Topical Bible: The Edomites were Called: Brethren of Israel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, hold a significant place in biblical history as the "brethren" of Israel. This relationship is rooted in the shared ancestry of Esau and Jacob, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau, the elder, became the progenitor of the Edomites, while Jacob, later named Israel, fathered the twelve tribes of Israel. The fraternal bond between these two nations is acknowledged throughout Scripture, despite the frequent hostilities that characterized their interactions.

Biblical References

The term "brethren" is explicitly used in Deuteronomy 23:7, where the Israelites are commanded, "Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother." This directive underscores the familial connection and the expectation of a certain level of respect and kinship, despite historical conflicts.

In Genesis 36:1, the genealogy of Esau is detailed, establishing the Edomites' lineage: "This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom)." The narrative of Esau and Jacob's reconciliation in Genesis 33 further illustrates the complex relationship between the two brothers, which serves as a precursor to the interactions between their descendants.

Historical Context

The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, an area known as Edom. Their territory was strategically located along the King's Highway, a major trade route, which often brought them into contact and conflict with Israel. Despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites frequently opposed Israel, as seen in Numbers 20:14-21, where Edom denied Israel passage through their land during the Exodus.

Prophetic Literature

The prophets frequently addressed the Edomites, often highlighting their animosity towards Israel. Obadiah, in particular, prophesies against Edom for their violence against their "brother Jacob" (Obadiah 1:10). This theme of brotherhood juxtaposed with enmity is a recurring motif in the prophetic books, reflecting the tension between familial ties and national conflicts.

Theological Significance

The designation of the Edomites as "brethren" of Israel carries theological implications, emphasizing themes of kinship, reconciliation, and divine justice. The biblical narrative often uses the relationship between Esau and Jacob as a metaphor for the broader dynamics between their descendants. The call to remember their shared heritage serves as a reminder of God's overarching plan and the potential for reconciliation, even amidst strife.

Conclusion

The Edomites, as the brethren of Israel, occupy a unique position in biblical history. Their account is one of familial connection marred by conflict, yet it also offers insights into the complexities of human relationships and the enduring hope for reconciliation under God's providence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 20:14
And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, Thus said your brother Israel, You know all the travail that has befallen us:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Nations of the South-East
... and whether it would not be more truthfully called Arabian ... But the Ishmaelites were
wholly northern; they were the kinsmen of the Edomites and Israelites ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Canaan
... It consisted of the two clans of Jerahmeel and Kenaz, or the house of Caleb as it
was called in the ... Edomites, rather than Hebrews, were the founders of ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Rom. Ix. 1
... (Hosea 2:1, etc.) But if the Jews were to say ... the words, "In Isaac shall thy seed
be called," mean this ... be reckoned to him for a seed, then the Edomites too, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi rom ix 1.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... the Levites were armed, and the people were shown their ... had hired to aid him against
the Edomites, and he ... age, leaving his son Uzziah, also called Azariah, to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... But He called blessed Moses to it, as being ... cleansed from their leprosy, and yet
were unthankful to ... from the tabernacles [4011] of the Edomites, and oppressed ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

Acts XVI
... this: that Christian Jews, Ishmaelites, or Edomites, are under ... the calm speaker who
had called to him ... the unlocking of chains and handcuffs were connected with ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... for both shall then form one nation of brethren. ... Deuteronomy 23:1-8, where the Edomites
and Egyptians ... They were called children of Israel, and children of Jacob ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

From Egypt to Sinai.
... (3) Social: He was also called upon to ... and defeated the Amalekites, a tribe of Edomites,
who still ... Upon Jethro's advice the people were thoroughly organized. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... discharge beams loaded with iron; and one kind, called the balista ... or else he was
urged by the Edomites and others ... only the poor of the land, who were left to ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... used as a tribal name, for Esau is called 'abi Edom ... which entered into the making
of the Edomites; and at ... same time to show how these Seirites were of ancient ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm