Topical Bible: Edomites: Ruled by a Deputy King

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The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, are a significant group in biblical history. Their territory, Edom, was located to the southeast of Israel, in the region that is now part of modern-day Jordan. The Edomites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in the context of their tumultuous relationship with the Israelites.

Historical Background

The Edomites trace their lineage to Esau, who was also known as Edom, meaning "red" (Genesis 25:30). The land of Edom was rich in resources, particularly copper, and its strategic location made it a vital trade route. The Edomites were known for their wisdom and skill in trade and warfare.

Governance and Political Structure

The governance of Edom is noted for its unique structure, particularly during the period when it was ruled by a deputy king. This form of governance is highlighted in 1 Kings 22:47 : "There was no king in Edom; a deputy served as king." This indicates that, at certain times, Edom did not have a hereditary monarch but was instead governed by a deputy or viceroy. This system may have been implemented due to internal strife, external pressures, or as a result of subjugation by a more powerful neighboring kingdom, such as Israel or Judah.

Relations with Israel

The relationship between the Edomites and the Israelites was complex and often hostile. Despite their shared ancestry, the two nations frequently clashed. The Edomites refused passage to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (Numbers 20:14-21), and this animosity continued throughout the history of the Israelite monarchy.

King David subdued Edom and placed garrisons throughout the land, making the Edomites subject to Israelite rule (2 Samuel 8:14). However, Edom regained its independence during the reign of King Joram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22), illustrating the fluctuating power dynamics between the two nations.

Prophetic Literature

The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke against Edom, condemning their actions and foretelling their downfall. Obadiah, in particular, is a prophetic book dedicated entirely to the judgment of Edom. The prophet Obadiah declares, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever" (Obadiah 1:10). This reflects the deep-seated enmity and the divine judgment pronounced upon Edom for their hostility towards Israel.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Edomites, like many of their neighbors, practiced a polytheistic religion. They worshiped a variety of deities, with Qos being one of their chief gods. The religious practices of the Edomites often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic Israelites, who viewed such practices as idolatrous.

Legacy and Influence

The Edomites eventually became known as the Idumeans during the Hellenistic period. Herod the Great, the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth, was of Idumean descent, highlighting the lasting influence of the Edomites in the region. Despite their eventual assimilation and disappearance as a distinct people, the Edomites' interactions with Israel left a lasting mark on biblical history and prophecy.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 22:47
There was then no king in Edom: a deputy was king.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... king took them; then he said, "Smite upon the ground," and the king smote thrice ...
smite Syria but thrice."* Amaziah, on his side, had routed the Edomites in the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The only access to the remote villages over which he ruled, was by a few ... By this
route, the king, unsuspected by the enemy, made his way through the mountains ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm