Edom

Lore & Background

Edom is first introduced as Esau, who sold his birthright for red pottage and was called Edom (Genesis 25:30). Jacob later sent messengers to Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom (Genesis 32:3). The genealogies of Esau list his descendants as dukes in Edom, including those from his wives Adah and Bashemath (Genesis 36:16-17). The land of Edom also had Horite dukes (Genesis 36:21). Edom had kings who reigned before any king over Israel, beginning with Bela son of Beor (Genesis 36:31-32). The dukes of Edom are listed according to their habitations, and Esau is identified as the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:43). In the time of Moses, the king of Edom was addressed as 'thy brother Israel' but refused passage through his land, coming out with a strong hand (Numbers 20:14; Numbers 20:18; Numbers 20:20-21). The dukes of Edom are prophesied to be amazed at the power of God during the Exodus (Exodus 15:15). The passages consistently portray Edom as a distinct nation with its own rulers and territory, yet related to Israel through Esau.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Edom as both a person (Esau) and a nation descended from him. The name Edom originates from the red pottage incident (Genesis 25:30). The land of Edom is synonymous with Mount Seir, where Esau settled (Genesis 36:8). The genealogical lists emphasize Edom's organized leadership through dukes and kings, with the first named king being Bela (Genesis 36:32). The relationship with Israel is familial but hostile: Edom is called 'thy brother Israel' (Numbers 20:14) yet refuses passage, leading to conflict (Numbers 20:18-21). The dukes of Edom are mentioned in a poetic context of fear before God's power (Exodus 15:15). The passages do not provide dates or numbers for events, nor do they explain the full history of Edom beyond these interactions.

Did You Know?

• Edom is another name for Esau, given after he asked for red pottage (Genesis 25:30).
• The first king of Edom was Bela son of Beor, reigning before any king of Israel (Genesis 36:31-32).
• Edom refused to let Israel pass through its border, coming out with a strong hand (Numbers 20:20-21).
• The dukes of Edom included Korah, Gatam, and Amalek from Eliphaz (Genesis 36:16).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"“You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were an alien in his land. The children of the third generation born to them may enter the assembly of the Lord." — Edom "And on the people of My curse, for judgment." — Edom "And a great slaughter in the land of Edom." — Edom "And the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever." — Edom