The Edomites were a significant group in the biblical narrative, known as the descendants of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob. The country of Edom, also referred to as Edom, is located to the southeast of Israel, extending from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The name "Edom" means "red," which is associated with Esau, who was described as red and hairy at birth (Genesis 25:25).

Geographical Location and Significance

Edom was a mountainous region, characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location along the King's Highway, a major trade route of the ancient Near East. The capital of Edom was Bozrah, and other significant cities included Sela (later known as Petra) and Teman. The territory was rich in copper and iron, contributing to its economic significance.

Biblical History and Relations with Israel

The relationship between the Edomites and the Israelites was complex and often hostile. The animosity can be traced back to the familial conflict between Esau and Jacob, which set the stage for future tensions. In Numbers 20:14-21, the Edomites refused passage to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, forcing them to take a longer route to the Promised Land.

Despite their kinship, Edom frequently opposed Israel. King Saul fought against them (1 Samuel 14:47), and King David eventually subdued Edom, establishing garrisons and making the Edomites his subjects (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, Edom regained independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22).

Prophetic Pronouncements

The prophets of the Old Testament often pronounced judgment against Edom for their pride and hostility towards Israel. Obadiah's entire book is dedicated to the condemnation of Edom, highlighting their betrayal during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem (Obadiah 1:10-14). Similarly, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel prophesied against Edom, foretelling its destruction (Isaiah 34:5-6; Jeremiah 49:7-22; Ezekiel 25:12-14).

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Edomites, like many neighboring peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion. They worshiped a variety of deities, with Qos being a prominent god. The Edomites' religious practices and cultural identity were distinct from those of the Israelites, contributing to the ongoing tension between the two nations.

Later History and Legacy

After the Babylonian exile, Edomites, known as Idumeans in Greek, settled in the southern part of Judea. During the Hasmonean period, John Hyrcanus I forcibly converted them to Judaism. Herod the Great, an Idumean by descent, became king of Judea under Roman rule, further intertwining the histories of Edom and Israel.

The Edomites' legacy is a testament to the enduring complexities of familial and national relationships in the biblical narrative. Their account serves as a reminder of the consequences of enmity and the fulfillment of prophetic words throughout the Scriptures.Isaiah 63:1
Who is this that comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Nations of the South-East
... Edomites took part in the Israelitish conquest of Palestine ... absorption, planted
themselves securely in the country which was henceforth to be called Edom. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Patriarchs.
... Their country, afterwards called Idumea, was full of rocks and precipices, and
in these the Edomites hollowed out caves for themselves, making ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... a few about him; and those cities he called the cities ... He was a child of the stock
of the Edomites, and of the ... him a house to dwell in, and a country to supply ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

Chapter xxv
... between the Arabian Cushites on the south; the Edomites, Moabites, etc ... agriculture
and was a "man of the open country," ie, a ... That is why he is called Edom"Red ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
... in vers.12-14, the prophet exhorts the Edomites neither to ... Jerusalem, and the
overflowing of the whole country by the ... on the Lord, and the being called by the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophecy of obadiah.htm

Amos and Obadiah.
... God called him to go out from Judah, his native country, as a ... The Occasion of the
prophecy is the cruelty of the Edomites in rejoicing over the fall of ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xix amos and obadiah.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... refused passage through the land of the Edomites, their kinsmen ... who was himself a
giant and whose country was far ... After being called of God to depart into the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The Maccabees.
... after kept with gladness, and was called the winter ... to defend the south border of
Judea against the Edomites. ... of Petra; he brought the country under subjection ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

The Israelites
... Egyptian king Meneptah they are accordingly called Israelu, "Israelites ... to win by
the sword a country of their ... The Edomites refused them a passage along the high ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Canaan
... the wadis of Mount Seir before the Edomites had entered ... part of the later population
of the country traced its ... escaped from Egypt when they were called upon to ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.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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