Original Word: דִּישָׁן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Diyshan
Pronunciation: dee-SHAWN
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-shawn')
NASB: Dishan
Word Origin: [another form of H1787 (דִּישׁוֹן דִּישׁוֹן דִּשׁוֹן דִּשׁוֹן - Dishon) Dishan, an Edomite]

1. Dishon

Dishon

Another form of Diyshown Dishan, an Edomite -- Dishon.

see HEBREW Diyshown

Word Origin
from dishon
Definition
an Edomite
NASB Translation
Dishan (5).

דִּישָׁן proper name, masculine a son of Seir דִּישָׁ֑ן Genesis 36:21 (ᵐ5 Ῥισών; so Genesis 36:28; Genesis 36:30 compare Di) 1 Chronicles 1:38; (1Chronicles 1:42 read דִּישׁוֺן q. v.) Genesis 36:26 (read דִּישׁוֺן ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 Ol Di) Genesis 36:30 דִּישָׁ֖ן Genesis 36:28.

Occurrences and Literary Setting

Dishan appears five times in the Old Testament (Genesis 36:21, 26, 28, 30; 1 Chronicles 1:38), always within genealogical or clan lists that recount the settlement of Edom. These references locate him among “the chiefs of the Horites” (Genesis 36:21) in the hill country of Seir—territory later absorbed into the wider realm of Edom descended from Esau.

Family Connections

1. Patriarch: Seir the Horite, the original inhabitant of the region (Genesis 36:20).
2. Sibling Chiefs: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, and Ezer (Genesis 36:20–21).
3. Clan Status: Dishan is consistently called a “chief,” marking him as the head of an autonomous clan.
4. Generational Impact: While Genesis 36:26 details the sons of Dishon (Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran), no further descendants of Dishan are listed. His significance lies chiefly in anchoring the identity of one of the seven Horite clans.

Historical Background

The Horites predated Edomite occupation but became integrated into Edomite identity through alliances and intermarriage with Esau’s line (Genesis 36:2, 40). Moses furnishes this genealogy during Israel’s wilderness journey to portray the already-established political landscape south of Canaan. By listing Horite chiefs—including Dishan—the text underscores how God had granted territory and governance even to nations outside the Abrahamic covenant (cf. Deuteronomy 2:12). Thus, Israel must respect Edomite boundaries on the march to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 2:4–5).

Theological Reflections

1. Sovereign Distribution of Lands

The record of Dishan attests that divine providence shapes nations beyond Israel. Paul's sermon in Acts 17:26 echoes this truth: God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” Dishan’s allotted territory illustrates that principle.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy Concerning Esau

Genesis 25:23 foretells that two nations would emerge from Rebekah’s twins. The elaborate enumeration of Horite and Edomite chiefs—including Dishan—demonstrates the rapid development of Esau’s house, preparing the stage for later tension with Jacob’s descendants (Numbers 20:14–21; Obadiah 8–14).

3. Reliability of Scripture

The genealogical precision of Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1, preserved across centuries, confirms Scripture’s careful historical transmission. That both sources list Dishan in identical clan order displays textual consistency, encouraging confidence in biblical veracity.

Ministry Applications

• Genealogies Encourage Trust in God’s Detail

Teaching believers to value “every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4), even seemingly obscure lists like those naming Dishan, reinforces a high view of Scripture and cultivates reverence for its inerrancy.

• Recognizing God’s Work Outside Covenant Lines

Dishan’s prominence among Horites reminds Christians that God’s common grace structures societies beyond the covenant community. This perspective fosters humility and respect when engaging contemporary cultures.

• Roots of Lasting Conflict and Reconciliation

Understanding early Edomite-Israelite relations aids in interpreting prophetic calls for ultimate reconciliation through the Messiah, in whom Gentiles—Edomites included—are invited to share “the boundless riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).

Christological Trajectory

Although Dishan’s lineage does not lead directly to the Messiah, his placement in Genesis 36 contributes to the broader redemptive narrative. The contrast between Esau’s earthly rule and Jacob’s covenant promises sets the backdrop for the King who unites Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14–16). In that light, every clan and chief—Dishan among them—finds its ultimate significance in the overarching plan fulfilled at the cross.

Summary

Dishan stands as one of the seven Horite chiefs integrated into Edomite society. His brief yet precise mentions reveal God’s hand in world history, underscore the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping, and invite believers to appreciate how even minor figures contribute to the grand tapestry of redemption.

דִּישָׁ֑ן דִישָׁ֑ן דִישָׁ֖ן דישן וְדִישָֽׁן׃ וְדִישָׁ֑ן ודישן ודישן׃ dî·šān ḏî·šān dîšān ḏîšān diShan vediShan wə·ḏî·šān wəḏîšānInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts