Genesis 36:7

ESV For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together. The land of their sojournings could not support them because of their livestock.
NIV Their possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying could not support them both because of their livestock.
NASB For their possessions had become too great for them to live together, and the land where they resided could not support them because of their livestock.
CSB For their possessions were too many for them to live together, and because of their herds, the land where they stayed could not support them.
NLT There was not enough land to support them both because of all the livestock and possessions they had acquired.
KJV For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.

What does Genesis 36:7 mean?

Esau has moved his family, his servants, and all that he owns away from Jacob and outside of the land of promise (Genesis 36:8). The two brothers were once so opposed that Jacob fled to avoid being murdered (Genesis 27:42). Later, they seem to have reconciled (Genesis 33:1–4). The reason for this separation is simply population. Between them, Jacob and Esau owned too much livestock for the land to support both tribes living in proximity. This echoes the reason given for Abraham and Lot parting ways earlier in Genesis (Genesis 13:8–13).

Seir is already inhabited by the Horites (Genesis 14:6), whom Esau's tribes will overcome (Deuteronomy 2:12).

The descendants of Esau will become known as the nation of Edom (Genesis 25:30; 36:1). Jacob's sons will father the tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:10). The Old Testament records many incidents of strife between these nations, as they grow to become vehement enemies (Numbers 20:14–21; 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Kings 8:20; Obadiah 1:8–11).
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