Definition: Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 28:9. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for the future of the Israelites! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is preparing a future family for his people. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “Genesis 28…” : This refers to the story of the patriarch Abraham. It’s a foundational story about God’s covenant with him and his descendants. “…went Esau unto Ishmael…” : Esau was Jacob's older brother. He was known for being stubborn, restless, and independent. So, this verse says that after the birth of Isaac, God decides to give Esau a special place – a home, or “ Mahalath,” which means a comfortable and secure place. “…and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth…” : This is where it gets interesting! God instructs Esau to take the wives that he had built in his home. He’s giving him a special inheritance – a family. Specifically: “Abraham’s son” : This means Esau's descendants are going to be part of the lineage that eventually becomes Israel. “The sister of Nebajoth…” : Nebajoth was a powerful and influential figure in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). God is essentially saying, “This family will become important and connected to a great leader.” So, what’s the big takeaway? God is preparing a future family for his people. He's establishing a lineage that will eventually lead to the nation of Israel – the group that will be central to Judaism and Christianity. It’s about God’s plan for a future heir to the land and leadership. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any part in more detail, or perhaps discuss why this verse is significant? For example, we could talk about: The significance of Esau's role in the story The connection to the future of Israel What it means for the Israelites’ identity