   polygamy

Genesis 28:6-9

     5681   family, nature of

Library
The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart
'And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

February the Fifth Everywhere the Gate of Heaven
"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not." --GENESIS xxviii. 10-22. That is the first time for many a day that Jacob had named the name of God. In all the dark story of his wicked intrigue the name of God is never mentioned. Jacob wanted to forget God! God would be a disturbing presence! But here he encounters Him in a dream, and in the most unlikely place. "And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place!" Jacob had yet to learn that there is everywhere "a ladder set up on …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Presence of God.
"And Jacob awakened out of his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not."--GENESIS xxviii. 16. These words indicate the beginning of a new life in the patriarch Jacob. They tell us of the moment when, as it would appear, his soul awoke in him. And they surprise us in some degree, as such awakenings of spiritual capacity often do; for Jacob's recorded antecedents were not exactly such as to lead us to expect the dream and the vision, and the awakening which are described …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Jacob's Waking Exclamation
I would address you this morning upon a topic which may perhaps be as useful to us as to Jacob, if God the Holy Ghost shall but enable me to preach, and you to hear. Oh thou that art everywhere, be speedily now; be thou in this place, and may we know it, and tremble in thy presence. I shall speak on three points; first, the omnipresence of God--the doctrine of it; secondly, a recognition of that omnipresence, or the spirit which is necessary in order to discover the presence of God; and thirdly, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

The Life of Faith.
The fruit of these trials. The conduct of the submissive soul. It results from all that has just been described that, in the path of pure faith, all that takes place spiritually, physically, and temporarily, has the aspect of death. This is not to be wondered at. What else could be expected? It is natural to this state. God has His plans for souls, and under this disguise He carries them out very successfully. Under the name of "disguise" I include ill-success, corporal infirmities, and spiritual …
Jean-Pierre de Caussade—Abandonment to Divine Providence

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter xxviii (Circa A. D. 1130) to the Abbots Assembled at Soissons
To the Abbots Assembled at Soissons [45] Bernard urges the abbots zealously to perform the duty for which they had met. He recommends to them a great desire of spiritual progress, and begs them not to be delayed in their work if lukewarm and lax persons should perhaps murmur. To the Reverend Abbots met in the name of the Lord in Chapter at Soissons, brother Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, the servant of their Holiness, health and prayer that they may see, establish, and observe the things which are …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Yet this once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land: and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. G od shook the earth when He proclaimed His law to Israel from Sinai. The description, though very simple, presents to our thoughts a scene unspeakably majestic, grand and awful. The mountain was in flames at the top, and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Heb 12:24. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart. I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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