The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, are a significant group in biblical history, often depicted as strong and cruel. Their lineage is traced back to Esau, who is described as a skillful hunter and a man of the field (Genesis 25:27). This characterization of Esau sets the stage for the traits attributed to his descendants, the Edomites.

Historical Background

The Edomites settled in the region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea, a rugged and mountainous area that contributed to their reputation for strength and resilience. The land of Edom was known for its strategic location and natural defenses, which the Edomites utilized effectively. The Bible records numerous conflicts between the Edomites and the Israelites, highlighting the former's martial prowess and often ruthless tactics.

Biblical Depictions of Strength and Cruelty

The Edomites' strength is evident in their ability to resist subjugation by surrounding nations. In Numbers 20:14-21, the Edomites refused passage to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, demonstrating their determination and military capability. The Israelites, respecting Edom's strength, chose to take a longer route rather than engage in conflict.

The cruelty of the Edomites is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature. Obadiah 1:10-14 condemns Edom for its violence against Jacob, particularly during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. The Edomites are accused of standing aloof during the destruction, rejoicing over Judah's downfall, and even capturing and delivering fugitives to the Babylonians. This betrayal and lack of compassion underscore their cruel nature.

Psalm 137:7 also reflects the bitterness felt by the Israelites towards Edom, as they recall the Edomites' callousness during Jerusalem's destruction: "Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: 'Tear it down,' they cried, 'tear it down to its foundations!'"

Prophetic Judgments

The prophets frequently pronounce judgments against Edom, emphasizing divine retribution for their cruelty. Isaiah 34:5-6 speaks of the LORD's sword descending upon Edom, a symbol of impending judgment. Similarly, Ezekiel 25:12-14 declares that Edom will be laid waste because of their vengeance against the house of Judah.

Jeremiah 49:7-22 further elaborates on Edom's downfall, predicting that their wisdom and strength will not save them from destruction. The prophecy highlights the inevitability of divine justice against a nation characterized by pride and cruelty.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications

The Edomites' portrayal in the Bible serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, cruelty, and enmity against God's chosen people. Their strength, while formidable, ultimately could not shield them from divine judgment. The biblical narrative underscores the principle that true strength lies not in military might or strategic advantage but in alignment with God's will and purposes.

In summary, the Edomites are depicted in the Bible as a strong and cruel people, whose history is marked by conflict with Israel and eventual divine judgment. Their account serves as a reminder of the perils of pride and the importance of compassion and righteousness.Jeremiah 49:19
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua's Conquest.
... and southeast, the Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites, the last ... the Hebrews ample time
to develop and grow strong. ... have been put upon their character where the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... How beautiful the ingenious, dutiful character of Joseph now ... the powerful recoil
would send the strong and sharp ... else he was urged by the Edomites and others ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Chapter xxv
... the Arabian Cushites on the south; the Edomites, Moabites, etc ... service of the
fellow-man, the strong serving the ... he grew up to be an undisciplined character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... on his side, had routed the Edomites in the ... he had a standing army distributed in
strong detachments along ... a no less marked alteration in the character of His ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... A river, unique in character"the Jordan"flows down ... to late times, was connected with
cruel practices; generations ... the great wall of a strong place, the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... various Bedawin tribes"Kenites, Jerahmelites, Edomites, and Midianites ... at this period
were of the most slender character. ... Dog of El" is a strong expression to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... their territory was small in extent, their position was so strong that for ... bas-reliefs
which adorned the palaces and temples were similar in character to those ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... to draw similar inferences touching the character of Nabopolassar ... the clay and tread
the mortar, make strong the brick ... on bow and spear; they are cruel and have ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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