Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, holds a significant place in biblical history. The kings of Edom are mentioned in various parts of the Old Testament, providing insight into the political and spiritual dynamics of the region. The Berean Standard Bible offers several references to these kings, highlighting their interactions with Israel and their role in the broader narrative of the Bible.

Genealogical Background

Edom's lineage begins with Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. Esau, also known as Edom, settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, which became known as the land of Edom. Genesis 36 provides a detailed genealogy of Esau's descendants, including the early chiefs and kings of Edom. Genesis 36:31 states, "These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites."

Early Kings of Edom

The Bible lists several kings who ruled Edom before the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. These kings are mentioned in Genesis 36:32-39 , which records, "Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom; his city was named Dinhabah. When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place; his city was named Avith. When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place. When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the river reigned in his place. When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place. When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place; his city was named Pau, and his wife's name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab."

Edom's Relationship with Israel

The relationship between Edom and Israel was complex and often hostile. Despite their shared ancestry, the two nations frequently clashed. Numbers 20:14-21 recounts an early conflict when the Israelites, during their wilderness journey, requested passage through Edom. The Edomite king refused, forcing Israel to take a longer route. This incident set the tone for future hostilities.

Throughout the period of the kings, Edom remained a persistent adversary of Israel. King Saul fought against Edom (1 Samuel 14:47), and King David eventually subdued the Edomites, placing garrisons throughout the land (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, Edom regained independence during the reign of Solomon's successor, Rehoboam, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:14-22 .

Prophetic Pronouncements

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently spoke against Edom, condemning its pride and hostility towards Israel. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is entirely dedicated to the judgment of Edom. Obadiah 1:1-4 declares, "This is the vision of Obadiah: This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom—We have heard a message from the LORD, and an envoy has been sent among the nations to say, 'Rise up, and let us go to battle against her!' Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD."

Edom in Later History

Edom's prominence waned over time, and by the New Testament period, the region was known as Idumea. Herod the Great, an Idumean, became king of Judea under Roman rule, illustrating the continued, albeit transformed, influence of Edom's descendants in the biblical narrative.