Topical Bible: Edomites: A Jewish Prophet in Babylon Denounces

◄ Edomites: A Jewish Prophet in Babylon Denounces ►

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The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites throughout biblical history. The enmity between the two nations is rooted in the familial discord between Esau and Jacob, which is recounted in Genesis. This animosity is further exacerbated by the Edomites' actions during critical moments in Israel's history, leading to prophetic denunciations, particularly during the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context

The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, known as Edom, which means "red," possibly referring to the red sandstone of the area or the reddish appearance of Esau at birth (Genesis 25:25). The land of Edom was strategically located along major trade routes, which contributed to its wealth and influence.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Edomites are frequently mentioned as adversaries of Israel. They refused passage to the Israelites during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21), and their hostility continued through the period of the kings. King David subdued Edom, establishing Israelite control over the region (2 Samuel 8:13-14), but the Edomites regained independence during the reign of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20-22).

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament contains several denunciations of Edom, reflecting the deep-seated animosity and the Edomites' actions during Israel's times of distress. One of the most significant denunciations comes from the prophet Obadiah, who delivers a scathing rebuke against Edom for their conduct during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem.

Obadiah's prophecy, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is a direct response to Edom's betrayal. The Edomites are condemned for standing aloof while Jerusalem was invaded, for rejoicing over Judah's downfall, and for participating in the looting of the city. Obadiah 1:10-12 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. But you should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble."

Jeremiah also prophesies against Edom, highlighting their arrogance and impending judgment. In Jeremiah 49:16-17 , the prophet declares, "The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds."

Ezekiel joins in the chorus of denunciation, emphasizing Edom's vengeful spirit and their role in Israel's suffering. Ezekiel 25:12-14 proclaims, "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by taking revenge on them, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off its people and animals. I will lay it waste, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. I will take My vengeance on Edom through My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. They will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.'"

Theological Implications

The denunciations of Edom serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of enmity and betrayal against God's chosen people. The prophetic messages underscore the themes of divine justice and retribution, illustrating that God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly when they exploit the vulnerable and rejoice in the downfall of others. The Edomites' fate is a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and His commitment to vindicate His people.

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Psalm 137:7
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation thereof.
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Ezekiel 25:12-14
Thus said the Lord GOD; Because that Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them;
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Ezekiel 35:3-10
And say to it, Thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against you, and I will stretch out my hand against you, and I will make you most desolate.
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Library

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in ... allusion to the exultation
of the Edomites over the ... Zechariah, the second and greatest prophet of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Isaiah
... the wild expectations to which disappointed Jewish hearts were ... never forgot or forgave
the Edomites for their ... of prophecy that the prophet addresses himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/isaiah.htm