Genesis 36:24 (ESV)
These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah; he is the Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he pastured the donkeys of Zibeon his father.
This verse is one of those verses that causes us to ask, “Why did the Holy Spirit put this in the story?” The verse appears in the middle the genealogy of the family of Esau. This name, Anah, was just mentioned in a previous verse:
Genesis 36:20 (ESV)
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
The verse includes a second Anah. Mentioning that he was the Anah that discovered some hot springs is probably just a way to distinguish him from the other one, already mentioned. It does tell us something about the Spirit of God, however. In the genealogical lists in the Bible we have more than just a list of names. We have stories of connection, purpose and character. God does want us to know who was connected to who. At times these list tell us important family connections to aide us in interpreting other parts and stories of the Bible. Sometimes the Spirit wants us to be aware of accomplishments and/or challenges the person faced. We don’t know the exact reason for this mention other than to better identify him. But it does, also, teach us that God knows things about us. He knew that Anah discovered some hot springs. We don’t know much about others, but God knows all. He knows all of our discovers. He knows our accomplishments. He also knows when we don’t accomplish and don’t discover. Note how this writer said it:
Psalms 139:1-6 (ESV)
TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID.
O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
He knows all about us. We should quit trying to hide and, instead, invite His presence, continually.
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