Topical Bible: The Edomites: Predictions Respecting: Subjection to Israel

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The Edomites, descendants of Esau, hold a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning their relationship with Israel. The Scriptures contain several predictions regarding the subjection of Edom to Israel, reflecting the complex and often adversarial relationship between these two nations.

Genesis 25:23
The origins of the tension between Edom and Israel are rooted in the prophecy given to Rebekah concerning her twins, Esau and Jacob. The LORD said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." This prophecy foreshadows the eventual subjugation of Edom, the descendants of Esau, to Israel, the descendants of Jacob.

Numbers 24:18
Balaam's oracle further predicts the downfall of Edom: "Edom will become a possession, Seir will be owned by his enemies, but Israel will perform with valor." This prophecy indicates that Edom will be conquered and possessed by Israel, highlighting the divine plan for Israel's dominance over Edom.

2 Samuel 8:14
The fulfillment of these prophecies is seen during the reign of King David. "He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went." This historical account demonstrates the subjugation of Edom under Israelite rule, as foretold in earlier prophecies.

Isaiah 11:14
The prophet Isaiah also speaks of a future time when Israel will exert dominance 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 their hands on Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them." This prophecy envisions a time of Israelite expansion and control over neighboring nations, including Edom.

Amos 9:11-12
The prophet Amos reiterates the theme of Edom's subjection in the context of the restoration of Israel: "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 passage suggests a future restoration of Israel's power, including dominion over Edom.

Obadiah 1:18
The book of Obadiah provides a vivid depiction of Edom's ultimate downfall: "Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame, but the house of Esau will be stubble; Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain of the house of Esau," for the LORD has spoken. This prophecy underscores the complete and final subjugation of Edom by Israel, as decreed by divine judgment.

These biblical prophecies and historical accounts illustrate the theme of Edom's subjection to Israel, a narrative woven throughout the Scriptures. The fulfillment of these predictions is seen as part of the broader divine plan for the nations surrounding Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 25:23
And the LORD said to her, Two nations are in your womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from your bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
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Genesis 27:29,37
Let people serve you, and nations bow down to you: be lord over your brothers, and let your mother's sons bow down to you: cursed be every one that curses you, and blessed be he that blesses you.
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Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... he directed his efforts to the subjection of the ... with provincial governors, augural
predictions, consultation of ... of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
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