Interesting Facts

• The sources present conflicting information regarding Reuel’s mother. Genesis states his mother was Bashemath, also identified as Adah, while Jasher indicates his mother was Bosmath, the daughter of Ishmael. Jasher also mentions Bashemath bearing Reuel.
• Reuel is listed among the sons of Esau who had possessions in the land of Edom amongst the children of Seir.
• Reuel’s sons, Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah, are listed in both Genesis and Jasher.
• Reuel’s birth is placed in the third year of Jacob’s dwelling in Haran according to Jasher, corresponding to the year 2189.

Genealogy

• Father: Esau.
• Mother: Bashemath (also called Adah) according to Genesis. Alternatively, Bosmath the daughter of Ishmael according to Jasher.
• Grandfather (Paternal): Isaac.
• Grandmother (Paternal): Rebekah.
• Great-grandfather (Paternal): Abraham.
• Siblings (Paternal): The sources mention various other sons of Esau, including Eliphaz, Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah.
• Offspring: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

Historical Context

Reuel was born during Jacob’s extended stay in Haran, where Jacob served Laban and his wealth increased significantly. This period was marked by tension between Jacob and Laban’s household, eventually leading to Jacob’s secretive departure and return towards Canaan. Esau, Reuel’s father, was already established in Canaan and later moved to Mount Seir (Edom) due to the land not being able to sustain both his and Jacob’s large herds. Reuel’s upbringing would have occurred within the context of Esau’s growing separation from Jacob and his integration with the inhabitants of Seir, including intermarriage with the Horites. The birth of Reuel also coincided with significant family developments in Jacob’s life, including the births of his sons with Leah and Bilhah. Later in Reuel’s life, after Jacob’s return to Canaan and the death of Isaac, tensions arose between Esau’s sons and Jacob regarding the inheritance and the birthright.

Narrative

Reuel’s personal narrative is relatively sparse within the provided excerpts. His birth is noted in relation to Jacob’s time in Haran. The discrepancy regarding his mother suggests potential complexities in Esau’s marital relationships, as both Bashemath and Bosmath are mentioned as his wives who bore him sons. Reuel is later mentioned in the context of Esau and his sons having possessions in the land of Edom, indicating his establishment within his father’s territory. While the sources detail the increasing animosity between Esau and Jacob, and subsequently between their descendants after Isaac’s death, Reuel’s direct involvement in these conflicts is not specified. His significance in the narrative primarily lies in his lineage as a son of Esau and an ancestor of Edom, contributing to the ongoing separation and eventual conflict between the descendants of Jacob and Esau. The listing of his sons further establishes his role in the genealogical progression of Esau’s lineage.