Topical Encyclopedia
The Edomites, descendants of Esau, have a long and complex history with the Israelites, marked by periods of subjugation and rebellion. One significant episode of rebellion occurred during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, as recorded in the Old Testament.
Historical ContextThe Edomites, residing in the region south of the Dead Sea, were often in conflict with Israel and Judah. Their territory, known as Edom, was strategically important due to its control over trade routes and its mineral resources. Throughout biblical history, the Edomites were subject to the Israelites at various times, but they also seized opportunities to assert their independence.
Rebellion Against AhazDuring the reign of Ahaz, the Edomites successfully rebelled against Judah. This period was marked by political instability and external threats to the Kingdom of Judah. Ahaz, who reigned from approximately 732 to 716 BC, faced significant challenges, including the Syro-Ephraimite War, where the northern kingdom of Israel and Aram (Syria) allied against Judah.
The rebellion of the Edomites is briefly mentioned in
2 Chronicles 28:17: "The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away captives." This verse highlights the Edomites' successful incursion into Judah, taking advantage of the kingdom's weakened state under Ahaz's rule. The Edomites' actions were part of a broader pattern of regional instability and shifting allegiances during this tumultuous period.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the rebellion of the Edomites against Ahaz can be seen as part of the divine judgment upon Judah for its unfaithfulness. Ahaz is often criticized in the biblical narrative for his idolatry and failure to trust in the LORD. In
2 Kings 16:2-4, Ahaz's reign is described as one where "he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God," and he engaged in practices detestable to the LORD.
The Edomite rebellion serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The loss of control over Edom and the subsequent raids were part of the divine discipline that Judah experienced due to its leadership's failure to uphold the covenant with God.
Legacy and Later DevelopmentsThe Edomites' rebellion during Ahaz's reign was not an isolated incident but part of a larger narrative of conflict between Edom and Israel. The animosity between the two nations persisted throughout biblical history, with prophetic literature often condemning Edom for its actions against Israel. Notably, the Book of Obadiah is a prophetic oracle against Edom, highlighting the nation's pride and eventual downfall.
In later history, the Edomites, also known as Idumeans, were eventually absorbed into the Jewish state during the Hasmonean period. However, their earlier rebellion against Ahaz remains a significant event in the biblical account, illustrating the complex interplay of politics, faith, and divine judgment in the history of Israel and its neighbors.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Chronicles 28:17For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Antiquities of the Jews
... Amaziah Made An Expedition Against The Edomites And Amalekites ... How Hezekiah Reigned
Instead Of Ahaz; And What ... Ten Thousands of Jews That Rebelled Against Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... done so much to weaken Damascus: Jehoash rebelled and defeated ... on his side, had routed
the Edomites in the ... order to secure Ben-hadad's help against Baasha (1 ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... obedience to such a painted doll: he rebelled in concert ... 686 BC, a reaction promptly
set in against both his ... The valley of Hinnom, where Ahaz had already burnt ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
Resources
Why did God love Jacob and hate Esau (Malachi 1:3; Romans 9:13)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God judge Edom so harshly in the book of Obadiah? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Obadiah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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