The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, inhabited the region of Edom, located to the southeast of Israel. Their religious practices and deities are mentioned sporadically in the biblical narrative, often in the context of Israel's interactions with them. The Edomites, like many of their neighboring cultures, were polytheistic and worshiped a variety of gods.

Principal Deities

1. Qos (Qaus or Qos): The primary deity of the Edomites was Qos, often considered the national god. While the Bible does not explicitly mention Qos, extra-biblical sources and archaeological findings, such as inscriptions, identify Qos as a significant figure in Edomite religion. Qos is often associated with the weather, particularly storms and rain, similar to other regional storm deities.

2. Baal: The term "Baal" was used to refer to various local deities in the ancient Near East, and it is likely that the Edomites, like their neighbors, worshiped a form of Baal. The Bible frequently mentions Baal worship as a prevalent practice among the surrounding nations, including the Edomites.

3. Asherah: Asherah, a goddess associated with fertility and motherhood, was worshiped throughout the region. While the Bible does not specifically mention Asherah in connection with the Edomites, her widespread veneration in the ancient Near East suggests that she may have been part of their pantheon.

Biblical References

The Bible provides limited direct references to the gods of the Edomites, but it does highlight the spiritual and cultural conflicts between Israel and Edom. The Edomites are often depicted as adversaries of Israel, and their idolatrous practices are implied in the broader context of Israel's struggles with surrounding nations.

· 2 Chronicles 25:14: "When Amaziah returned from striking down the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir and set them up as his own gods, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices to them." This passage indicates that the Edomites had their own deities, which were distinct enough to be recognized and appropriated by others.

· Obadiah 1:8-9: While not directly mentioning their gods, the prophecy against Edom in Obadiah reflects the judgment upon their pride and reliance on their own wisdom and strength, which can be seen as an implicit critique of their religious practices.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Edomites' religious practices were influenced by their geographic location and interactions with neighboring cultures, such as the Moabites, Ammonites, and Canaanites. This syncretism is evident in the shared characteristics of their deities and religious rituals. The worship of Qos and other deities would have included typical ancient Near Eastern practices such as sacrifices, offerings, and possibly temple worship.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries, including inscriptions and artifacts, have provided additional insights into the religious life of the Edomites. Inscriptions bearing the name of Qos have been found, confirming his role as a central figure in their pantheon. These findings help to fill in the gaps left by the biblical text regarding the specifics of Edomite worship.

In summary, the gods of the Edomites, particularly Qos, played a significant role in their cultural and religious identity. While the Bible offers limited direct information, the broader context of Israel's interactions with Edom and archaeological evidence provide a clearer picture of their polytheistic practices.