Topical Encyclopedia The Idumaeans, also known as Edomites, are descendants of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, and thus are related to the Israelites. The name "Idumaea" is the Greek form of "Edom," which means "red," a reference to Esau's red appearance at birth and the red stew for which he sold his birthright (Genesis 25:30). The land of Edom was located to the southeast of Israel, extending from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.Historical Background The Edomites settled in the region of Mount Seir, which was given to them by God as their inheritance (Deuteronomy 2:5). Throughout biblical history, the relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites was marked by conflict and hostility. Despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites often opposed Israel, beginning with their refusal to allow the Israelites passage through their land during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21). Biblical References The Bible frequently mentions the Edomites in the context of their interactions with Israel. King Saul fought against them (1 Samuel 14:47), and King David subdued them, establishing garrisons in Edom (2 Samuel 8:14). However, the Edomites regained independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22). The prophets often spoke against Edom for their pride and hostility towards Israel. Obadiah's prophecy is entirely dedicated to Edom's judgment, highlighting their betrayal during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem (Obadiah 1:10-14). Similarly, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel prophesied against Edom, foretelling its destruction (Isaiah 34:5-6, Jeremiah 49:7-22, Ezekiel 25:12-14). Intertestamental Period and New Testament During the intertestamental period, the Edomites were forced to convert to Judaism by the Hasmonean ruler John Hyrcanus around 125 BC. This led to their integration into Jewish society, and they became known as Idumaeans. Herod the Great, the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth, was of Idumaean descent, illustrating the significant role they played in the political landscape of the time. In the New Testament, the Idumaeans are mentioned indirectly through Herod's lineage. Herod's rule and his attempt to kill the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:16) reflect the longstanding enmity between the descendants of Esau and Jacob. Cultural and Theological Significance The account of the Idumaeans serves as a reminder of the consequences of familial discord and the fulfillment of God's promises and judgments. The Edomites' persistent opposition to Israel and their eventual downfall underscore the biblical theme of divine justice. Their history is a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and His sovereignty over the nations. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia IDUMAEA; IDUMAEANSid-u-me'-a, id-u-me'-anz. Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Iranian Conquest The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Thesaurus Idumaeans... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia IDUMAEA; IDUMAEANS. id-u-me'-a, id-u-me'-anz. See EDOM. ... /i/idumaeans.htm - 6k Idumea (5 Occurrences) Idumaea (1 Occurrence) Resources Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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