Son of Esau and Basemath, a chief of Edom
Reuel
Named in 6 verses across 2 books, first in Genesis 36:4.
רְעוּאֵלReuel
The name means “the shepherd or friend of God.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Reuel Written by AI
Reuel was one of the sons of Esau, Jacob's brother, and Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael (Genesis 36:4; 1 Chronicles 1:35). He was born in Canaan before Esau moved his family to the hill country of Seir, which later became known as Edom (Genesis 36:8 to 9). Reuel became one of the chiefs of Edom, indicating that he held a position of authority and influence among the Edomites (Genesis 36:17; 1 Chronicles 1:37). His sons were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah (Genesis 36:13; 1 Chronicles 1:37). The Edomites, descendants of Esau, lived in the region south of the Dead Sea and were often in conflict with the Israelites throughout their history. The mention of Reuel and his descendants in the genealogies of Esau demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to make Esau into a nation (Genesis 25:23) and provides insight into the early history and leadership of the Edomites.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Reuel, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Friend of God. (1.) A son of Esau and Bashemath (Gen. 36:4, 10; 1 Chr. 1:35). (2.) “The priest of Midian,” Moses’ father-in-law (Ex. 2:18)=Raguel (Num. 10:29). If he be identified with Jethro (q.v.), then this may be regarded as his proper name, and Jether or Jethro (i.e., “excellency”) as his official title. (3.) Num. 2:14, called also Deuel (1:14; 7:42).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Genesis 36:4
And Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath gave birth to Reuel,
- Genesis 36:10
These are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz son of Esau’s wife Adah, and Reuel son of Esau’s wife Basemath.
- Genesis 36:13
These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath.
- Genesis 36:17
These are the sons of Esau’s son Reuel: Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the chiefs descended from Reuel in the land of Edom, and they are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath.
- 1 Chronicles 1:35
The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
- 1 Chronicles 1:37
The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.