Topical Bible: Edomites: Revolt in the Days of Joram

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, have a long and complex history with the Israelites, marked by periods of subjugation and rebellion. One significant event in this tumultuous relationship is the revolt of the Edomites during the reign of King Joram (also known as Jehoram) of Judah, which is recorded in the Old Testament.

Historical Context

The Edomites, residing in the region south of the Dead Sea, were often under the dominion of the Kingdom of Judah. This subjugation began during the reign of King David, who established control over Edom, and continued through the reign of Solomon. However, the relationship between the two nations was fraught with tension, as the Edomites frequently sought to regain their independence.

Revolt Against Joram

The revolt of the Edomites occurred during the reign of Joram, the son of Jehoshaphat, who ruled over Judah from approximately 848 to 841 BC. The biblical account of this rebellion is found in 2 Kings 8:20-22 and 2 Chronicles 21:8-10. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account:

"In the days of Joram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. So Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. Then at night he set out to attack the Edomites who had surrounded him and his chariot commanders, but his army fled to their tents. So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Libnah also rebelled at the same time." (2 Kings 8:20-22)

Analysis of the Revolt

The revolt of the Edomites was a significant event, as it marked the end of Judah's control over Edom, which had lasted for several generations. The Edomites took advantage of the political instability and weakened state of Judah during Joram's reign to assert their independence. The appointment of their own king signified a complete break from Judah's authority.

Joram's attempt to quell the rebellion by leading a military campaign against Edom was ultimately unsuccessful. Despite his efforts, the Edomites managed to maintain their independence, and the text notes that Edom remained in rebellion against Judah from that time forward. The mention of Libnah's simultaneous rebellion further underscores the challenges faced by Joram's administration.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the revolt of the Edomites can be seen as part of the broader narrative of Israel's and Judah's struggles with surrounding nations. The rebellion serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments, as Joram's reign was marked by idolatry and a departure from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat, who had sought to follow the Lord.

The Edomite revolt also highlights the fulfillment of earlier prophecies concerning Esau and Jacob. In Genesis 27:40, Isaac prophesied that Esau's descendants would eventually break free from Jacob's yoke, which is reflected in the Edomites' successful rebellion against Judah.

Legacy

The revolt of the Edomites during Joram's reign had lasting implications for the region. It marked a shift in the balance of power and set the stage for future conflicts between Edom and Judah. The Edomites' struggle for independence and their eventual success in breaking free from Judah's control is a testament to the enduring enmity between the descendants of Esau and Jacob, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 8:20-22
In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 21:8-10
In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Sarah Abraham's Wife; And How She Ended Her Days. ... Made An Expedition Against The
Edomites And Amalekites And ... CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Revolt Of The Trachonites ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... yet occupy those regions; the inhabitants in that case would have been Edomites
and Midianites ... saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of the heavens dare venture on them." In the short space of three days Assur-nazir ...
made slaves; some of the ringleaders paid the penalty of their revolt on the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm