Topical Bible: The Edomites: Returned After David's Death

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a significant presence in the biblical narrative. Their history is intertwined with that of Israel, marked by both kinship and conflict. After the death of King David, the Edomites re-emerged as a notable entity, continuing their complex relationship with the Israelites.

Historical Context

The Edomites occupied the region south of the Dead Sea, known as Edom, which is characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic trade routes. The relationship between Israel and Edom was fraught with tension, stemming from the ancestral rivalry between Esau and Jacob. Despite this, there were periods of cooperation and intermarriage, as seen in the genealogies and narratives of the Old Testament.

David's Conquest and Its Aftermath

During King David's reign, the Edomites were subjugated by Israel. The biblical account in 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 subjugation marked a period of Israelite dominance over Edom, with garrisons ensuring control over the region.

Rebellion and Independence

Following David's death, the political landscape shifted. The Edomites seized the opportunity to regain their independence during the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam. The biblical narrative in 1 Kings 11:14 notes, "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom." Hadad, who had fled to Egypt during David's conquest, returned to Edom and became a significant adversary to Solomon, exploiting the internal strife within Israel to reassert Edomite autonomy.

Continued Hostility

The re-emergence of Edom as an independent entity led to continued hostilities with Israel. The prophetic literature often reflects this animosity, with prophets like Obadiah and Isaiah pronouncing judgments against Edom for their actions against Israel. Obadiah 1:10 declares, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever."

Legacy and Influence

The Edomites' return to prominence after David's death highlights the enduring nature of their identity and their impact on the region's geopolitics. Their interactions with Israel serve as a testament to the complex dynamics of kinship, conflict, and prophecy that characterize much of the Old Testament narrative. The Edomites' account is a reminder of the intricate tapestry of relationships that shaped the history of the ancient Near East.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 11:21-22
And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Nations of the South-East
... court, and, after marrying the sister-in-law of the Pharaoh, returned to his ... It was
not until after the death of Jehoshaphat that the Edomites succeeded in ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... and blood; Adam washed and lived and returned to Paradise. ... a mouth for me, and disputed
with Him after my mind ... David measured the Edomites, by line and line and ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Amaziah Made An Expedition Against The Edomites And Amalekites ... How Alexander
Took Many Cities And Then Returned To Jerusalem, And After A Sickness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... and advanced to give them battle, they returned home without ... or else he was urged
by the Edomites and others ... Judah and the reign of David's house, after it had ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... his large flocks and herds, freshly returned from Mesopotamia ... the rapid development
of the Edomites is sketched ... rule about the third generation after Esau, that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... and of Samuel the Prophet; [1116] the Edomites in the ... keys to Simon, and ascended
and returned to Him ... Hezekiah, after the prolongation of his life, death was ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Questions.
... 13. What were the habits of the Edomites? 14. ... 29. Who reigned after Hezekiah?
30. ... LESSON XIII. 1. How many Jews returned from the captivity? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Israelites
... the wind had veered, and the waters returned on the ... The Edomites refused them a passage
along the high-road ... Five years after the accession of Rehoboam, the son ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... and refer to the destruction of the Edomites and their ... hated him, and sent a message
after him, saying ... came to pass, that when he was returned, having received ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... in that case would have been Edomites and Midianites ... ladies answered her,"yea, she
returned answer to ... combined together for common action after their sojourn ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm