The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a significant place in biblical history, particularly during the reign of King David. The conquest of Edom by David is a pivotal event that demonstrates the expansion of Israel's territory and the fulfillment of divine promises regarding the land.

Historical Context

The Edomites inhabited the region south of the Dead Sea, a rugged and mountainous area known as Seir. Throughout biblical history, the relationship between Israel and Edom was marked by conflict and tension, stemming from the ancestral rivalry between Esau and Jacob. Despite their shared lineage, the nations often found themselves at odds.

David's Conquest

The account of David's conquest of Edom is recorded in 2 Samuel 8:13-14 and 1 Chronicles 18:12-13. These passages describe how David, having established his rule over Israel, turned his attention to subduing neighboring nations, including Edom. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account:

2 Samuel 8:13-14 : "And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. So the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went."

1 Chronicles 18:12-13 : "Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. So the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went."

These passages highlight the military success of David and his forces, specifically mentioning the Valley of Salt as the site of a significant battle. The installation of garrisons throughout Edom ensured Israelite control over the region, effectively subjugating the Edomites and integrating their territory into David's expanding kingdom.

Theological Significance

David's conquest of Edom is not merely a historical event but carries theological implications. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land and the establishment of Israel as a dominant power in the region. The subjugation of Edom also serves as a testament to the LORD's favor upon David, as the biblical text repeatedly emphasizes that "the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went."

Furthermore, the conquest underscores the theme of divine justice and retribution. The Edomites, who had often opposed Israel, now found themselves under Israelite control, illustrating the biblical principle that God upholds His covenant people and executes judgment upon their adversaries.

Legacy and Later Developments

The subjugation of Edom under David's rule had lasting effects on the region's political landscape. Although the Edomites would later regain some autonomy, the conquest established a precedent for Israelite dominance. The relationship between Israel and Edom continued to be complex, with periods of conflict and cooperation throughout subsequent biblical history.

In summary, David's conquest of the Edomites is a significant event that highlights the expansion of Israel's territory, the fulfillment of divine promises, and the LORD's favor upon David's reign. The integration of Edom into David's kingdom marked a turning point in the history of the region and underscored the enduring themes of covenant, justice, and divine sovereignty in the biblical narrative.1 Kings 11:14-16
And the LORD stirred up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 18:11-13
Them also king David dedicated to the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.
Nave's Topical Index

The Reign of David.
... the Syrians, the Edomites and the Ammonites ... human types of Jesus in the Old Testament
David is probably ... This fact makes the study of his life and experiences of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... From The Death Of David To The Death Of ... CHAPTER 8. Hazael Makes An Expedition Against
The People ... Amaziah Made An Expedition Against The Edomites And Amalekites ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Chapter xxxvi
... The following diagram makes the entire section clear at a ... have been made in Saul's
or David's time or ... where the rapid development of the Edomites is sketched ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... For this testimony makes all the Hadads or Benhadads of the ... this Hadad, in the days
of David, to the ... great victory over the Idameans or Edomites, the posterity ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... in Judah, during the time at which David carried on ... The Edomites at that time kept
only a defensive ... case, Daniel 9:27, where the destroyer makes sacrifice and ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... eg, Zechariah 1:12, where He makes intercession for ... have become wicked, the words
of David have acquired ... of nations, who, with a view to conquest, overflow the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... Calvin makes the following pertinent remark: "The antithesis between ... 23:1-8, where
the Edomites and Egyptians ... case, as well as that of David subsequently, the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... in that case would have been Edomites and Midianites ... Achish, for example, King of
Gath, makes war alone ... tribes, owing to the intervention of David and his men ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... neighbourhood of Nummi, and its relative position to Adaush and Gilzan makes it
probable ... at Parsindu,* and set to work to organise the fruits of his conquest. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... beginning of the Median empire"Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia ...
dream, which, although but dimly remembered in the morning, makes the hair ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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