Topical Bible: The Edomites: Dwelt in Mount Seir

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, are a significant people group in the biblical narrative. Their territory, Mount Seir, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as their dwelling place. The Edomites' relationship with the Israelites is complex, marked by both kinship and conflict.

Ancestry and Origin

The Edomites trace their lineage to Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau, also known as Edom, meaning "red," is noted for selling his birthright to his brother Jacob for a meal of lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). This transaction set the stage for the future tensions between the descendants of these two brothers. Genesis 36:8-9 states, "So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir. This is the account of Esau, the father of the Edomites, in the hill country of Seir."

Geographical Location

Mount Seir, the Edomites' homeland, is a mountainous region located southeast of the Dead Sea. It is characterized by rugged terrain and was strategically significant in ancient times. The region's name, Seir, is often used interchangeably with Edom in the biblical text. Deuteronomy 2:5 records God's command to the Israelites regarding Edom: "Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footstep, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession."

Relations with Israel

The relationship between the Edomites and the Israelites is marked by both familial ties and hostilities. Despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites often opposed Israel. When the Israelites sought passage through Edom during their wilderness journey, the Edomites refused, forcing Israel to take a longer route (Numbers 20:14-21). This act of hostility is remembered in the biblical narrative as a significant grievance.

The Edomites' enmity towards Israel continued throughout the monarchy period. King Saul fought against them (1 Samuel 14:47), and King David eventually subdued them, establishing garrisons in Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, the Edomites regained independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22).

Prophetic Pronouncements

The prophets of Israel frequently spoke against Edom, condemning their actions and foretelling their downfall. Obadiah, in particular, is a prophetic book dedicated to the judgment of Edom. Obadiah 1:3-4 declares, "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."

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Edomites, like many ancient Near Eastern peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion. They worshiped a variety of deities, with Qos being a prominent god in their pantheon. The Edomites' religious practices often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

Legacy and Historical Impact

The Edomites' legacy is intertwined with the history of Israel and the broader ancient Near East. Their interactions with Israel, both hostile and peaceful, are a testament to the complex relationships between neighboring peoples in biblical times. The eventual decline of Edom is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic pronouncements, illustrating the biblical theme of divine justice.

The Edomites' account, as recorded in the Bible, serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of familial discord and the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 32:3
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 2:4,5
And command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the coast of your brothers the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take you good heed to yourselves therefore:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xxxvi
... 8. "So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir" means that he chose this land ... Seir" "or "Mount Seir,"
since it ... is the, history of Esau, the father of the Edomites, in Mount ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

The Patriarchs.
... Hebrews after his descendant Heber, who dwelt in Mesopotamia ... Esau went away to Mount
Seir, to the south of ... his descendants were called the Edomites, from his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

Canaan
... the Kenite family of Rechab still dwelt in tents ... They forced Hebrews, Edomites, and
Kenites to unite against ... He had occupied the wadis of Mount Seir before the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Israelites
... and desolate; the foreign tribes who had dwelt in it ... code was compiled under the
shadow of Mount Sinai; its ... The Edomites refused them a passage along the high ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... the eye merely encounters desolate and almost uninhabited solitudes, devastated
by winter torrents, and overshadowed by the volcanic summits of Mount Seir. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... in that case would have been Edomites and Midianites ... pillar which was in Shechem."**
He dwelt at Ophrah ... the election of Abimelech, he ascended Mount Gerizim, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm