1. Genealogy and Family
Eliphaz's lineage is central to understanding his role in biblical history, particularly his connection to the Edomites.
1.1. Eldest Son of Esau
Eliphaz was the firstborn son of Esau, who was also known as Edom, and his wife Adah. Adah was the daughter of Elon the Hittite. This made Eliphaz the grandson of Isaac and the great-grandson of Abraham, placing him firmly within the patriarchal lineage.
1.2. Children
Eliphaz had six sons, who became progenitors of various clans. His sons born to Adah were Omar, Teman, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz. Omar is noted as his firstborn son. Additionally, Eliphaz had another son, Amalek, who was born to his concubine Timna. The descendants of Amalek, known as the Amalekites, became a significant and ancestral enemy of the Israelites in later biblical narratives. The heads of the clans descended from Eliphaz in the land of Edom included those of Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Korah, Gatam, and Amalek.
2. Role as Ancestor of Edom
Eliphaz holds a crucial position as the progenitor of various tribes and leaders that formed the nation of Edom. His sons and their descendants established themselves as prominent figures and chiefs in the land of Edom, contributing to the formation and structure of the Edomite people. The biblical texts record these lineages, highlighting Eliphaz's foundational role in the Edomite nation, which was closely related to, yet often in conflict with, the Israelites.
3. Biblical and Traditional Accounts
Eliphaz appears in various biblical and traditional narratives, offering insights into his character and significance beyond his genealogy.
3.1. Midrashic Account of Jacob's Pursuit
According to Midrashic tradition, when Jacob fled from his brother Esau and sought refuge with his uncle Laban in Haran, Esau dispatched Eliphaz to pursue Jacob with orders to kill him. This account emphasizes the complex relationship within the family, as Eliphaz was not only Jacob's nephew but also considered his Rabbi. When Eliphaz eventually overtook Jacob, Jacob implored him not to carry out his father's instructions. In response, Eliphaz expressed his dilemma, acknowledging his father's command. Jacob then offered all his possessions to Eliphaz, stating, "Take what I have, for a poor man is counted as dead." Satisfied with this outcome, Eliphaz left Jacob alive but impoverished, fulfilling his father's command in a way that spared Jacob's life.
3.2. Interpretation as a Prophet
Beyond his familial and historical roles, Eliphaz is also regarded as a prophet in some Jewish traditions. This view is notably presented in Louis Ginzburg's comprehensive work, Legends of the Jews, which compiles various Midrashic and traditional interpretations of biblical figures and events. This interpretation suggests a spiritual dimension to Eliphaz's character, elevating his status beyond that of a mere genealogical link.
4. Distinction from Eliphaz of Teman
It is important to distinguish Eliphaz, the son of Esau, from another biblical figure named Eliphaz the Temanite. Eliphaz the Temanite is one of the three friends of Job who visit him during his suffering, as recounted in the Book of Job. While Eliphaz the Temanite is identified as being from Teman, a region named after Eliphaz, son of Esau's son, they are considered to be distinct individuals separated by generations.