The Edomites, descendants of Esau, hold a significant place in biblical history and theology. Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, was the son of Isaac and Rebekah. The narrative of Esau and Jacob is foundational to understanding the relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites. The Edomites settled in the region of Mount Seir, south of the Dead Sea, and their territory was known as Edom.

Biblical Background

The relationship between Israel and Edom is complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. Despite their shared ancestry, the two nations often found themselves at odds. However, the Israelites were given specific instructions regarding their conduct towards the Edomites. In Deuteronomy 2:4-5, God commands the Israelites, "You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so be very careful. Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footstep, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession."

This directive underscores the divine mandate that Israel was not to engage in hostilities with Edom or seize their land. The Edomites were to be respected as kin, and their territory was divinely allotted to them, reflecting God's sovereign distribution of lands among the nations.

Historical Interactions

Throughout the Old Testament, the interactions between Israel and Edom are varied. During the Exodus, the Israelites requested passage through Edom, which was denied (Numbers 20:14-21). Despite this refusal, the Israelites adhered to God's command and did not engage in conflict with Edom.

In later periods, the relationship between the two nations fluctuated. King David subdued Edom, establishing a degree of control over the region (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, Edom regained independence during the reign of King Joram (2 Kings 8:20-22). The prophetic literature often speaks of Edom's hostility towards Israel, with prophets like Obadiah and Ezekiel pronouncing judgments against Edom for their actions during times of Israel's distress (Obadiah 1:10-14; Ezekiel 25:12-14).

Theological Significance

The command for Israel not to spoil Edom is significant in understanding the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and justice. It highlights the importance of respecting divine boundaries and the recognition of God's providential care over all nations. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, were part of God's covenantal history, and their treatment by Israel was to reflect the broader principles of kinship and divine order.

Furthermore, the narrative of Esau and Jacob serves as a backdrop for the New Testament discussions on election and God's sovereign choice, as seen in Romans 9:10-13. The Edomites, therefore, are not only a historical people but also a theological symbol within the biblical narrative, representing the complexities of divine justice, mercy, and human relationships.

Conclusion

The Edomites, as a people closely related to the Israelites, serve as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of biblical history and theology. The command for Israel not to spoil Edom underscores the importance of obedience to God's directives and the recognition of His sovereign plans for all nations.Deuteronomy 2:4,6
And command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the coast of your brothers the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take you good heed to yourselves therefore:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 20:10
And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... did not dare to put down this forbidden custom. ... He was first punished by the loss
of the Edomites, who rose ... going to visit his uncle Jehoram, of Israel, he was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... the bank of which an entrenched camp was formed for the storage of the spoil. ... and
its kings, also suzerains of Hamath and masters of half Israel, were powerful ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... half of Elam as his share of the spoil, and on ... he tolerated much that his father
had forbidden, and the ... the task of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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