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H790 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶשְׁבָּן
Eshban
Proper Noun (masculine)
Eshban / Horite Chief

Definition

The name Eshban (אֶשְׁבָּן) identifies a son of Dishon, one of the Horite chiefs of Edom listed in Genesis 36:26 and 1 Chronicles 1:41. The Horites were cave-dwellers who originally inhabited the hill country of Seir before being displaced by Esau's descendants.

Usage & Theological Significance

The detailed genealogy of Edom in Genesis 36 fulfills God's promise to Abraham that his descendants (including those through Esau) would be fruitful (Genesis 17:20), and distinguishes the Edomite line from Israel's covenant line. The Horites like Eshban represent the world as it was — organized by tribal structures — that the covenant people would encounter and displace. Yet even these names are preserved by God, who sees every people and holds every ruler accountable.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 36:26 The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran and Keran.
Genesis 36:20 These were the sons of Seir the Horite, who were living in the region.
1 Chronicles 1:41 The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran and Keran.
Deuteronomy 2:12 Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out.
Acts 17:26 From one man he made all the nations.

Related Words

External Resources

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