The land of the Edomites, also known as Edom, is a region of significant historical and biblical importance. Situated to the southeast of the Kingdom of Judah, Edom is primarily located in the rugged terrain stretching from the southern part of the Dead Sea down to the Gulf of Aqaba. This area is characterized by its mountainous landscape, with the prominent Mount Seir being a notable feature.

Biblical Origins and Geography

The Edomites are descendants of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, as recorded in Genesis 36:8-9: "So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir. This is the account of Esau, the father of the Edomites, in the hill country of Seir." The name "Edom" itself means "red," which is often associated with Esau's appearance at birth and the red stew for which he sold his birthright (Genesis 25:30).

The land of Edom is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in the context of its interactions and conflicts with the Israelites. The Edomites' territory was strategically located along the King's Highway, a major trade route that connected Africa with Mesopotamia, making it a region of economic and military significance.

Historical Interactions with Israel

Throughout biblical history, the relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites was complex and often adversarial. During the Exodus, the Israelites sought passage through Edom but were denied, as recorded in Numbers 20:14-21. This refusal led to a detour around Edom, highlighting the tension between the two nations.

Despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites frequently opposed Israel. King Saul and King David both engaged in military campaigns against Edom. Under David's reign, Edom was subjugated and became a vassal state, as noted in 2 Samuel 8:14: "He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went."

The Edomites regained independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:20-22. This period of autonomy, however, was marked by continued hostilities with the Kingdom of Judah.

Prophetic Pronouncements

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently pronounced judgments against Edom for its actions against Israel. The book of Obadiah is entirely dedicated to the condemnation of Edom, emphasizing its pride and violence against its brother nation. Obadiah 1:10 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever."

Similarly, the prophet Isaiah foretold Edom's desolation, as seen in Isaiah 34:5-6: "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."

Cultural and Religious Aspects

The Edomites, like many ancient Near Eastern peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion. Their chief deity was Qos, and they also worshiped other gods common to the region. The cultural and religious practices of the Edomites were distinct from those of the Israelites, contributing to the ongoing enmity between the two groups.

Later History and Legacy

By the time of the New Testament, the Edomites, known as Idumeans, had been largely assimilated into the surrounding cultures. Herod the Great, an Idumean by descent, became the king of Judea under Roman rule, illustrating the complex legacy of the Edomites in the biblical narrative.

The land of the Edomites, with its rich history and prophetic significance, remains a testament to the intricate tapestry of relationships and events that shaped the biblical world.Genesis 32:3
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 2:4,5,12
And command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the coast of your brothers the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take you good heed to yourselves therefore:
Nave's Topical Index

The Patriarchs.
... Esau went away to Mount Seir, to the south of the Promised Land, and his descendants
were called the Edomites, from his name, meaning the Red; and so, too, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

The Power of Ambition.
... many scholars, is to explain why the Israelites, the younger people, who settled
latest in Palestine, ultimately possessed the land and conquered the Edomites. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study vi the power of.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... Though "Seir" usually designates the land of the Edomites, extending south from
the lower end of the Dead Sea to the Elanitic Gulf, here, without a doubt, it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
... [Idum??a was the land formerly inhabited by the Edomites. It is a Greek word from
"Edom," which was another word for Esau (Genesis 25:30), and means red. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xl jesus heals multitudes beside.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... When they were refused passage through the land of the Edomites, their kinsmen,
(Num.20:14-21), the Hebrews made a long journey around. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Once in possession of the fastnesses of Seir, the Edomites were comparatively safe
from external attack. It was a land of dangerous defiles and barren mountains ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Story of Jacob
... called Edom, on the south of the land of Israel, where Jacob's descendants lived.
And after a time the Israelites became rulers over the Edomites; and later ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jacob.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... and on the east and southeast, the Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites, the last three ...
a) Egypt had crushed the Hittites and devastated their land; (b) Northern ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... They were setting out to go around the land of the Edomites, who refused them a
passage through their country, when they began to murmur against God and Moses ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

Ezekiel
... He will destroy the unbrotherly Edomites (xxxv.) and bless His people Israel with
the peaceful possession of a fruitful land, and with the better blessing of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm

Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who/what is Edom (Obadiah 1:1, 8)? | GotQuestions.org

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