The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, occupied the region south of the Dead Sea. Throughout biblical history, they are frequently mentioned in relation to Israel, often as adversaries. The prophetic literature of the Old Testament contains several predictions concerning the fate of Edom, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment and the ultimate desolation of their land.

Prophetic Pronouncements:

1. Isaiah's Prophecy:
The prophet Isaiah vividly describes the impending judgment upon Edom. In Isaiah 34:9-10 , it is written: "Her streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch. It will not be quenched day or night; its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever pass through it again." This imagery of burning and perpetual desolation underscores the severity of the divine judgment decreed upon Edom.

2. Jeremiah's Declaration:
Jeremiah also prophesies against Edom, highlighting the complete devastation that will befall the nation. In Jeremiah 49:17-18 , the text 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." The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah, cities synonymous with total destruction, emphasizes the extent of Edom's desolation.

3. Ezekiel's Vision:
The prophet Ezekiel also speaks of Edom's downfall. 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." The focus on Mount Seir, a significant region within Edom, highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

4. Obadiah's Oracle:
The book of Obadiah, dedicated entirely to the judgment of Edom, provides a concise yet powerful prophecy. Obadiah 1:10 states: "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be cut off forever." The prophecy continues to detail the complete overthrow and humiliation of Edom, emphasizing the divine retribution for their actions against Israel.

Historical Fulfillment:

The prophecies concerning Edom's desolation were fulfilled over time as the nation faced successive invasions and decline. By the time of the Roman Empire, Edom, known as Idumea, had lost its distinct identity, and its land was largely uninhabited, aligning with the biblical predictions of utter desolation. The prophetic declarations serve as a testament to the sovereignty and justice of God, as well as a warning to nations that oppose His chosen people.Isaiah 34:9-17
And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 35:7-15
Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passes out and him that returns.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... exchanged with provincial governors, augural predictions, consultation of ... a day of
wasteness and desolation, a day ... carried back with them to their own country ...
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Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who/what is Edom (Obadiah 1:1, 8)? | GotQuestions.org

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