Overview
Reuel appears primarily in the genealogical accounts of Esau's descendants in Genesis and 1 Chronicles. He was born to Esau and his wife Basemath, and his name means "friend of God." Reuel is listed among the chieftains of Edom, representing one branch of Esau's extensive family that populated the region of Edom southeast of Canaan.
Key Scriptures
"Basemath bore Reuel" (Genesis 36:4, ESV). "These are the sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah" (Genesis 36:10, ESV). "The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These are the clans of Reuel in the land of Edom; they are the sons of Basemath, Esau's wife" (Genesis 36:13, ESV).
Application
Studying genealogies like Reuel's reminds us that God's sovereignty extends over all peoples and nations, not only Israel, as He orchestrated history according to His eternal plan.