Topical Bible: The Edomites: Character of Proud and Self-Confident

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, are a significant group in biblical history, often characterized by their pride and self-confidence. This characterization is rooted in their ancestral lineage and their interactions with the Israelites, as well as their geographical and political circumstances.

Ancestral Background

Esau, the progenitor of the Edomites, was known for his impulsive nature and disregard for spiritual blessings, as seen in Genesis 25:29-34, where he sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal. This act of prioritizing immediate physical needs over long-term spiritual inheritance set a precedent for the character of his descendants. The Edomites inherited this disposition, often displaying a sense of self-reliance and pride.

Geographical and Political Context

The Edomites settled in the rugged terrain of Mount Seir, a region south of the Dead Sea. This mountainous area provided natural fortifications, contributing to their sense of security and self-sufficiency. The prophet Obadiah highlights this in Obadiah 1:3-4 : "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."

Relations with Israel

The Edomites' relationship with Israel was marked by hostility and conflict. Despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites often opposed Israel, refusing passage to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (Numbers 20:14-21). This refusal demonstrated their self-reliant and defiant nature, as they trusted in their own strength and strategic position rather than seeking peace with their kin.

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets frequently denounced Edom for their pride and arrogance. Isaiah 34:5-6 speaks of the LORD's judgment against Edom: "For My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; behold, it will descend in judgment upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood; it is covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom."

Jeremiah also prophesied against Edom, highlighting their self-confidence and the impending judgment: "We have heard a message from the LORD; an envoy has been sent to the nations: 'Assemble yourselves to march against her! Rise up for battle!' For behold, I will make you small among the nations, despised among men. 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, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 49:14-16).

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The Edomites serve as a biblical example of the dangers of pride and self-confidence. Their reliance on their geographical strongholds and their own strength led to their downfall, as prophesied by Obadiah and other prophets. The biblical narrative warns against the deception of pride and the false security it brings, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 49:16
Your terribleness has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, O you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, that hold the height of the hill: though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there, said the LORD.
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

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... to go around the land of the Edomites, who refused ... and good people, let us not be
proud and presumptuous ... and similar disorders, the terrible character of which ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm