Topical Encyclopedia The biblical theme of judgment against Edom is a significant topic that appears in various books of the Old Testament. Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, often found itself in conflict with Israel. The prophetic literature of the Bible frequently addresses the fate of Edom, highlighting its eventual downfall due to its actions against Israel and its prideful nature.Historical Context Edom was located to the southeast of Israel, in the region that is now part of modern-day Jordan. The Edomites were known for their rugged terrain and strongholds, such as the city of Petra. Throughout biblical history, Edom maintained a contentious relationship with Israel, often opposing and betraying them during times of crisis. Prophetic Pronouncements 1. Obadiah: The book of Obadiah is entirely dedicated to the judgment 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; you will be destroyed 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. Isaiah: The prophet Isaiah also speaks against Edom, emphasizing the Lord's vengeance. Isaiah 34:5-6 declares, "For My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; behold, it will descend in judgment upon Edom, upon 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." 3. Jeremiah: Jeremiah prophesies against Edom, highlighting its impending desolation. Jeremiah 49:17-18 states, "Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will live there; no man will dwell there." 4. Ezekiel: Ezekiel's prophecies also include a message of judgment against Edom. Ezekiel 25:12-14 says, "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 Implications The judgment against Edom serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the consequences of pride and enmity against His chosen people. The prophetic messages underscore the sovereignty of God over all nations and His commitment to uphold His covenant with Israel. Edom's downfall is portrayed as a divine retribution for its hostility and betrayal, illustrating the broader biblical theme of divine justice. Edom in Later Tradition The historical Edomites eventually disappeared from the biblical narrative, and their territory was absorbed by other groups. In later Jewish and Christian traditions, Edom sometimes symbolically represents the enemies of God's people. The prophetic pronouncements against Edom continue to be studied as part of the broader biblical narrative of God's dealings with the nations. Subtopics Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works The Judgment of Christians, by the Gospel The Judgment of Heathen, by the Law of Conscience The Judgment of Jews, by the Law of Moses The Judgment: A Day Appointed For The Judgment: A First Principle of the Gospel The Judgment: Called The: Day of Destruction The Judgment: Called The: Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men The Judgment: Called The: Day of Wrath The Judgment: Called The: Judgment of the Great Day The Judgment: Called The: Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God The Judgment: Christ Will Acknowledge Saints At The Judgment: Devils Shall be Condemned At The Judgment: Final Punishment of the Wicked Will Succeed The Judgment: Neglected Advantages Increase Condemnation At The Judgment: None, by Nature Can Stand In The Judgment: Perfect Love Will Give Boldness In The Judgment: Predicted in the Old Testament The Judgment: Saints Shall be Rewarded At The Judgment: Saints Shall Sit With Christ In The Judgment: Saints Shall, Through Christ, be Enabled to Stand In The Judgment: Shall be Administered by Christ The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Men The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Nations The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Quick and Dead The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Small and Great The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: The Righteous and Wicked The Judgment: Shall be in Righteousness The Judgment: Shall be of All: Actions The Judgment: Shall be of All: Thoughts The Judgment: Shall be of All: Words The Judgment: Shall Take Place at the Coming of Christ The Judgment: The Books Shall be Opened At The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Faith The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Holiness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Prayer and Watchfulness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Repentance The Judgment: The Wicked Dread The Judgment: The Wicked Shall be Condemned In The Judgment: The Word of Christ Shall be a Witness Against the Wicked In The Judgment: Time of, Unknown to Us The Judgment: Warn the Wicked of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |