Topical Bible: Envy: Edomites

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Introduction

Envy, a destructive and consuming emotion, is frequently addressed in the Bible as a vice that leads to discord and strife. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, provide a historical example of envy manifesting in a prolonged and bitter rivalry with the Israelites, descendants of Jacob. This entry explores the biblical narrative and theological implications of envy as it relates to the Edomites.

Biblical Background

The roots of the enmity between the Edomites and Israelites can be traced back to the patriarchal narratives in Genesis. Esau, the elder son of Isaac, was entitled to the birthright and blessing, but these were acquired by Jacob through cunning and deception (Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-40). This initial conflict sowed seeds of envy and resentment, which would later characterize the relationship between their descendants.

Edom's Envy and Hostility

The Edomites' envy of Israel is evident throughout the Old Testament. When the Israelites sought passage through Edomite territory during their exodus from Egypt, the Edomites refused, displaying hostility rather than kinship (Numbers 20:14-21). This refusal is indicative of the deep-seated envy and animosity that had developed over generations.

The prophet Obadiah specifically addresses the Edomites' envy and pride, condemning them for their gloating over Jerusalem's downfall and their participation in its plunder (Obadiah 1:10-14). The Edomites' actions during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem further illustrate their envious disposition, as they took advantage of Israel's vulnerability.

Theological Implications

Envy, as demonstrated by the Edomites, is a sin that disrupts relationships and leads to destructive behavior. The Bible warns against envy, emphasizing its corrosive nature. Proverbs 14:30 states, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones" . The Edomites' envy of Israel not only led to their own moral decay but also to their eventual downfall, as prophesied by Obadiah.

The narrative of the Edomites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing envy to fester. It highlights the importance of contentment and trust in God's providence, as opposed to coveting what belongs to others. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, encourages believers to "rejoice with those who rejoice" (Romans 12:15) and to avoid envy, which is listed among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).

Conclusion

The account of the Edomites and their envy towards Israel is a powerful reminder of the destructive potential of this sin. It calls believers to examine their own hearts, to seek contentment in God's provision, and to foster love and unity rather than division and strife.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 35:11
Therefore, as I live, said the Lord GOD, I will even do according to your anger, and according to your envy which you have used out of your hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... David measured the Edomites, by line and line and destroyed them ... Envy is the cause
of pleasure to us, for Envy at the beginning mixed for me the first shedding ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... kingdom of Edom wealthy, and at the same time an object of envy to its ... Edomites took
part in the Israelitish conquest of Palestine, and both Caleb and Othniel ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... and reduced the Edomites to tribute. Joseph's greatest enemy among his brethren
was Simeon, who quarrelled with Judah for sparing his life; and his envy was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... these are thus enumerated in the Psalms: "The tabernacles of the Edomites, Ishmaelites,
Moab ... is the body of the enemies, in respect of the envy whereby they ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... by Joel, which were only particular outbreaks of the hatred and envy which they ... with
an allusion to deeds perpetrated by the Egyptians and Edomites properly so ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 9. How Amaziah Made An Expedition Against The Edomites And Amalekites And ...
Of Jerusalem To Phasaelus; As Also How Herod Upon The Jews' Envy At Antipater ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The True Tabernacle, and Its Glory of Grace and Peace
... divine mysteries which meet in the person of the Lord, we do not envy Israel the ...
We know that Amalekites and Edomites could not have come into the house of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the true tabernacle and its.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... those regions; the inhabitants in that case would have been Edomites and Midianites ...
considerable, and, as we learn from the narrative, excited the envy of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of its riches, its industry, its valour, the good government of its princes and
the irresistible might of its gods, and the world, filled with envy or with fear ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm