Reuel רְעוּאֵל
Son of Esau and Basemath, a chief of Edom
Who is Reuel in the Bible?
Reuel was a son of Esau and Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael, making him a grandson of both Isaac and Ishmael (Genesis 36.4, 10, 13, 17). He became one of the chiefs of Edom, holding a position of authority among the Edomites after Esau's family settled in the hill country of Seir (Genesis 36.17; 1 Chronicles 1.37). Reuel had four sons named Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah (Genesis 36.13, 17). His mention in biblical genealogies demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to make Esau a great nation, and his lineage connects to the Edomites, a people who would occupy the region south of the Dead Sea and frequently interact with Israel throughout history.
Biography
Reuel was one of the sons of Esau, Jacob's brother, and Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael (Gen.36.4, 10, 13, 17; 1Ch.1.35, 37). He was born in Canaan before Esau moved his family to the hill country of Seir, which later became known as Edom (Gen.36.8-9). Reuel became one of the chiefs of Edom, indicating that he held a position of authority and influence among the Edomites (Gen.36.17; 1Ch.1.37). His sons were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah (Gen.36.13, 17; 1Ch.1.37). The Edomites, descendants of Esau, lived in the region south of the Dead Sea and were often in conflict with the Israelites throughout their history. The mention of Reuel and his descendants in the genealogies of Esau demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to make Esau into a nation (Gen.25.23) and provides insight into the early history and leadership of the Edomites.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Eliphaz EdomSon of EsauThe firstborn son of Esau.View full profile →
- Jeush Tribe of LeviSon of ShimeiA Levite, son of Shimei or ShubaelView full profile →
- Jalam EdomSon of EsauSon of Esau and OholibamahView full profile →
- Korah Tribe of JudahSon of HebronSon of Hebron, descendant of CalebView full profile →
Offspring
- Nahath MaleA Levite during the reign of King Hezekiah.View full profile →
- Zerah Tribe of LeviSon of IddoLevite of the Gershonite clanView full profile →
- Shammah MaleDavid's warriorMighty man in David's army, defended a lentil fieldView full profile →
- Mizzah EdomAn EdomiteA grandson of Esau and a chief of Edom.View full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 4 verses
- Genesis 36:4
"And Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath gave birth to Reuel,"
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:10
"These are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz son of Esau’s wife Adah, and Reuel son of Esau’s wife Basemath."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:13
"These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:17
"These are the sons of Esau’s son Reuel: Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the chiefs descended from Reuel in the land of Edom, and they are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 1:35
"The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah."
- 1 Chronicles 1:37
"The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | רְעוּאֵל | Reuel , the name of Moses' father-in-law, also of an Edomite and an Israelite |