These are—the dukes— Idumea, of which Bozrah, mentioned Genesis 36:33, was the capital, appears at first to have been divided into several districts or jurisdictions, each governed by an independent chief under the name of duke, until, in process of time, all these dukedoms came to be united, and brought under subjection to one prince, who at first was elective. Thus it was with Attica, as Le Clerc remarks; it was peopled by separate tribes, or families, each governed by its own chief, till Theseus incorporated them all into one community.
Related Commentaries of Genesis 36:40
Genesis 36:40
40 And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah,h duke Jetheth,