The term "E'domite" refers to the descendants of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, who was also known as Edom. The name "Edom" means "red," which is associated with the red stew for which Esau sold his birthright to Jacob (Genesis 25:30). The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, an area that came to be known as Edom, or Idumea in later periods.

Ancestry and Early History

Esau, the progenitor of the Edomites, was the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham. The narrative of Esau and Jacob is foundational to understanding the relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites. Despite being brothers, the two nations often found themselves in conflict. Genesis 36 provides a detailed genealogy of Esau's descendants, establishing the Edomites as a distinct people group.

Geographical Location

The land of Edom was located to the southeast of Israel, bordered by the Dead Sea to the west and the Arabian Desert to the east. The territory was mountainous and rugged, with the capital city being Bozrah. Petra, known for its rock-cut architecture, is also associated with Edom, although it became prominent in later periods.

Relations with Israel

The relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites was complex and often hostile. When the Israelites were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Edomites refused them passage through their territory (Numbers 20:14-21). This act of hostility set the tone for future interactions.

Throughout the history of the Israelite monarchy, the Edomites were both adversaries and subjugated peoples. King David conquered Edom and established garrisons there, making the Edomites his subjects (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, they regained independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22).

Prophetic Literature

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently spoke against Edom, condemning them for their pride and hostility towards Israel. The book of Obadiah is entirely dedicated to the judgment against Edom, highlighting their betrayal during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. 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."

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos also prophesied against Edom, foretelling its destruction and desolation. These prophecies were fulfilled as Edom eventually fell to the Babylonians and later the Nabateans.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Edomites, like many neighboring peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion. They worshiped a variety of deities, with Qos being one of their chief gods. The religious practices of the Edomites often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic Israelites.

Later History and Legacy

By the time of the New Testament, the Edomites, known as Idumeans, had been largely assimilated into other cultures. Herod the Great, the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth, was of Idumean descent, illustrating the continued influence of Edomite lineage.

The Edomites serve as a historical example of the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the complex interplay of kinship and conflict in the ancient Near East. Their account is a testament to the enduring themes of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over the nations.E'domite (7 Occurrences)

Deuteronomy 23:7
You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother: you shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 21:7
Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before Yahweh; and his name was Doeg the Edomite, the best of the herdsmen who belonged to Saul.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:9
Then Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, answered and said, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:18
The king said to Doeg, "Turn and attack the priests!" Doeg the Edomite turned, and he attacked the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five people who wore a linen ephod.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:22
David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of all the persons of your father's house.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 11:1
Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites;
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1 Kings 11:14
Yahweh raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
(See RSV)

E'domite (7 Occurrences)
E'domite. Edomite, E'domite. Edomites . Multi-Version Concordance
E'domite (7 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 23:7 You shall not abhor ...
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Edomite (11 Occurrences)

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Edomites (22 Occurrences)

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