Edom

Edom, the descendants of Esau, holds a unique place in biblical history and theology. The Israelites were instructed to show respect to Edom due to their shared ancestry. In Deuteronomy 23:7 , it is written, "Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother." This command underscores the familial bond between Israel and Edom, as Esau was the brother of Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelites. Despite historical conflicts, such as those recorded in 2 Samuel 8:13-14 and 2 Kings 8:20-22, the Israelites were reminded of their kinship with Edom. The respect for Edom is rooted in the acknowledgment of shared lineage and the broader biblical principle of honoring familial ties.

Moab

The Moabites, descendants of Lot through his elder daughter, also share a complex relationship with Israel. The Israelites were instructed to respect Moab's territorial rights. In Deuteronomy 2:9 , God commands, "Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession." This directive highlights the divine allocation of land and the respect for boundaries established by God. Despite Moab's occasional enmity towards Israel, as seen in Numbers 22-24 with the account of Balaam, the Israelites were to honor God's sovereign decisions regarding the nations' inheritances.

Ammon

The Ammonites, like the Moabites, descended from Lot, through his younger daughter. The biblical narrative similarly instructs Israel to respect Ammon's territorial rights. In Deuteronomy 2:19 , God tells the Israelites, "When you come to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites as a possession, because I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession." This command reflects the importance of respecting divine boundaries and the historical ties between the nations. Although the Ammonites were often adversaries of Israel, as seen in Judges 11 and 1 Samuel 11, the Israelites were to recognize and respect the divine allotment of land to the descendants of Lot.

Theological Implications

The respect for Edom, Moab, and Ammon is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and the importance of familial and covenantal relationships. These nations, despite their frequent opposition to Israel, were to be treated with a level of respect due to their shared ancestry and the divine decrees regarding their lands. This respect serves as a reminder of the broader biblical themes of kinship, divine sovereignty, and the importance of adhering to God's commands regarding relationships with neighboring nations.