The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, are a significant group in biblical history. Their territory, known as Edom, is located to the southeast of Israel, extending from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The region is characterized by its rugged terrain and red sandstone mountains, which is reflected in the name "Edom," meaning "red."

Biblical Origins and Ancestry

The Edomites trace their lineage to Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau, also known as Edom, sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a meal of bread and lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). This transaction set the stage for the longstanding rivalry between the descendants of Esau and Jacob. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "So Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34).

Geographical Location

Edom, also referred to as Idumea in later texts, is situated south of the Kingdom of Judah. The territory is bordered by the Arabah to the west and the desert to the east. The capital city of Edom was Bozrah, and other significant cities included Sela (Petra) and Teman. The strategic location of Edom along trade routes contributed to its wealth and influence.

Relations with Israel

The relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites was complex and often hostile. Despite their shared ancestry, the two nations frequently clashed. When the Israelites sought passage through Edom during their exodus from Egypt, the Edomites refused, forcing the Israelites to take a longer route (Numbers 20:14-21). The BSB records this encounter: "But Edom answered, 'You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and confront you with the sword'" (Numbers 20:18).

Throughout the period of the kings, Edom was often subject to Israelite control but also rebelled at various times. King David subdued Edom, placing garrisons throughout the land (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, during the reign of King Jehoram, Edom successfully revolted against Judah's rule (2 Kings 8:20-22).

Prophetic Pronouncements

The prophets of Israel frequently pronounced judgments against Edom for their actions against Israel. Obadiah's prophecy is entirely dedicated to Edom's downfall, highlighting their pride and violence against their brother nation. The BSB states: "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever" (Obadiah 1:10).

Isaiah also prophesied against Edom, foretelling its desolation: "Edom’s streams will be turned to pitch, her dust into sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch" (Isaiah 34:9).

Idumea in the New Testament

By the time of the New Testament, Edom was known as Idumea. The region had been incorporated into the Roman Empire, and its people were known as Idumeans. Herod the Great, the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth, was of Idumean descent. The BSB mentions Idumea in the context of Jesus' ministry: "When they heard about all He was doing, many people came to Him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and around Tyre and Sidon" (Mark 3:8).

The Edomites, or Idumeans, eventually assimilated into the surrounding cultures, and their distinct identity faded from historical records. Their legacy, however, remains a testament to the complex interplay of kinship, conflict, and prophecy in the biblical narrative.Isaiah 34:6
The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 3:8
And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came to him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. ...
... believed, that their ancient enemies, the Edomites, and that ... a mingled generation
in that country, between Jew ... place was mingled also, and called both Idumea ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 3 a great part.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

Questions.
... xxvii.39, 40. 10. By what names were the descendants of Esau called? 11. ... 13. What
were the habits of the Edomites? 14. ... 2. What kind of country was Canaan? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... The fruit of the sycamores, called [Greek: atrophos ... but were scattered throughout
the country, continued always ... of Jerome, the relation in which Idumea stood to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.org

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

Who/what is Edom (Obadiah 1:1, 8)? | GotQuestions.org

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