Edom:

Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, holds a significant place in biblical history. The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, an area characterized by rugged terrain and rich mineral resources. The name "Edom" means "red," likely referring to the red sandstone of the region or the reddish appearance of Esau at birth (Genesis 25:25).

Throughout the Old Testament, Edom is frequently mentioned in relation to Israel. The relationship between the two nations was often marked by conflict and hostility, stemming from the familial discord between Esau and Jacob. Despite their shared ancestry, Edom and Israel were frequently at odds.

One notable instance of Edom's rebellion against Israelite rule is recorded during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah. In 2 Kings 8:20-22 , it is written: "In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. And the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, but he rose up and attacked the Edomites by night and his army fled home. So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah."

This rebellion marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region, as Edom successfully gained independence from Judah's control. The Edomites' defiance was a fulfillment of Isaac's blessing to Esau, where he prophesied that Esau's descendants would eventually break free from Jacob's yoke (Genesis 27:40).

Edom's history is also marked by its eventual downfall, as prophesied by several biblical prophets, including Obadiah, who foretold Edom's destruction due to its pride and violence against Israel (Obadiah 1:3-4, 10).

Libnah:

Libnah was a city in the Shephelah region of Judah, known for its strategic military significance. It is first mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. In Joshua 10:29-30 , it is recorded: "Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah. And the LORD also delivered that city and its king into the hand of Israel, and Joshua put all the people to the sword, leaving no survivors. And he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho."

Libnah's rebellion against Judah is noted during the reign of King Jehoram, alongside Edom's revolt. In 2 Kings 8:22 , it is stated: "So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Libnah also revolted at the same time." The reasons for Libnah's rebellion are not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but it is likely that the city's leaders saw an opportunity to assert independence amidst the political instability of Jehoram's reign.

Libnah's defiance is indicative of the broader challenges faced by the Kingdom of Judah during this period, as internal and external pressures mounted against the Davidic dynasty. The city's rebellion, like that of Edom, underscores the theme of divine judgment and the consequences of turning away from God's covenant, as Jehoram's reign was marked by idolatry and departure from the ways of his forefathers (2 Chronicles 21:10-11).

In summary, the rebellions of Edom and Libnah during Jehoram's reign highlight the complex interplay of political, familial, and spiritual dynamics in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to the enduring consequences of sin and the sovereignty of God over the nations.