The Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, were a significant group in the biblical narrative, often in conflict with the Israelites. The subjugation of the Edomites by King David is a pivotal event that underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the establishment of David's kingdom.

Historical Context

The Edomites inhabited the region of Seir, located southeast of the Dead Sea. Their territory was rugged and mountainous, providing them with natural fortifications. Despite their kinship with the Israelites, the Edomites frequently opposed them, as seen in their refusal to allow the Israelites passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21).

David's Campaign Against Edom

The subjugation of Edom is recorded in several biblical passages, notably in 2 Samuel 8:13-14 and 1 Chronicles 18:12-13. These accounts highlight David's military prowess and God's favor upon him as he expanded Israel's borders.

2 Samuel 8:13-14 states: "And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went."

This passage emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's victory. By placing garrisons throughout Edom, David ensured Israelite control and prevented future rebellions. The phrase "The LORD gave David victory wherever he went" underscores the divine endorsement of David's reign and military campaigns.

Theological Significance

David's subjugation of the Edomites is significant in several ways. Firstly, it fulfills the prophetic blessing given to Jacob over Esau, where Esau would serve Jacob (Genesis 27:29, 40). This event is a tangible manifestation of God's sovereign plan and the unfolding of His promises to the patriarchs.

Secondly, the victory over Edom is part of the broader narrative of David's establishment as a king who unifies and strengthens Israel. It demonstrates the transition from a period of tribal confederation to a centralized monarchy under David, which is marked by military success and territorial expansion.

Legacy and Later Developments

The subjugation of Edom had lasting implications for Israel's history. Although subdued during David's reign, the Edomites would later regain independence, as seen in the reign of Solomon's successors. The fluctuating relationship between Israel and Edom continued throughout the biblical narrative, with Edom often serving as a symbol of opposition to God's people.

In summary, the subjugation of the Edomites by David is a testament to God's faithfulness to Israel and His anointed king. It highlights the themes of divine providence, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the establishment of a kingdom that foreshadows the ultimate reign of the Messiah.2 Samuel 8:14
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David wherever he went.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 18:11,13
Them also king David dedicated to the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Reign of David.
... David's foreign policy was one of conquest. He not only defended Israel but subdued
other nations. ... the Syrians, the Edomites and the Ammonites. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... So thoroughly was the country subdued that it was ... Philistine conquest, no commanding
genius like David, no central ... had to pass before the Edomites were called ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The King --Continued.
... The sixtieth psalm is assigned to David after Joab's signal victory over the Edomites
(2 Samuel 8 ... Israel's southern border from east to west are subdued. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xii the kingcontinued.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... From The Death Of David To The Death Of ... Amaziah Made An Expedition Against The Edomites
And Amalekites ... How Uzziah, King Of Jerusalem, Subdued The Nations That ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Questions.
... What were the habits of the Edomites? ... childless, and in Luke 3.Zerubbabel's descent
is derived from David, through Nathan. ... 7. Who subdued all the rest of Greece ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Canaan
... But the Philistines were not yet subdued. ... They forced Hebrews, Edomites, and Kenites
to unite against ... speech, and after the accession of David all distinction ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... as the thirty-one kings of Canaan subdued by Joshua ... from this Hadad, in the days
of David, to the ... great victory over the Idameans or Edomites, the posterity of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Israelites
... The Edomites refused them a passage along the high-road of ... Moab and Ammon were subdued;
the Aramaic kinglets to ... The limits of David's rule were extended to the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
... but parts of Southern Palestine which the Edomites had occupied ... the accession of
the new successor of David. ... and Galilee, which had been subdued, revolted again ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the personal history.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... consumed it, whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice."* Amaziah, on his side,
had routed the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, one of David's former battle ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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