Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, is frequently mentioned in the Bible. The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, an area characterized by rugged terrain and red sandstone, which is reflected in the name "Edom," meaning "red." The relationship between Edom and Israel was often contentious, rooted in the sibling rivalry between Esau and Jacob. In Genesis 36:8, it is noted, "So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir."

Throughout the Old Testament, Edom is depicted as both a neighbor and an adversary of Israel. In Numbers 20:14-21, Edom denied Israel passage through their land during the Exodus, leading to a long-standing enmity. Prophets like Obadiah and Isaiah pronounced judgments against Edom for their hostility and pride. Obadiah 1:10 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever."

Moab

Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was founded by Moab, a son of Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37). The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, yet they also shared kinship through Lot, Abraham's nephew. The Book of Ruth highlights a positive interaction, as Ruth, a Moabitess, becomes an ancestor of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

Moab's relationship with Israel was complex, marked by both hostility and cooperation. In Numbers 22-24, Balak, the king of Moab, sought to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam. Despite this, God turned the intended curse into a blessing. Moab is also subject to prophetic judgments, as seen in Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48, where their pride and idolatry are condemned.

Ammon

The Ammonites, like the Moabites, descended from Lot, through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). Their territory lay northeast of Moab, in present-day Jordan. The Ammonites frequently opposed Israel, as seen in Judges 11, where Jephthah leads Israel to victory against them. The Ammonites also joined forces with other nations against Israel, as recorded in 2 Samuel 10.

Despite their enmity, God instructed Israel not to harass Ammon during their journey to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 2:19). Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel pronounced judgments against Ammon for their arrogance and hostility towards Israel. Jeremiah 49:2 declares, "Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it will become a mound of ruins."

Tyre

Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, was known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and trade. The city is mentioned in the Bible for its interactions with Israel, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon. Hiram, king of Tyre, provided materials and craftsmen for the construction of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12).

Despite these positive relations, Tyre's pride and idolatry led to prophetic condemnations. Ezekiel 26-28 contains a detailed prophecy against Tyre, foretelling its downfall due to its arrogance and self-sufficiency. Ezekiel 28:2 states, "In the pride of your heart you say, ‘I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.’ But you are a mere mortal and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god."

Sidon

Sidon, another major Phoenician city, was located north of Tyre. Known for its commerce and craftsmanship, Sidon is often mentioned alongside Tyre in the Bible. The Sidonians were skilled in shipbuilding and trade, contributing to the prosperity of the Phoenician civilization.

Sidon, like Tyre, faced divine judgment for its idolatry and pride. In Ezekiel 28:22-23, God declares, "I am against you, Sidon, and among you I will display my glory. You will know that I am the LORD, when I inflict punishment on you and within you am proved to be holy." Despite these judgments, Sidon also played a role in the spread of the Gospel, as Jesus visited the region (Mark 7:24-31), and early Christians preached there (Acts 11:19).