The Edomites, descendants of Esau, have a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning their future subjection to the Israelites. The relationship between Edom and Israel is marked by conflict and divine pronouncements that foretell Edom's eventual subjugation.

Biblical Prophecies:

1. Genesis 25:23 · The prophecy concerning Esau and Jacob, the progenitors of Edom and Israel respectively, begins even before their birth. The Lord tells Rebekah, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." This foundational prophecy sets the stage for the future dynamics between Edom and Israel, indicating that Esau's descendants would ultimately serve Jacob's.

2. Numbers 24:18 · Balaam's oracle further predicts Edom's subjugation: "Edom will become a possession; Seir will be owned by his enemies, but Israel will perform with valor." This prophecy highlights the eventual dominance of Israel over Edom, suggesting a time when Edom would be conquered and possessed by Israel.

3. Isaiah 11:14 · The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future time when Israel will exert power over Edom: "They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west; together they will plunder the people of the east. They will lay hands on Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them." This passage envisions a period of Israelite expansion and dominance over neighboring nations, including Edom.

4. Jeremiah 49:17-18 · Jeremiah prophesies the desolation of Edom, stating, "Edom will become an object of horror. Everyone who passes by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown, along with their neighbors," says the LORD, "so no one will live there; no man will dwell there." This prophecy underscores the severity of Edom's judgment and its eventual downfall.

5. Ezekiel 25:14 · The prophet Ezekiel conveys God's intention to use Israel as an instrument of judgment against Edom: "I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath; they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD." This passage indicates that Israel will play a direct role in executing divine judgment upon Edom.

6. Obadiah 1:18 · The book of Obadiah, dedicated entirely to the judgment of Edom, declares, "Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame, but the house of Esau will be stubble; Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain of the house of Esau, for the LORD has spoken." This prophecy vividly portrays the complete destruction of Edom at the hands of Israel.

Historical Context and Fulfillment:

Throughout history, the Edomites experienced various degrees of subjugation and conflict with Israel. The prophecies concerning their downfall and subjection were partially fulfilled during the reigns of David and Solomon, when Edom was brought under Israelite control (2 Samuel 8:14; 1 Kings 11:15-16). However, the complete and ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies is often viewed in eschatological terms, pointing to a future time when God's justice will be fully realized.

The biblical narrative consistently portrays Edom as a nation destined for judgment and subjugation due to its enmity with Israel and its opposition to God's purposes. These prophecies serve as a testament to the sovereignty of God over nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel.Isaiah 11:14
But they shall fly on the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 9:12
That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, said the LORD that does this.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... with provincial governors, augural predictions, consultation of ... held the reins of
government; their removal from ... of avoiding disaster in the future was clearly ...
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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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