When we read the Bible closely, we sometimes encounter puzzling details that don’t seem to add up. One such mystery is in Genesis regarding Esau’s wives. At first glance, the accounts in Genesis 26-28 and Genesis 36 appear to contradict each other. The number and names of his wives do not match up! This discrepancy has sparked debate among scholars and believers alike. Exactly how many wives did Esau have? Is there a way to reconcile this?
The Dilemma
In Genesis 26-28, we learn that Esau married Judith (daughter of Beeri the Hittite), Basemath (daughter of Elon the Hittite), and Mahalath (daughter of Ishmael). However, when we turn to Genesis 36, we find a different set of names: Adah (daughter of Elon the Hittite), Oholibamah (daughter of Anah), and Basemath (daughter of Ishmael).
This inconsistency raises questions. Did Esau have three wives or six? Why do the names and lineages differ? As believers who accept the divine inspiration of Scripture, how do we approach this apparent contradiction?
Attempted reconciliations regarding the wives of Esau
Scholars have proposed several theories to reconcile these accounts:
The Three-Wife Theory: This suggests that Esau’s wives went by multiple names, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures.1 For example, Judith might be another name for Oholibamah.
The Four-Wife Theory: This proposes that Esau had four wives, with some names overlapping or changing over time. If Judith had no children, she was probably left out of Genesis 36 because it is a chapter about genealogy.
The Six-Wife Theory: This accepts all the names at face value, suggesting Esau had six wives in total.
Each of these theories has its strengths and weaknesses. While they offer potential solutions, none has gained universal acceptance among scholars. I personally lean more toward the four-wife theory, but admittedly that is more of an “I think so” than fact.
Different source traditions about the wives of Esau?
Some scholars have proposed the Documentary Hypothesis as an explanation for this discrepancy. This theory says Moses did not write the Pentateuch. Instead, it proposes that various editors compiled it from multiple sources over time. Proponents argue that the different accounts of Esau’s wives come from different source traditions. However, it’s crucial to note that the Documentary Hypothesis has fallen out of favor with many modern scholars. It has significant flaws and it’s no longer seen as a satisfactory explanation for the complexities of the Pentateuch.
Moreover, for those of us who affirm the divine inspiration of Scripture, this explanation falls short. It doesn’t align with our understanding of God’s role in the creation and preservation of His Word. While we acknowledge the human element in the writing of Scripture, we believe God was fully engaged in the process to produce and preserve the inspired text.
Living with Unresolved Questions
As we wrestle with this discrepancy, it’s crucial to remember a few key points:
- These challenges can strengthen our faith: Wrestling with difficult passages encourages us to dig deeper into God’s Word. It pushes us to think critically and engage more fully with Scripture.
- Ancient texts often present challenges: People wrote the Bible in a different time and culture. People handled names, genealogies, and records differently than they do today. What seems like a contradiction to us might have made perfect sense to the original audience.
- We have limited knowledge: We don’t have all the information that the original writers and readers had. There may be details or cultural understandings that we’re missing.
- Absence of a solution doesn’t mean there isn’t one: Just because we haven’t found a satisfactory explanation yet doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist. Historians and archaeologists have resolved many biblical difficulties that once seemed insurmountable as they’ve gained more historical and archaeological knowledge. In fact, any of the explanations above (Three/Four//Six-Wife theories) can explain the discrepancy. We just don’t know which, if any, of them is the correct one.
- These challenges can strengthen our faith: Wrestling with difficult passages encourages us to dig deeper into God’s Word. It pushes us to think critically and engage more fully with Scripture.
How Should We Respond?
As believers committed to the truth of Scripture, how should we approach issues like the discrepancy in Esau’s wives?
- Stay curious: Don’t shy away from difficult passages. Engage with them thoughtfully and prayerfully.
- Keep studying: Continue to research and learn. New discoveries in archaeology and biblical studies may shed light on these issues.
- Hold your theories lightly: While we should explore possible explanations, remember that we understand only a limited amount. Be open to new information and interpretations.
- Focus on the message: While these details are important, don’t let them distract you from the overall message of Scripture. The story of Esau and his wives is part of a larger narrative about God’s covenant with His people.
- Trust in God’s Word: Remember that our faith is not based on our ability to resolve every difficulty in the Bible. We trust in the God who inspired Scripture and who is capable of preserving His message through human authors.
Conclusion
The discrepancy regarding Esau’s wives in Genesis serves as a reminder that the Bible is both a divine and human book. It invites us to engage deeply with Scripture, wrestling with its complexities while trusting in its ultimate truth. As we encounter such challenges, let’s approach them with humility, diligence, and faith. We may not have all the answers now, but we can trust that God’s Word remains true and reliable, even when we don’t fully understand every detail.