Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Obadiah

Obadiah 
Day 
Day 3

"Concerning Edom"

Text: Obadiah 1c

THE GENEALOGY OF EDOM

The genealogy of Edom was recorded in Genesis 36. The following features may be noted.

1. How Esau became known as Edom.

a) Esau was his birth-name (Genesis 25:25)
b) Jacob was given his name because he grabbed his brother’s leg when he was born (“heel grabber”).
c) Esau was given a nickname “Edom”.
i) He was born “red” (Genesis 25:25).
ii) He sold his birthright for a bowl of “red stew” (Genesis 25:30-33).
iii) The name “Edom” stuck with him.

2. Esau and his family

a) He had three wives: Adah, Aholibamah and Basemath (Genesis 36:2-3).
b) He had five sons (Genesis 36:4-5).
c) He also had some daughters (Genesis 36:6).

3. Moving away from Jacob

a) The possessions of Esau and Jacob brought about the decision to stay away from each other (Genesis 36:7).
b) Esau chose to live in Mt Seir.
c) His descendants were called Edomites (Genesis 36:9).

4. Becoming a significant nation

a) There were chieftains (Genesis 36:15, 29).
b) There were even kings (Genesis 36:31).

HOSTILITY OF THE EDOMITES TO ISRAEL

On the way to Canaan, the children of Israel asked for a safe passage through the land of Edom. Messengers were sent to Edom to negotiate (Numbers 20:14-17). Israel offered to pay their way through Edom (Numbers 20:19).

1. Edom refused entry to the children of Israel (Numbers 20:18a)

2. The Edomites threatened to go to war against Israel if they stepped into their territory (Numbers 20:18b).

3. The Edomites used their army to deter Israel from entering into their territory (Numbers 20:20).

4. There should have been hospitality and support given for they shared the same ancestors. Isaac was their father and Abraham was their grandfather.

But God withheld judgment against Edom at this point of time.