Who was Dishon in the Bible?

Dishon was a grandson of Seir the Horite, born to Anah. He is listed in the genealogical records of the Horite clans who lived in the land of Seir, which later became part of Esau's (Edom's) territory (Genesis 36:25).

Why is Dishon mentioned in the Bible?

Dishon's mention establishes the historical and genealogical connection between the Horite inhabitants of Seir and the descendants of Esau, who later became the Edomites. His listing helps document the transfer of land and the integration of these clans into Edom's lineage (1 Chronicles 1:41).

What significant events was Dishon part of?

The Bible records no specific events in Dishon's life. His significance is purely genealogical, serving as a named ancestor within the Horite and Edomite family lines to show the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau and the populated history of the region.

Dishon

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleSon of anah

Dishon was a grandson of Seir the Horite through Anah, mentioned in the genealogies of Esau's family. (Gen.36.25; 1Ch.1.41)

Dishon

Biography

This Dishon was the son of Anah and grandson of Seir the Horite, appearing in Genesis 36:25 and 1 Chronicles 1:41. He is distinguished from the older Dishon who was a direct son of Seir, representing a later generation within the same Horite clan structure. Anah, his father, is particularly noted in the Genesis narrative as the one who discovered hot springs (or mules, depending on translation) in the wilderness (Genesis 36:24). Dishon son of Anah appears alongside his sister Oholibamah, who became one of Esau's wives, giving this particular branch of the Horite family a direct connection to the Edomite patriarchal line. His sons Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran are also recorded, indicating a continuing tribal lineage within the Horite community of Seir.

Significance

This Dishon's significance lies partly in his family connection to Oholibamah, whose marriage to Esau linked Horite and Edomite lineages at the highest level of the emerging nation of Edom. This intermarriage reflects the complex social and ethnic fabric of the ancient Near East, where clan alliances were often sealed through marriage. Scripture's meticulous preservation of these Horite genealogies affirms that God's sovereign oversight of history encompasses the peoples on the margins of the central covenant story. The Horite families, including this branch of Dishon's line, serve as a witness to the breadth of human diversity within God's universal governance of the nations.

Verse Appearances (2)

Genesis

Genesis 36:25

1Chr

1Chr 1:41

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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