Topical Encyclopedia
The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, inhabited the region known as Edom, located to the southeast of Israel. This territory, characterized by its rugged terrain and red sandstone mountains, was strategically significant due to its location and the roads that traversed it. The land of Edom is frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its importance in the ancient Near Eastern world.
Geographical SignificanceEdom was situated south of the Dead Sea, extending to the Gulf of Aqaba. The region's topography included the mountainous Seir range, which provided natural fortifications and a vantage point over the surrounding areas. The capital city of Edom was Bozrah, and other significant cities included Sela (Petra) and Teman.
Roads and Trade RoutesEdom's location made it a crucial passageway for trade and travel. The King's Highway, an ancient trade route, ran through Edom, connecting the Gulf of Aqaba with Damascus. This road was vital for commerce, facilitating the movement of goods such as spices, textiles, and metals between Arabia and the Mediterranean. The strategic control of these roads allowed the Edomites to levy tolls and taxes on caravans, contributing to their wealth and influence.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible provides several accounts of the interactions between the Israelites and the Edomites, often highlighting the tension and conflict between the two nations. In
Numbers 20:14-21, Moses requested permission to pass through Edom on the way to the Promised Land, but the Edomites refused, forcing the Israelites to take a longer route. The passage states:
"Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through any field or vineyard, nor will we drink water from any well. We will stay on the King's Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory." (
Numbers 20:17)
Despite this refusal, the roads of Edom remained significant for regional travel and trade.
Historical ContextThroughout history, Edom maintained a complex relationship with Israel and other neighboring nations. During the reign of King David, Edom was subjugated and became a vassal state (
2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, the Edomites regained independence during the later years of the divided monarchy. The prophets frequently spoke against Edom, condemning their hostility towards Israel and predicting their eventual downfall (
Obadiah 1:1-21;
Isaiah 34:5-15).
Cultural and Religious AspectsThe Edomites worshiped a pantheon of gods, with Qos being their chief deity. Their religious practices and cultural identity were distinct from those of the Israelites, contributing to the longstanding enmity between the two peoples. Despite this, the Edomites shared a common ancestry with the Israelites, tracing their lineage back to Isaac and Abraham.
In summary, the Edomites and their land played a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as both a geographical and cultural crossroads in the ancient world. The roads that traversed Edom were not only vital for trade and travel but also served as a backdrop for the unfolding account of God's people and their interactions with neighboring nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 20:17Let us pass, I pray you, through your country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed your borders.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... remote villages over which he ruled, was by a few rough roads hemmed in ... were the
changes in language and civilisation in the country traversed between Nineveh ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... in that case would have been Edomites and Midianites ... bloody and obscene rites, followed
that of the country. ... passage, into which all the roads leading from the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Amaziah, on his side, had routed the Edomites in the ... on the Assyrian side could only
be traversed by means ... woods and passes of an unknown country, which daily ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
Resources
Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is Edom (Obadiah 1:1, 8)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
