For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
This chapter is a long list of Esau's family. But tucked inside is a quiet reminder of how big and faithful God's kindness is.
Today's Story
Genesis 36 is a big family list — all the children and grandchildren of Esau, Jacob's brother.
Remember Esau? He wasn't the one God's special promise would travel through — that was Jacob's family. And yet, look: Esau's family grew and grew, into a whole people, with leaders and lands of their very own.
Why does the Bible tell us all this? To show that God is kind and faithful even beyond the main story. God had once promised to bless Esau too — and He kept that promise. Esau became a great and strong people.
God's care is bigger than we sometimes think. He doesn't forget anyone. Even Esau, even his family, even the people who aren't the main characters — God blessed them and kept track of every single name.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- God blessed Esau's family even though they weren't the “main” family. How does it feel to know God doesn't forget anyone?
- The Bible kept track of all these names. What does that tell you about how much God cares about each person?
- Esau and Jacob both became big families. How can we be kind to people who are different from us, or “not in our group”?