062 – From Whom Were the Edomites Descended?

62. From Whom Were the Edomites Descended?

They were descendants of Esau. They inhabited a fertile and rich country specially given to them (Deu_2:5; Gen_27:39). Their country was traversed by roads though it was mountainous and rocky (Num_20:17; Jer_49:16). They were governed by dukes and later by kings (Gen_36:15-30; Num_20:14). -n character they are said to have been wise, proud and self-confident, strong and cruel, vindictive, idolatrous and superstitious (Jer_49:7, Jer_49:16, Jer_49:19; Eze_25:12; 2Ch_25:14, 2Ch_25:20; Jer_27:3). They inhabited the cities of Avith, Pau, Bozrah, Teman and others. Though they were implacable enemies of Israel, it was forbidden to hate them (Deu_23:7) or to spoil, and they might be received into the congregation in the third generation (Deu_23:8). Saul made war against them and David conquered them (1Sa_14:47; 2Sa_8:14). They took refuge in Egypt and returned after David's death (1Ki_11:17-22) when they confederated with Israel's enemies only to again be over thrown (2Ch_20:10) but finally aided Babylon against Judah (Psa_137:7, Oba_1:11).

Source: 555 Difficult Bible Questions Answered