How Did Moses Know About Kings in Israel When Writing the Book of Genesis?

The mention of an Israelite king in Genesis does not disprove Moses' authorship; rather, it affirms the prophetic nature of Scripture. Skeptics often point to Genesis 36 as evidence of a much later origin of the text, yet a deep biblical analysis reveals the wonderful harmony of God’s plan.

Many Bible readers encounter a challenging passage where the rulers of a neighboring nation are listed:

“These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites.” Gen 36:31

Critics argue that the author of these words must have lived during the monarchical era, when Saul or David was already reigning over Israel. But is that truly the case?

The Promise of Future Kings in the Covenant with the Patriarchs

Moses did not need to see a human monarch with his own eyes to know that kings would arise in Israel. This truth was firmly rooted in the promises given to the patriarchs of faith. Long before an earthly state was ever established, God revealed His grand purpose to Abraham:

“I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.” Gen 17:6

The Lord repeated the very same blessing concerning his wife, Sarah:

“And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” Gen 17:16

Later, the Almighty confirmed this heritage to Jacob, whose name became the name of the nation itself:

“Also God said to him: ‘I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body.’” Gen 35:11

In light of these specific assurances, Moses was fully aware that Jacob’s descendants would inevitably have kings. Edom, being the line of the older brother Esau, developed a monarchical system much faster than God's people entered the season of their promise’s fulfillment. It was precisely this historical contrast that the prophet recorded.

Legislative Anticipation of Royalty in the Torah

Moses was not merely a chronicler; he was a great prophet through whom the Lord laid the foundation for Israel's societal life. In the book of Deuteronomy, God provided advance instructions for the people’s future earthly ruler:

“When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses.” Deut 17:14–15

If Moses, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, could record precise guidelines for a king’s conduct, then mentioning the reality of kingship in Genesis is entirely natural. The Pentateuch is thoroughly imbued with an understanding of the chosen nation's future calling.

Divine Inspiration and the Preservation of the Text

Seventh-day Adventist Christians uphold the authority of Mosaic authorship, which Jesus Christ Himself repeatedly affirmed. Ellen White recognizes Moses as the author of Genesis, written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The inspired author had access to ancient patriarchal records while simultaneously possessing prophetic insight into Israel’s destiny.

Even if one were to grant that certain geographical or genealogical glosses could have been later updated by inspired scribes or prophets, such as Samuel or Ezra, this does not diminish the monumental authenticity of Moses' work.

Practical Significance for Today

This passage shows us that the apparent success of this world often arrives much sooner than the fulfillment of God’s promises. Edom was already flourishing with kings while Israel was still wandering in the wilderness. Yet human self-reliance without God is fleeting, while His Word will endure forever. We are called to trust God's timetable even when the secular structures around us seem far more powerful. The true and eternal King of our lives must always remain the Lord alone.