John Calvin Commentary Genesis 36:1

"Now these are the generations of Esau (the same is Edom)." — Genesis 36:1 (ASV)

Now these are the generations of Esau. Although Esau was an alien from the Church in the sight of God, yet since he also, as a son of Isaac, was favored with a temporal blessing, Moses celebrates his lineage and records a sufficiently extensive list of his descendants.

This commemoration, however, resembles an honorable burial. For although Esau, with his posterity, took precedence, yet this dignity was like a bubble, which is included in the form of this world and which quickly perishes. Therefore, as has been previously said of other profane nations, Esau is now exalted as if on a grand stage.

But since there is no permanent condition outside the kingdom of God, the splendor attributed to him is evanescent, and all his pomp departs like a passing scene on the stage. Indeed, the Holy Spirit intended to testify that the prophecy Isaac uttered concerning Esau was not in vain; but no sooner has He shown its effect than He turns our eyes away, as if He had cast a veil over it, so that we may confine our attention to the lineage of Jacob.

Now, although Esau had children by three wives, through whom the blessing of God later shone forth, yet polygamy is not approved for that reason, nor is the impure lust of man excused. Instead, in this, the goodness of God is to be admired, which, contrary to the order of nature, brought a good outcome from evil beginnings.