Who was Homam?

Homam was a descendant of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and is listed among the chiefs of Edom in the genealogical record found in Genesis 36:39 and 1 Chronicles 1:50. His name appears in the line of Edomite rulers who lived before Israel had kings. While Scripture provides only a brief mention of Homam, his inclusion in the list of Edomite chiefs offers insight into the development of the Edomite nation and its complex relationship with Israel.

The name Homam (Hebrew: חוֹמָם, Chômam) is likely derived from a root meaning “to destroy” or “to be troubled”. Some scholars associate the name with turmoil or disorder, which may reflect the often adversarial role Edom played in Israel’s history.

Biblical References and Lineage

Homam is mentioned in the genealogical table of Edom’s kings:

• Genesis 36:39 (NIV): “When Baal–Hanan son of Akbor died, Hadad succeeded him as king. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-Zahab.”

• 1 Chronicles 1:50-51 (NIV): “When Baal–Hanan died, Hadad succeeded him as king. The name of his city was Pai, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-Zahab. Hadad also died. The chiefs of Edom were: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth… Homam…”

In both texts, Homam is listed as one of the chiefs (or dukes, depending on the translation) of Edom. These leaders did not necessarily serve under a monarchy but were likely regional tribal heads before the full establishment of a centralized government.

Cross References

• Genesis 25:23 – God prophesies that two nations (Jacob and Esau) would be born of Rebekah, and that the older (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob).

• Obadiah 1:10-14 – A prophetic judgment against Edom for its violence and betrayal of Jacob (Israel).

• Numbers 20:14-21 – Edom’s refusal to let Israel pass through their land during the Exodus.

• Malachi 1:2-4 – God’s declaration of His love for Jacob and His judgment upon Edom.

What Happened in the Bible

Though Homam himself does not appear in any narrative, he is part of the broader record of Edom’s tribal chiefs who ruled in the land of Seir. Genesis 36 is primarily a genealogical and political history of Esau‘s descendants. This chapter stands as a contrast to the story of Jacob, whose descendants would become the covenant people of God, Israel.

The listing of Edomite chiefs, including Homam, demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5–6), including through Esau. Although Esau did not inherit the covenant line, God allowed him to flourish and become a nation in his own right.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

For modern believers, even seemingly obscure names like Homam matter because they affirm that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful (2 Timothy 3:16). The record of Homam highlights the reality of God’s providence over nations and families, and the way He accomplishes His purposes through both prominent and lesser-known individuals.

Homam also represents the kingdom of Edom—a nation often in conflict with Israel. This serves as a reminder that God distinguishes between those who align with His promises and those who resist His purposes.

How Homam’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The story of Esau‘s descendants, including Homam, ultimately highlights the contrast between two lines: the line of promise (through Jacob) and the line of rejection (through Esau). Romans 9:10–13 reminds us that God’s sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau was not based on human merit but on divine purpose.

This points to the gospel truth that salvation is not by lineage, merit, or works, but by God’s sovereign grace. Jesus Christ, the true Seed of Abraham, fulfills the covenant promises given to Jacob’s line. In Him, the division between Jew and Gentile is overcome (Ephesians 2:14–16), and salvation is extended to all who believe—whether from the line of Jacob, Esau, or any nation.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereign Election

• The distinction between Jacob and Esau demonstrates God‘s prerogative to choose whom He wills (Romans 9).

• Homam’s mention, though brief, affirms the historical outworking of God’s promises to Abraham and Isaac.

2. Human Legacy and National Identity

• Homam’s inclusion in the list of Edomite leaders underscores how God oversees the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:21).

3. The Faithfulness of God’s Word

• The genealogy in Genesis 36, including Homam, validates the accuracy and continuity of the biblical record, showing that God’s promises are not forgotten—even for the nations outside the covenant.

Reflection Questions

1. Why does the Bible include genealogies of nations outside the covenant line like Edom?

2. How does God’s treatment of Esau’s descendants reflect His justice and mercy?

3. What can we learn from Homam’s brief mention about our place in God’s redemptive history?

4. In what ways does God use seemingly small or obscure people in the unfolding of His purposes?

5. How does the contrast between Jacob and Esau prepare our hearts to understand the grace of the gospel?

Homam may be a minor figure, but his presence in Scripture reminds us that no detail in God’s Word is accidental. Even the lesser-known names help reveal the larger story of God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and redeeming love through Christ.