Edomites

A Rivalry Rooted in Family

Edom's very name traces to Esau, Jacob's twin brother, who sold his birthright and was nicknamed 'Edom' ('red') after the red stew he traded it for (Genesis 25:29-34; 36:1, 8). This shared ancestry made Edom and Israel kindred nations, which sharpens rather than softens the Old Testament's recurring hostility between them — Edom refused Israel safe passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21), and centuries later, when Babylon sacked Jerusalem, Edom is repeatedly condemned for gloating over and even assisting in Judah's destruction (Obadiah 1:10-14; Psalm 137:7). Obadiah, the Old Testament's shortest book, is devoted entirely to pronouncing judgment on Edom for exactly this betrayal of a brother nation in its darkest hour.

Scripture references

• Genesis 25:29-34 — Esau (Edom) sells his birthright
• Numbers 20:14-21 — Edom refuses Israel passage during the Exodus
• Obadiah 1:10-14 — Judgment pronounced on Edom for betraying Judah

Further reading

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Edom