Dishon דִּישֹׁן
Grandson of Seir the Horite through Anah
Who is Dishon in the Bible?
Dishon was a grandson of Seir the Horite through his father Anah, mentioned in the genealogies of Esau's family in Genesis 36:25 and 1 Chronicles 1:41. He was the son of Anah, who is notable for discovering hot springs in the wilderness while pasturing donkeys, a find that may have held significance for the nomadic Horite people as a valuable water source. Dishon had four sons named Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran, as recorded in Genesis 36:26 and 1 Chronicles 1:41. His inclusion in these genealogies illustrates the intermingling of Esau's descendants with the indigenous Horite population of Mount Seir, demonstrating the complex family networks of the ancient Near East.
Biography
Dishon is mentioned in the genealogies of Esau's family in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1. He is listed as the son of Anah and the grandson of Seir the Horite (Gen.36.25; 1Ch.1.41).
Anah, Dishon's father, is noteworthy for having discovered hot springs in the wilderness while pasturing donkeys for his father, Zibeon (Gen.36.24). This discovery may have been significant for the nomadic Horites, as hot springs could have provided a valuable water source in the arid region.
Dishon's sons are listed as Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran (Gen.36.26; 1Ch.1.41). These genealogies demonstrate the intermingling of Esau's descendants with the Horites, as Esau's grandson, Esau's son Eliphaz's son, was also named Dishon (Gen.36.25-26).
The Horites were the original inhabitants of Mount Seir, the region south of the Dead Sea, before Esau's descendants displaced them (Deu.2.12). The inclusion of Dishon and other Horite names in Esau's genealogy suggests that there was intermarriage between the two groups.
Apart from these genealogical references, no further information is provided about Dishon or his specific role in the biblical narrative. His mention serves to trace the origins and relationships of the people living in the region of Edom during the time of the patriarchs.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 36:25
"These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:41
"The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | דִּישֹׁן |