Topical Bible: Deserts: Edom

◄ Deserts: Edom ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical Context:
Edom, a region located to the southeast of Israel, is characterized by its rugged terrain and desert landscapes. The territory of Edom extends from the southern border of the Dead Sea down to the Gulf of Aqaba. The area is known for its arid climate, rocky mountains, and sparse vegetation, making it a challenging environment for habitation and travel.

Biblical Significance:
Edom holds a significant place in biblical history and narrative. It is named after Esau, the brother of Jacob, who was also called Edom, meaning "red," possibly referring to the red sandstone terrain of the region or the red stew for which Esau sold his birthright (Genesis 25:30). The Edomites, descendants of Esau, are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as both relatives and adversaries of the Israelites.

Historical Interactions with Israel:
The relationship between Edom and Israel is complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. The Israelites, during their Exodus from Egypt, sought passage through Edom but were denied by the Edomites (Numbers 20:14-21). This refusal is a pivotal moment that underscores the tension between the two nations.

Throughout the biblical narrative, Edom is often depicted as an enemy of Israel. King Saul fought against the Edomites (1 Samuel 14:47), and King David later subdued them, establishing garrisons in Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, Edom regained independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22).

Prophetic Literature:
Edom is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books of the Bible, where it is often the subject of divine judgment. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Obadiah all pronounce judgments against Edom for its pride and hostility towards Israel. Obadiah, in particular, is a short prophetic book entirely dedicated to the condemnation of Edom, highlighting its betrayal and violence against the Israelites during times of distress (Obadiah 1:10-14).

Symbolic and Theological Themes:
In biblical literature, Edom often symbolizes the archetypal enemy of God's people. Its desolate landscape serves as a backdrop for themes of judgment and divine retribution. The harshness of the Edomite desert is emblematic of the spiritual barrenness and moral desolation attributed to the nation in the prophetic texts.

Key Biblical References:
· Genesis 25:30: "He said to Jacob, 'Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted.' (That is why he was also called Edom.)"
· Numbers 20:14-21: The account of Israel's request to pass through Edom and the subsequent denial.
· 2 Samuel 8:13-14: David's conquest of Edom.
· Obadiah 1:10-14: The prophecy against Edom for its violence against Jacob.

Archaeological and Historical Insights:
Archaeological findings in the region of Edom, such as ancient fortresses and copper mines, provide insight into the historical and economic activities of the Edomites. These discoveries corroborate biblical accounts of Edom's interactions with neighboring nations and its role in the ancient Near Eastern geopolitical landscape.

Edom's deserts, with their stark beauty and formidable challenges, continue to capture the imagination of scholars and believers alike, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of biblical history and prophecy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 3:8
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the ...
... the land, departing from Kadesh-barnea, are said, also, to go out of the deserts
of Zin ... that the city was in the utmost bounds of the land of Edom: and therefore ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 7 kadesh rekam and.htm

Psalm CXXXVII.
... sit down and weep," either for those who are being carried away by them, or themselves
whose deserts have placed ... "Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom" (ver.7 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvii.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... His province of Edom adjoined her own possessions; his ports on the Gulf of Aqaba
were ... We must cease to regard Arabia as a land of deserts and barbarism; it was ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Jacob and Esau
... Dukes of Edom they were called for several generations; but they never rose to any ...
house; never to see his mother again; to wander over the deserts to kinsmen ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm

Jacob and Esau
... They became the bond-slaves of Israel; and the kings of Edom had to furnish a ... But
every lost spirit will be made to feel that he has got his deserts, that his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/jacob and esau.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... mouth of a Hebrew familiar with the terrible sun of the Asiatic deserts, where neither ...
of their lips (Hosea 14:2); the vengeance of God upon Edom is described ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the prestige which the name of Babylon still possessed, from the deserts of the ... the
Hebrews in after-times found scattered among the children of Edom, with the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... King of Sidon fled to Cyprus, and Phoenicia, Ammon, Moab, and Edom hastened to ... the
Euphrates and the river of death, leaving behind him the deserts of Arabia ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... with them in their flight, and all escaped together across the deserts which enclose
the southern basin of the Dead Sea. On the frontier of Edom they begged ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... as also over the Nabataeans and Hagarenes, who wandered over the deserts of Arabia
to ... Puduilu of Amnion, Chemosh-nadab of Moab, Malik-rammu of Edom, Mitinti of ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm