Topical Bible: The Edomites: Miraculous Overthrow of

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The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a significant presence in biblical history. Their relationship with the Israelites was marked by conflict and hostility, stemming from the familial discord between Esau and Jacob. The Edomites settled in the region of Mount Seir, south of the Dead Sea, and established a kingdom that often opposed Israel.

The miraculous overthrow of the Edomites is a testament to God's sovereignty and His protection over Israel. One of the most notable accounts of this divine intervention is found during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 20, the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites (often associated with the Edomites) formed a coalition to attack Judah. Jehoshaphat, recognizing the threat, sought the Lord's guidance through prayer and fasting.

In response to Jehoshaphat's plea, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered a prophetic message of assurance: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). The Lord instructed the people of Judah to march out against their enemies, but they would not need to fight. Instead, they were to stand firm and witness the salvation of the Lord.

As the people of Judah began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy coalition. The armies of Ammon and Moab turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly destroying them. Afterward, they turned on each other, leading to their complete annihilation. When the men of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; not one of the enemy had escaped (2 Chronicles 20:22-24).

This miraculous overthrow of the Edomites and their allies underscores the power of God to deliver His people against overwhelming odds. It highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and worship in the face of adversity. The victory was not achieved through military might or strategy but through divine intervention, as the Lord fought on behalf of His people.

The Edomites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side throughout history, but this particular event serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to protect and preserve His chosen nation. The miraculous overthrow of the Edomites is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 20:22
And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... allusion to the exultation of the Edomites over the ... by the Chaldeans before its final
overthrow (2 Kings ap ... the sea, is more than wonderful: it is miraculous. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

From Egypt to Sinai.
... and into the list of the extraordinary or miraculous. ... were safe across and saw the
overthrow of their ... defeated the Amalekites, a tribe of Edomites, who still ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... refused passage through the land of the Edomites, their kinsmen ... over Sihon and Og
and the overthrow of Pharaoh ... the period that have in them a miraculous element ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... in times of disaster and overthrow this hope ... his thunderbolts against the perfidious
Edomites because of ... Thus, without touching the miraculous features of the ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm