The call for retribution against Edom is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, often found itself in conflict with Israel, the descendants of Jacob. This enmity is rooted in the familial discord between Esau and Jacob, which extended into the national identities of their descendants.

Historical Context

Edom's territory was located to the southeast of Israel, in a region characterized by rugged terrain and strategic trade routes. The Edomites were known for their wisdom and their fortified city of Petra. Despite their close kinship with Israel, the Edomites frequently opposed and betrayed the Israelites, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.

Biblical References

1. Obadiah: The book of Obadiah is a prophetic oracle specifically against Edom. The prophet Obadiah condemns Edom for its violence against Jacob and its gloating over the misfortunes of Israel. Obadiah 1:10-12 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. But you should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble."

2. Psalm 137:7: This psalm is a lament of the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. It recalls the Edomites' role in the destruction of Jerusalem, urging divine retribution: "Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: 'Tear it down,' they cried, 'tear it down to its foundations!'"

3. Isaiah 34:5-8: The prophet Isaiah speaks of a day of vengeance against Edom, portraying it as a time of divine retribution. Isaiah 34:5-6 declares, "For My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; behold, it will descend in judgment upon Edom, the people I have devoted to destruction. The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood; it is covered with fat—the blood of lambs and goats, the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom."

4. Ezekiel 25:12-14: The prophet Ezekiel also pronounces judgment against Edom for its actions against Judah. Ezekiel 25:12-14 states, "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by taking revenge on them, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off its men and animals. I will lay it waste; from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance,' declares the Lord GOD."

Theological Significance

The call for retribution against Edom is emblematic of the broader biblical theme of divine justice. The prophets consistently emphasize that God will hold nations accountable for their actions, particularly when they act against His chosen people. The judgment against Edom serves as a reminder of the consequences of enmity and betrayal, highlighting the importance of justice and righteousness in the divine economy.

Edom in Later Tradition

In later Jewish and Christian traditions, Edom came to symbolize the archetypal enemy of God's people. This symbolic representation extends beyond the historical nation of Edom, serving as a metaphor for all who oppose God's purposes. The prophetic calls for retribution against Edom thus resonate with the broader biblical narrative of God's ultimate victory over evil and the vindication of His people.