Topical Bible: The Edomites: Aided Babylon Against Judah

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites throughout biblical history. Their involvement in aiding Babylon against Judah is a significant event that underscores the longstanding enmity between Edom and Israel.

Historical Context

The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, an area known for its rugged terrain and strategic trade routes. Despite their shared ancestry with the Israelites, the Edomites frequently found themselves in conflict with their northern neighbors. This animosity is rooted in the biblical narrative of Esau and Jacob, whose contentious relationship set the stage for future hostilities between their descendants.

Biblical Account

The most notable instance of Edomite hostility towards Judah occurred during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in the early 6th century BC. The Edomites are accused of aiding the Babylonians in their attack on Jerusalem, an act that is condemned in several biblical passages. The prophet Obadiah specifically addresses this betrayal, highlighting Edom's role in the downfall of Jerusalem. Obadiah 1:11 states, "On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them."

Psalm 137:7 also reflects the bitterness felt by the Israelites towards Edom for their actions during this period: "Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: 'Destroy it,' they said, 'tear it down to its foundations!'"

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel also speak against Edom for their betrayal. Jeremiah 49:7-22 and Ezekiel 25:12-14 pronounce judgment upon Edom for their actions. Ezekiel 25:12-13 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.'"

Theological Implications

The Edomites' betrayal is seen as a violation of kinship and covenantal ethics, as they turned against their brother nation in a time of vulnerability. This act of treachery is viewed as a manifestation of the ancient enmity between Esau and Jacob, reflecting the broader theme of conflict between the descendants of these two patriarchs.

Later Developments

The Edomites' fortunes declined following their involvement in the Babylonian conquest. They were eventually subjugated by various empires, including the Nabateans, and their identity as a distinct people faded over time. The Herodian dynasty, which ruled Judea during the time of Jesus, was of Edomite descent, indicating the complex interweaving of Edomite and Jewish histories.

The Edomites' role in aiding Babylon against Judah remains a poignant example of the deep-seated hostilities that can arise from familial discord, serving as a reminder of the enduring consequences of betrayal and enmity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 137:7
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Obadiah 1:11
In the day that you stood on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots on Jerusalem, even you were as one of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From Abraham to Egypt.
... of the nation that should outlast Egypt or Babylon. ... and never again seeing his mother
who aided him in ... his character and that of the Edomites, his descendants ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Edomites, Arabs, and Midianites were associated with this semi ... however, now and again
to act against a common ... we know that the people of Judah aided the tribe ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm