Topical Bible: The Edomites: Country of: Called Dumah

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, are a significant group in biblical history. The land of Edom, located to the southeast of Israel, is often associated with the rugged terrain of Mount Seir. The Edomites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, and their interactions with the Israelites are marked by both kinship and conflict.

Dumah as Edom

The name "Dumah" is used in the Bible as a reference to Edom. This association is seen in the prophetic literature, where Dumah is mentioned in the context of judgment and oracle. In Isaiah 21:11-12 , the oracle concerning Dumah reads: "This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, 'Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?' The watchman replies, 'Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.'"

This passage reflects the enigmatic and often troubled relationship between Edom and Israel. The use of "Dumah" here is symbolic, representing the silence or stillness that comes with judgment, as well as the geographical and historical ties to Edom.

Historical Context

The Edomites occupied a region that was strategically important due to its location along trade routes. Their territory extended from the southern border of Judah to the Gulf of Aqaba. The capital of Edom was Bozrah, and other significant cities included Sela and Teman.

Throughout biblical history, the Edomites were known for their wisdom and skill in trade and warfare. However, their relationship with Israel was fraught with tension. Despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites often opposed Israel, as seen in their refusal to allow the Israelites passage through their land during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21).

Prophetic Literature

The prophets frequently spoke against Edom, condemning their pride and hostility towards Israel. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is entirely dedicated to the judgment against Edom. Obadiah 1:1-4 declares: "This is the vision of Obadiah: This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom—We have heard a message from the LORD, and an envoy has been sent among the nations to say, 'Rise up, and let us go to battle against her!' Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD."

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 worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

Legacy and Influence

The Edomites' influence persisted even after their decline as a political entity. During the intertestamental period, the region of Edom became known as Idumea, and its inhabitants, the Idumeans, played a role in the history of the Herodian dynasty. Herod the Great, the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth, was of Idumean descent, highlighting the lasting impact of the Edomites on the region's history.

The biblical narrative of the Edomites serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between neighboring nations in the ancient world and the enduring themes of kinship, conflict, and divine judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 21:11
The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xxv
... them away "eastward to the East-Country," which we ... Arabian Cushites on the south;
the Edomites, Moabites, etc ... days' journey south of Dumah, now called Taim?�'u ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm