The Edomites were a Semitic people descended from Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, making them closely related to the Israelites. The name "Edom" means "red," which is associated with Esau's appearance at birth and the red stew for which he sold his birthright (Genesis 25:30). The Edomites settled in the region of Mount Seir, located southeast of the Dead Sea, an area characterized by rugged terrain and red sandstone cliffs.

The relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites was complex and often hostile. Despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites frequently opposed Israel. In Numbers 20:14-21, the Edomites refused to allow the Israelites passage through their land during the Exodus, forcing them to take a longer route. This animosity continued throughout the history of the Israelite monarchy. King Saul fought against the Edomites (1 Samuel 14:47), and King David eventually subdued them, placing garrisons in Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14).

Prophetic literature in the Old Testament often addresses Edom's hostility towards Israel. The book of Obadiah is entirely dedicated to the judgment against Edom, highlighting their pride and violence against their brother Jacob. Obadiah 1:10 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever."

Despite their enmity, the Edomites were not entirely excluded from God's redemptive plan. Deuteronomy 23:7 instructs the Israelites, "Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother." This command reflects the potential for reconciliation and inclusion within the broader covenant community.

Egyptians

The Egyptians were a powerful and influential civilization located in the northeastern corner of Africa, centered around the Nile River. In the biblical narrative, Egypt plays a significant role as both a place of refuge and a land of oppression. The Israelites' relationship with Egypt is multifaceted, marked by periods of both alliance and enmity.

The account of Joseph in Genesis illustrates Egypt as a place of refuge and provision. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt, eventually becoming second in command to Pharaoh. During a severe famine, Joseph's position allowed him to provide for his family, leading to the Israelites' settlement in Egypt (Genesis 41-47).

However, the narrative takes a darker turn in the book of Exodus, where Egypt becomes synonymous with oppression. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor (Exodus 1:8-14). This period of bondage is central to the Israelite identity, as it sets the stage for God's deliverance through Moses. The Exodus event, where God liberates the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, is a foundational moment in biblical history, symbolizing God's power and faithfulness.

Egypt's role as an adversary continues in the prophetic literature, where it is often depicted as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry. Isaiah 31:1 warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD."

Despite this, Egypt is not beyond redemption. In Isaiah 19:21-22 , a future vision is given where Egypt will turn to the Lord: "So the LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day the Egyptians will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them." This prophecy indicates the potential for Egypt's inclusion in God's salvific plan, highlighting the universal scope of God's redemptive work.