Topical Bible: The Edomites: Under a Deputy or Viceroy While Subject to Judah

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a complex history with the Israelites, marked by periods of conflict and subjugation. During the reigns of certain kings of Judah, the Edomites were brought under the control of the southern kingdom and governed by deputies or viceroys appointed by the Judean monarchy.

Historical Context

The subjugation of Edom by Judah is first notably recorded during the reign of King David. In 2 Samuel 8:14 , it is stated, "He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. And the LORD gave David victory wherever he went." This initial subjugation established a precedent for the control of Edom by the kings of Judah.

Reign of Jehoshaphat

Under King Jehoshaphat, the kingdom of Judah experienced a period of relative peace and prosperity, during which Edom remained a vassal state. Although the Edomites retained a degree of autonomy, they were governed by a deputy or viceroy appointed by the Judean king. This arrangement is implied in 1 Kings 22:47 : "There was no king in Edom; a deputy served as king."

Reign of Jehoram

The situation changed during the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat. The Edomites, perhaps sensing weakness or desiring greater autonomy, revolted against Judah's control. 2 Kings 8:20-22 records this rebellion: "In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. Then at night he set out and attacked the Edomites who had surrounded him and the chariot commanders, but his army fled home. So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah."

Reign of Amaziah

The subjugation of Edom was reestablished during the reign of Amaziah, who sought to reassert Judah's dominance over the region. 2 Kings 14:7 recounts Amaziah's campaign: "Amaziah struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and captured Sela in battle, renaming it Joktheel, as it is called to this day." This victory temporarily restored Judah's control over Edom, although the Edomites continued to resist and seek independence.

Significance

The relationship between Judah and Edom during these periods reflects the broader dynamics of power, control, and rebellion in the ancient Near East. The use of deputies or viceroys to govern vassal states was a common practice, allowing dominant powers to maintain influence over subjugated regions while managing their own internal affairs. The fluctuating control over Edom also highlights the challenges faced by the kings of Judah in maintaining their territorial integrity and political dominance.

Throughout these interactions, the biblical narrative underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, as seen in the successes and failures of the Judean kings in their dealings with Edom. The Edomites' persistent desire for independence serves as a reminder of the enduring tensions between these closely related peoples, rooted in their shared ancestry and divergent destinies.