Definition: And these [are] the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Verse 31 from Genesis 36:31. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about the early history of the region around Jerusalem. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse tells us that after the fall of Adam and Eve, there was no king ruling over the people who were descendants of Abraham and Isaac. Let’s unpack it a little further: “These [are]…” : This is a formal way of saying “These are…” It's highlighting that this list represents a specific group of rulers. “…that reigned in the land of Edom…” : Edom was a region located to the east of Jerusalem, and it was known for being a bit isolated and often seen as a place of conflict. This verse tells us they were the ones who held power during this time. "...before there reigned any king over the children of Israel." : This is the crucial part. The "children of Israel" refers to the Israelites – those descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the patriarchs). So, this verse means that no one was ruling over them at this point in history. What’s the significance? This verse is a foundational moment in biblical history. It establishes that after the events described in Genesis 3:14-19 (where God judges the serpent and the children of Cain), there was no established leadership over the Israelites. This marked the beginning of their independent existence and allowed them to develop their own traditions and laws. Think of it like this: Before this verse, the people were living under a somewhat loosely governed system. After this, they truly became a nation, with their own individual authority. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The context of Genesis 36:31 within the larger narrative of the fall of humanity. Why this period was significant for the Israelites' future development.