The title "King of Edom" refers to the monarchs who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Edom, a territory located to the south of the Kingdom of Judah, extending from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and thus shared a common ancestry with the Israelites. The relationship between Edom and Israel was often marked by conflict and hostility, as recorded in various biblical accounts.

Historical Context

Edom's origins are traced back to Esau, who is also called Edom, meaning "red," a reference to the red stew for which he sold his birthright (Genesis 25:30). The Edomites settled in the rugged terrain of Mount Seir, and their kingdom was established long before Israel demanded a king. Genesis 36:31 notes, "These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites."

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to the kings of Edom, highlighting their interactions with Israel. In Numbers 20:14-21, Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom requesting passage through his land during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. The king of Edom refused, demonstrating the longstanding enmity between the two nations.

In 2 Samuel 8:14, King David is noted for his military campaigns against Edom, subjugating the Edomites and placing garrisons throughout their land: "He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went." This subjugation continued into the reign of Solomon, who maintained control over Edom and its trade routes.

Prophetic Literature

The prophets frequently spoke against Edom, condemning their actions and predicting their downfall. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is entirely dedicated to the judgment against Edom. Obadiah 1:10 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever."

Isaiah 34 and Jeremiah 49 also contain prophecies against Edom, emphasizing divine retribution for their pride and hostility towards Israel. Ezekiel 25:12-14 further declares God's judgment: "Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by taking revenge on them, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off both man and beast from it."

Later History

Edom's decline began with its subjugation by Israel and continued through subsequent conquests by Assyrian and Babylonian empires. By the time of the Maccabees, the Edomites, known as Idumeans, were forcibly converted to Judaism. Herod the Great, an Idumean, became king of Judea under Roman rule, illustrating the complex legacy of Edom's kingship and its integration into Jewish history.

The kings of Edom, while often adversaries of Israel, played a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and judgments throughout the Old Testament.