Definition: And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 26:34. It’s a really important part of the story of how Jacob (later Abraham) and his family came to live in Canaan (the Promised Land). Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it tells us that Jacob was about 40 years old when he started a relationship with Judith and Bashemath. Let’s unpack that a little bit: Genesis 26: This is a passage from the Book of Genesis, and it's a bit mysterious. It describes a significant event – Jacob and his brothers (specifically Reuben and Esau) are fleeing their father Laban’s house. Esau: Jacob’s older brother, Esau, was known for being stubborn and difficult to befriend. He wanted to find a wife who would be like him. Judith & Bashemath: These were two women from Hittite people (a group of ancient Near Eastern nations). The Hittites were a powerful and nomadic group that lived in the area around modern-day Turkey. So, what’s happening here? The verse describes Jacob starting a relationship with two women – Judith and Bashemath – while he was still young . It's important to note this happened before his birth into the family of Isaac (Abraham). This suggests a connection between Jacob and these Hittite women, perhaps through a shared heritage or a situation where they were both traveling. Why is this significant? This verse sets up a crucial part of the story of Genesis 28-31. It’s a key moment in Jacob's life that leads to his eventual blessing and the beginning of his future destiny as Abraham, who will become the father of many nations. It shows that Jacob was already forming relationships and establishing connections before he became a significant figure in the story. In short: Jacob started a relationship with two women, Judith and Bashemath, around the age of 40. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of Genesis 26?