Topical Bible: Pride: Edom

◄ Pride: Edom ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as an example of pride and its consequences. The Edomites settled in the rugged terrain of Mount Seir, south of the Dead Sea, and their history is intertwined with that of Israel. The Bible often highlights Edom's pride, which ultimately led to its downfall.

Biblical References:

1. Obadiah's Prophecy: The book of Obadiah is a key text concerning Edom's pride. Obadiah 1:3-4 states, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD." This passage highlights the arrogance of Edom, believing their fortified cities and strategic location made them invincible.

2. Edom's Hostility Toward Israel: Edom's pride is also evident in its hostile actions against Israel. When the Israelites sought passage through Edom during their exodus from Egypt, Edom refused, displaying a lack of humility and brotherly compassion (Numbers 20:14-21). This refusal is seen as an act of pride, prioritizing their own security over kinship and cooperation.

3. Judgment and Destruction: The prophets frequently pronounced judgment on Edom due to its pride and enmity against Israel. Isaiah 34:5-6 speaks of the LORD's sword descending in judgment upon Edom, and Jeremiah 49:16-17 echoes the theme of Edom's pride leading to its desolation: "The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. Edom will become an object of horror; all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds."

4. Edom's Fall as a Warning: The downfall of Edom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Edom's history exemplifies this truth, as their self-reliance and arrogance led to their eventual ruin.

Theological Implications:

Edom's pride is a recurring theme in the Bible, serving as a symbol of human arrogance and the inevitable judgment that follows. The narrative of Edom underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Edom's account is a reminder of the importance of humility and the dangers of elevating oneself above others and God.

Historical Context:

Edom's strategic location and control of trade routes contributed to its wealth and sense of security. However, this also fostered a false sense of invulnerability. The Edomites' reliance on their geographical advantages and alliances with other nations, rather than on God, exemplifies the misplaced trust that often accompanies pride.

Legacy:

The legacy of Edom's pride is a testament to the enduring biblical theme that pride leads to downfall. The prophetic declarations against Edom serve as a timeless warning to individuals and nations alike, emphasizing the need for humility and dependence on God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Obadiah 1:3
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that said in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Pride of Prosperity
... Thus pride, ambition, prodigality, and indulgence bore fruit in cruelty and exaction. ...
and attractive women were brought from Egypt, Phoenicia, Edom, and Moab ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... shall I not turn away from him?" [3967] For inasmuch as Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom,
the Ammonites ... Should men in their pride have trampled thus on my tenderness ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Amos and Obadiah.
... Edom's sin, 10-14. III. Guilt of the nations, 15-16. IV. Judah shall be
restored,. For Study and Discussion. (1) The sin of pride. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xix amos and obadiah.htm

Babylon.
... The pride of the city was the Temple of Bel, which is thought to have been ... Edom was
soon after conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, thus fulfilling many prophecies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm

The Eternal Name
... Where are the high places of Edom? ... And though in their pride they said, "This monarchy
is an everlasting one; this queen of the seven hills shall be called the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the eternal name.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... when Satan's crown of pride shall be smitten, and his glory trailed in the dust;
when his long ... "But these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

Petra
... is a soul walled all round by utter indifference and pride, but there must be one
way in. "Who will lead me into the strong city? Who will bring me into Edom? ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xii petra.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... so strangely blind was he, that he brought home the vain gods of Edom and worshipped ...
at first, that his heart was lifted up, and in his pride he endeavoured to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Chapter xxi
... 3 because, as travellers have remarked, the soil and the mountains of Edom also
have ... Unbelief, envy, pride of carnal superiority, were the causes of his conduct ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Devil, the, fell through pride, [278]242; the tempter, [279]299; false accuser,
[280]328; lion and dragon ... Edom, or "earthly," [314]244; name for Esau, [315]631. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm