Topical Encyclopedia The Edomites, descendants of Esau, play a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of revenge and hostility towards Israel. The animosity between the Edomites and the Israelites is rooted in the familial conflict between Esau and Jacob, as recorded in Genesis. This enmity persisted through the generations, manifesting in various acts of revenge and hostility.Historical Context The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, an area known as Edom. Their relationship with Israel was marked by frequent conflict and animosity. The prophet Obadiah provides a detailed account of Edom's hostility towards Israel, particularly during times of Israel's distress. Obadiah 1:10-12 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. But you should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble." Biblical Instances of Revenge 1. Refusal of Passage: One of the earliest recorded acts of hostility is found in Numbers 20:14-21, where the Edomites refused to allow the Israelites passage through their land during the Exodus. Despite Israel's peaceful request, Edom's refusal was a significant act of enmity, reflecting the deep-seated grudge stemming from their ancestral conflict. 2. Participation in Jerusalem's Fall: The Edomites are condemned for their participation in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Psalm 137:7 recalls the Edomites' cry, "Tear it down, tear it down to its foundations!" This act of revenge against their kin is seen as a betrayal and is a focal point of prophetic judgment against Edom. 3. Prophetic Condemnation: The prophets frequently condemned Edom for their vengeful actions. Ezekiel 25:12-14 declares, "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by taking revenge on them, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off man and beast from it. I will lay it waste; from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. They will know My vengeance,' declares the Lord GOD." Theological Implications The narrative of Edom's revenge against Israel serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of harboring grudges and seeking vengeance. The Bible consistently teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19). The Edomites' actions and the subsequent divine judgment highlight the futility and peril of revenge, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness. Legacy and Fulfillment The prophetic declarations against Edom were fulfilled as the nation eventually faced destruction and assimilation. The Edomites' legacy in the biblical narrative is a cautionary tale of the consequences of revenge and the enduring impact of familial and national enmity. The account of Edom serves as a backdrop to the broader biblical theme of God's justice and the ultimate reconciliation of all things through His sovereign plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 25:12Thus said the Lord GOD; Because that Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Questions. The Reign of David. The Kingdom of all Israel. Book 5 Footnotes The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What does the Bible say about revenge? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the law of retribution? | GotQuestions.org What does Psalm 137:9 mean when it says, “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”? | GotQuestions.org Revenge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Revenge: Be Thankful for Being Kept from Taking Revenge: Christ an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Forbidden by Our Lord Revenge: Inconsistent With Christian Spirit Revenge: Inconsistent With the Will of Christ Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Bless Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exhibit Love Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Give Place to Wrath Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Overcome Others by Kindness Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Trust in God Revenge: Jesus an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Keep Others from Taking Revenge: Proceeds from a Spiteful Heart Revenge: The Wicked are Earnest After Related Terms |
    |