Origins of Edom
The origins of Edom can be found in the biblical account of Abraham’s son, Esau. According to the Bible, Esau was the firstborn son of Abraham, who was the ancestor of the Hebrew people. Esau’s name was changed from Edom, meaning “red,” as a result of his red hair. It is believed that Esau’s descendants, the Edomites, were the first people to settle in the region of modern-day Jordan. The Edomites later intermarried with the inhabitants of the area, eventually becoming a separate people from the Hebrews.
Edom is first mentioned in Genesis 36:1-8, where it is described as the land of Esau and the descendants of his father, Abraham. According to Jewish tradition, the Edomites then established a confederation of 12 independent tribes. These tribes eventually broke off into smaller political entities, which can be traced back to the Iron Age.
For much of their history, the Edomites were considered a “God-fearing” people, often referred to as the Idumeans, and they often cooperated and traded with the Hebrews. They were also known for their agricultural prowess, engaging in profitable trade involving wine and Etim, a type of spice. The Edomites also produced a wide variety of crafts and raw materials, and at the peak of their power, they became a major power in the region.
Enmity of Edom
Though the Edomites were originally considered an ally of the Hebrews, relations between the two groups began to sour after the time of King Saul. This enmity eventually exploded into a full-blown war, with the Edomites taking the side of their neighboring foes, the Ammonites and the Moabites, in the battle against their Hebrew brothers. According to the Bible, Edom was the first nation to attack and occupy the land of Israel.
This enmity between the Edomites and the Hebrews was further exacerbated when the Edomites refused to allow the exiled Hebrews to pass through their territory on their way back to Jerusalem. Furthermore, the Edomites openly supported the Babylonians in their siege of Jerusalem, siding with the enemy out of sheer hatred. This led to their ultimate demise, as their alliance with the Babylonians resulted in their own destruction and exile to Egypt.
The enmity between the Edomites and the Hebrews continued throughout Jewish history, and the Edomites were often viewed with mistrust and suspicion by the Jews. This mistrust was so strong that Edomites were not even allowed to enter the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and were instead relegated to the outer courts.
Geography of Edom
Geographically speaking, Edom was a predominantly desert region located south of the Dead Sea in present-day Jordan. It was bordered by the Arabah valley to the north, the mountains of Judah to the east, the Aravah to the south, and the Gulf of Aqabah to the west.
The region was quite arid, with temperatures ranging from chilly at night to blazing hot in the daytime. Despite this, the Edomites were able to make a successful living farming in such an unforgiving climate, relying on the seasonal rains to irrigate their fields.
The region was also rich in minerals, with deposits of copper and iron ore. This made the region a coveted target for conquest over the centuries, as Edom was able to provide mineral wealth to the occupying power. The Edomites also had access to vast deposits of salt, which provided a valuable resource in antiquity.
Edom in the New Testament
Though Edom is mostly mentioned in the Old Testament, the New Testament makes several references to the nation. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, for example, Jesus explicitly mentions Edom when he talks about the traveler who was robbed on his way to Jericho.
The most important reference to Edom in the New Testament is found in the book of Revelation, in which the nation is mentioned in relation to the end times. In Revelation 16:12, it is written that the mountain of God’s “holy mountain” (thought to be the temple in Jerusalem) will be the “kingdom of the world,” a reference to Edom’s role as a power in the ancient world.
The book of Malachi also mentions Edom in relation to the “day of the Lord,” when the enemies of God’s chosen people will be destroyed as a result of their wickedness. This is only fitting, as Edom was one of the fiercest enemies of the Hebrews in the Old Testament.
Location of Edom in Today’s World
Today, the region where Edom used to exist is found within the borders of modern-day Jordan. It is a predominantly desert area, closely resembling the region described in the Bible. As a result, the area is of great interest to archaeologists, who continue to search for evidence of Edomite civilization.
Much of the area, however, remains unexplored, as much of Edomite culture has been destroyed over the centuries, as well as by the encroachment of modern civilization. Still, pieces of Edomite culture can be found throughout the region, providing us with a glimpse into what Edom was like in its glory days.
Edom has become something of a footnote in the history of the ancient world, but its prominent role in both the Old and New Testaments have led to its inclusion in a variety of religious, spiritual, and historical studies. For those who seek to understand the ancient world—and the region’s role in it—it is a fascinating topic of study.
Accounts of Conflict Between Edom and Israel
The account of Esau’s father, Abraham, is often credited with sparking the conflict between Edom and Israel in the Bible. Early on, God told Abraham that his descendants would be scattered throughout the world, and rights to the land would be given to those who remain faithful to God. This set the stage for conflict with Edom and other nations, as those who were faithful were given the right to territory that was once inhabited by Edom.
The conflict between Israel and Edom took on a new intensity with the rise of the Israelites in the period of the Judges. During this period, the Israelites were in constant conflict with the Edomites, which eventually escalated into a full-scale war. The Bible records several occasions in which the Israelites were victorious against the Edomites, such as during the battle of Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:14-20).
The Edomites also played a significant role in the Divided Kingdom period, as they continued to oppose the Israelites. During this period, the Edomites and Israelites were often at loggerheads, with one side or the other gaining dominance over their brethren. This finally culminated in the Edomite defeat and exile to Egypt following their defeat during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.
Reaction of Edom to the Conquests of Alexander the Great
When it comes to the history of Edom, Alexander the Great’s conquests play an important role. The Edomites had a rocky relationship with Israel for centuries, but Alexander’s conquests marked a new phase in their relationship. Alexander ended Edomite independence and subjugated them to his rule, leading to a period of peace between Edom and the Israelites.
The Edomites eventually rebelled against Alexander and his successors, but for a time their subjugation to the Macedonians brought them into an uneasy alliance with the Israelites. Though the Edomites still held a grudge against the Israelites, they were no longer at direct odds with them, allowing both nations to focus on rebuilding their own empires.
When the Seleucids came to power, however, the Edomites once more began to chafe under foreign rule. The Seleucids attempted to extend their control into Edomite territory, but the Edomites managed to maintain their autonomy. This period marks the beginning of Edom’s resurgence as an independent nation, as they were able to resist the Seleucids and rebuild their nation.
The Ultimate Fate of Edom
The history of Edom is ultimately one of decline, as the nation was eventually conquered by the Nabataeans, a Semitic people from Northern Arabia. The Edomites were assimilated into the Nabataean culture, and their nation was eventually absorbed into the Nabataean Empire.
The Edomites are thought to have eventually disappeared completely, as the Nabataean hold over the region was too strong. The descendants of Edom, however, can still be found throughout the region today, as many have maintained their ancient customs and culture.
Though Edom has faded into obscurity in the modern world, the region still retains its rich history, providing a fascinating insight into the ancient world and its inhabitants. In spite of its tumultuous history, the Edomites left a lasting legacy on the world, a legacy that will remain as both a point of contention and a source of inspiration for ages to come.
