Topical Bible: The Edomites were Called: Children of Esau

Bible > Topical > The Edomites were Called

◄ The Edomites were Called: Children of Esau ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, a significant group in biblical history, are frequently referred to as the "Children of Esau." This designation highlights their descent from Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. The narrative of Esau and his descendants is woven throughout the Old Testament, providing insight into the complex relationships between the Israelites and their neighboring nations.

Ancestry and Origin

Esau, whose name means "hairy," was the firstborn of Isaac and Rebekah. He is famously known for selling his birthright to his brother Jacob for a meal of bread and lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). Despite this transaction, Esau remained a significant patriarchal figure, and his descendants became known as the Edomites. Genesis 36:1 states, "This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom)." The name "Edom" itself is derived from the Hebrew word for "red," a reference to Esau's appearance at birth and the red stew for which he traded his birthright.

Territory and Settlements

The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, an area known as Edom. This territory, characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location, was crucial for trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean. The capital of Edom was Bozrah, and other significant cities included Sela and Teman. The land of Edom is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of its interactions and conflicts with Israel.

Relations with Israel

The relationship between the Edomites and the Israelites was complex and often contentious. Despite their shared ancestry, the two nations frequently found themselves at odds. In Numbers 20:14-21 , the Israelites, during their exodus from Egypt, requested passage through Edom but were denied by the Edomites, who came out against them with a large and powerful army. This refusal marked the beginning of a long history of enmity.

Throughout the period of the monarchy, the Edomites were both adversaries and subjects of Israel. King David subdued Edom, placing garrisons throughout the land (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, Edom regained its independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22).

Prophetic References

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently spoke against Edom, condemning their actions and foretelling their downfall. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is entirely dedicated to the judgment against Edom. Obadiah 1:10 declares, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever." Other prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, also pronounced judgments against Edom, emphasizing their pride and hostility towards Israel.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Edomites, like many ancient Near Eastern peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion. They worshiped a variety of deities, with Qos being one of their chief gods. The religious practices of the Edomites often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic Israelites, who were commanded to worship Yahweh alone.

Legacy and Historical Impact

The Edomites continued to play a role in the region's history even after the biblical period. During the intertestamental period, they were known as the Idumeans. Herod the Great, the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth, was of Idumean descent, illustrating the lasting influence of the Edomites in the region.

The Edomites, as the Children of Esau, serve as a reminder of the intricate and often tumultuous relationships between the nations of the ancient Near East. Their account, as recorded in the Bible, offers valuable lessons on the consequences of familial discord and the enduring impact of ancestral ties.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 2:4
And command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the coast of your brothers the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take you good heed to yourselves therefore:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Patriarchs.
... now a stranger in the land, it would be his children's home; and ... to the south of
the Promised Land, and his descendants were called the Edomites, from his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... as a tribal name, for Esau is called 'abi Edom ... same time to show how these Seirites
were of ancient ... usually designates the land of the Edomites, extending south ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Ammonites believed themselves to be the children of the ... Esau, the brother of Jacob,
had already gathered ... had to pass before the Edomites were called upon to ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ...
... the kings leaders governed them who were called Judges, and ... high priest, he sent
with his children in chains ... [89] The Idumeans or Edomites were the descendants ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi about the time of.htm

The Story of Jacob
... came from Esau lived in a land called Edom, on ... over the Edomites; and later still,
the Edomites made themselves ... was living at Haran, eleven sons were born to ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jacob.htm

Rom. Ix. 1
... Hosea 2:1, etc.) But if the Jews were to say ... be reckoned to him for a seed, then
the Edomites too, and ... But now so far are they from being called sons, that they ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi rom ix 1.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

Book 5 Footnotes
... not of that line, nor is he called Hadad or ... of David, to the beginning of Hazael,
were near two ... this great victory over the Idameans or Edomites, the posterity ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Power of Ambition.
... Therefore his name was called Edom, Red ... in Palestine, ultimately possessed the land
and conquered the Edomites. ... Were the misfortunes that came to him in his old ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study vi the power of.htm

Acts XVI
... a man had been, before he was called, a Jew ... this: that Christian Jews, Ishmaelites,
or Edomites, are under ... their children that the twelve tribes were in Egypt ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm