The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, are a significant group in biblical history. Their wisdom, often mentioned in the Scriptures, is a notable aspect of their character. The Edomites inhabited the region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea, and their capital was Bozrah. The rugged terrain and strategic location contributed to their development as a wise and cunning people.

Wisdom in Edom

The wisdom of the Edomites is highlighted in several biblical passages. In the book of Obadiah, the prophet speaks of the pride and wisdom of Edom: "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?'" (Obadiah 1:3). This passage suggests that the Edomites' wisdom was intertwined with their pride, leading them to a false sense of security.

The book of Jeremiah also references the wisdom of Edom: "Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?'" (Jeremiah 49:7). Teman, a city in Edom, was renowned for its wise men, and this rhetorical question implies that Edom's wisdom was once highly regarded.

Edom's Wise Men

The Edomites were known for their wise men, who were considered among the most knowledgeable in the ancient Near East. The book of Job mentions Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's friends, who is believed to be from Edom. Eliphaz's speeches in the book of Job reflect a deep understanding of human nature and divine justice, although his conclusions are ultimately challenged by God.

Edom's Downfall

Despite their wisdom, the Edomites' pride and enmity towards Israel led to their downfall. The prophet Obadiah prophesied against Edom, declaring that their wisdom would not save them from judgment: "Will I not in that day, declares the LORD, eliminate wise men from Edom and understanding from the mountains of Esau?" (Obadiah 1:8). This prophecy underscores the futility of relying solely on human wisdom when it is not aligned with God's purposes.

Legacy of Edomite Wisdom

The legacy of Edomite wisdom is a complex one. While they were recognized for their intellectual prowess, their wisdom was ultimately overshadowed by their pride and opposition to God's chosen people, Israel. The biblical narrative serves as a reminder that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" .Jeremiah 49:7
Concerning Edom, thus said the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Reign of David.
... the Syrians, the Edomites and the Ammonites ... He acted with a wise consideration for
the rights of his ... seeking and jealousies was soon to undermine his character. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... east and southeast, the Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites, the last ... in the New
(Heb.4:8). His character and work ... the councils of peace he was wise and generous. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... passage through the land of the Edomites, their kinsmen ... of Balaam, a famous soothsayer
or wise prophet of ... a conception of the divine character and requirements ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... by Jewish scribes, is in any wise inspired, there ... Such being the character of these
prophetic books ... his thunderbolts against the perfidious Edomites because of ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

Chapter xxv
... With wise forethought Abraham makes disposition of his property ... is about to centre
on a new character in the ... Cushites on the south; the Edomites, Moabites, etc ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... or else he was urged by the Edomites and others ... good and generous qualities in the
character of Nebuchadnezzar ... soar; Thus seek thy presence"Being wise and good ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Isaiah
... enemies of the moral order, worldly wise men, besotted ... when rulers would be just
and character transformed. ... Jews never forgot or forgave the Edomites for their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/isaiah.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... and refer to the destruction of the Edomites and their ... may stand for a new nature
and character which the ... Garments," and His Name Shall in No Wise be Blotted ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... This is to be explained by the dramatic character of the whole representation which ...
escape by human means would be possible, how powerful and wise soever they ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at this period were of the most slender character. ... in that case would have been Edomites
and Midianites ... the wheels of his chariot?'"Her wise ladies answered ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What is the significance of the city of Petra in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When were Obadiah's prophecies against Edom fulfilled (Obadiah 1:18-20)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Esau in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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