Topical Bible: The Edomites: Predictions Respecting: Israel's Occupation of Their Country

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning the future occupation of their territory by Israel. The relationship between Israel and Edom is complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. The Bible contains several prophecies regarding the fate of Edom and its eventual subjugation by Israel.

Prophetic Background

The Edomites settled in the region of Mount Seir, south of the Dead Sea. Despite their close kinship with the Israelites, tensions and hostilities frequently arose between the two nations. The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke of Edom's judgment and Israel's eventual dominance over their land.

Key Prophecies

1. Numbers 24:18-19: In Balaam's oracle, a prophecy is given concerning the future of Edom: "Edom will become a possession, Seir will be possessed by his enemies, but Israel will perform with valor. One from Jacob will rule and destroy the survivors of the city." This prophecy indicates that Edom will be conquered and possessed by Israel, with a ruler from Jacob's line exercising dominion.

2. Isaiah 11:14: The prophet Isaiah speaks of a time when Israel will exert control over Edom: "They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west; together they will plunder the people of the east. They will lay hands on Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them." This passage suggests a future where Israel will extend its influence over Edom and other neighboring nations.

3. Jeremiah 49:17-18: Jeremiah prophesies the desolation of Edom, likening it to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: "Edom will become an object of horror. Everyone who passes by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors," says the LORD, "no one will live there; no man will dwell there." This prophecy underscores the severity of Edom's judgment and the complete desolation that will follow.

4. Ezekiel 25:12-14: Ezekiel delivers a message of judgment against Edom for their actions against Judah: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off man and beast from it. I will lay it waste; from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath; they will know My vengeance,' declares the Lord GOD." This prophecy highlights the role of Israel as an instrument of divine retribution against Edom.

5. Amos 9:11-12: The prophet Amos speaks of the restoration of David's fallen tent and the expansion of Israel's territory: "In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, wall up its breaches, raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name," declares the LORD who will do this. This prophecy envisions a time when Israel will reclaim and possess the remnant of Edom.

Historical and Theological Context

The prophecies concerning Edom's subjugation by Israel are rooted in the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel and His promises to the patriarchs. The tension between Jacob and Esau, and by extension their descendants, is emblematic of the struggle between God's chosen people and those who oppose them. The eventual occupation of Edom by Israel is seen as a fulfillment of divine justice and the establishment of God's kingdom through His chosen nation.

These prophecies have been interpreted in various ways throughout history, with some seeing them as having been fulfilled in ancient times, while others view them as having eschatological significance, pointing to future events in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 24:18
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Obadiah 1:17-19
But on mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook