Gatam is mentioned inGenesis 36:11, 16, and1 Chronicles 1:36as one of the sons of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau. Esau, also known as Edom, was the twin brother of Israel (or 'Jacob') and the ancestor of the Edomites (Gen.25.30; 36.1). Gatam is listed among the chiefs of Edom, indicating that he held a position of authority and leadership within the Edomite tribal structure (Genesis 36:16). The Edomites were the descendants of Esau who settled in the region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea (Genesis 36:8-9). They became a significant political and military power in the region, often in conflict with the Israelites (Numbers 20:14-21;1 Samuel 14:47;2 Samuel 8:13-14). The mention of Gatam and the other chiefs of Edom in the genealogical records emphasizes the importance of family lineage and tribal organization in the ancient Near East.
Gatam
EliphazEnglishA man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.11.