Topical Bible: The Edomites: Predictions Respecting: Their Ruin to be an Astonishment

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The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, have a significant presence in biblical history. Their interactions with the Israelites are marked by conflict and hostility, which is reflected in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The Bible contains several predictions concerning the fate of Edom, emphasizing their eventual ruin and the astonishment it would cause among the nations.

Prophetic Pronouncements Against Edom

The prophets of Israel delivered numerous oracles against Edom, highlighting their impending destruction. These prophecies often underscore the divine judgment that would befall Edom due to their pride, violence, and enmity towards Israel.

1. Isaiah's Prophecy: Isaiah prophesies the desolation of Edom, portraying it as a place of perpetual desolation. In Isaiah 34:9-10 , the prophet declares, "Her streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch. It will not be quenched night or day; its smoke will rise forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever pass through it again."

2. Jeremiah's Oracle: Jeremiah also speaks of Edom's downfall, emphasizing the astonishment it will cause. In Jeremiah 49:17-18 , he states, "Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors," says the LORD, "so no one will live there; no man will dwell there."

3. Ezekiel's Lament: Ezekiel's prophecy against Edom highlights their pride and the resulting judgment. In Ezekiel 35:3-4 , the Lord declares, "Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste. I will turn your cities into ruins, and you will become a desolation. Then you will know that I am the LORD."

4. Obadiah's Vision: The book of Obadiah is entirely dedicated to the judgment of Edom. Obadiah 1:3-4 addresses Edom's arrogance: "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.

The Astonishment of Edom's Ruin

The prophecies consistently emphasize that Edom's destruction will be so complete and severe that it will serve as a warning and a source of astonishment to all who witness it. The imagery used by the prophets conveys a sense of total desolation, transforming Edom from a once-proud nation into a symbol of divine retribution.

The biblical narrative portrays Edom's downfall as a testament to God's justice and sovereignty. The Edomites' persistent hostility towards Israel and their prideful disposition ultimately lead to their ruin, fulfilling the prophetic words spoken against them. The astonishment of Edom's ruin serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of opposing God's chosen people and the certainty of divine judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 49:17,21
Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goes by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... exchanged with provincial governors, augural predictions, consultation of ... were now
mere heaps of ruin, deserted save ... a few wretched remnants of their population ...
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