Edom, meaning “red,” is the name of the country founded by Jacob’s brother Esau, who the Bible says was born “red all over.” Edom was a rival of Israel and later became associated with the Romans and the West. Edom is located in present-day Jordan.
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The Downfall of EdomTANAKH
The Downfall of Edom
TANAKH
The divine judgment against Edom, as prophesied by Obadiah, foretells a dramatic and complete downfall of this oppressor of Israel. The Book of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Hebrew Bible, contains a powerful prophecy about the kingdom of Edom's ultimate destruction.
Esav and the Goat DemonsKABBALAH
Esav and the Goat Demons
KABBALAH
Esav's inheritance of Mount Seir is tied to its impurity and association with goat demons, highlighting his lowly spiritual status. In the 13th-century Kabbalistic work Sha'arei Orah, Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla contrasts Esav's spiritual status with that of other nations and Israel.
Liberating the Sparks of SanctityCOMMENTARY
Liberating the Sparks of Sanctity
COMMENTARY
The destruction of Edom and the descendants of Sheth will enable the Israelites to perform deeds of valor by liberating the sparks of sanctity trapped inside them. Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s 18th-century commentary, Or HaChaim, offers a mystical interpretation of the Torah, that focuses here on the rehabilitation of sanctity that follows from the destruction of Edom.
Redemption and PunishmentTARGUM
Redemption and Punishment
TARGUM
The Targum to Lamentations envisions the ultimate redemption of Zion and the punishment of Rome, symbolizing the triumph of justice and divine retribution. This Aramaic interpretive translation of Lamentations, read on Tisha B'Av, intertwines messianic hopes with historical enmities.
Jacob's Mistake and Its Ripple EffectsCOMMENTARY
Jacob's Mistake and Its Ripple Effects
COMMENTARY
Some commentators felt that Jacob's decision to send messengers to Esau was a mistake with long-lasting consequences, linking biblical events to the historical challenges faced by Israel at the hands of Edom (Rome). Ramban, a medieval Jewish scholar, connects Jacob's actions in Genesis to the later alliance between the Hasmonean kings and Rome, highlighting the spiritual and historical implications.
The Mystical Bond Between Isaac and EsauMUSAR
The Mystical Bond Between Isaac and Esau
MUSAR
The mystical and spiritual dimensions of the relationship between Isaac and Esau reveal profound insights into the symbolism of wine and blood, the spiritual inheritance of the birthright, and Esau's transformation into a perennial slave. In the 17th-century work Shenei Luchot HaBerit, Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz delves into the Kabbalistic and ethical implications of the biblical narrative of Jacob and Esau.
The Futility of Edom's AchievementsREFERENCE
The Futility of Edom's Achievements
REFERENCE
The worldly achievements of Edom (Rome) are ultimately seen as futile and lacking in spiritual merit. The Jerusalem Talmud offers a Jewish perspective on the Roman Empire, emphasizing the value of Torah study and spiritual pursuits over material accomplishments.
Inclusion of EdomitesHALAKHAH
Inclusion of Edomites
HALAKHAH
The Torah prohibits discrimination against Edomites who convert to Judaism, emphasizing justice and inclusion. In his Sefer HaMitzvot, Maimonides (Rambam) explains the prohibition against avoiding marriage with descendants of Esav who have entered the Jewish religion.
The Origin of EdomSECOND TEMPLE
The Origin of Edom
SECOND TEMPLE
The name 'Edom' is rooted in a pivotal moment when Esau exchanged his birthright for red lentil pottage, leading to the naming of the country Idumea. Josephus, in his comprehensive historical work 'The Antiquities of the Jews,' provides a detailed account of this significant event and its lasting impact on Jewish history.
Outsiders as KingsCOMMENTARY
Outsiders as Kings
COMMENTARY
The Edomites had to appoint outsiders as their kings because they did not find suitable candidates among their own people. Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno, a 16th-century Italian biblical commentator, highlights the instability and lack of suitable leadership within Edom, implicitly contrasting it with the divinely chosen lineage in Israel.
Humility and Compassion in AdversityCOMMENTARY
Humility and Compassion in Adversity
COMMENTARY
The moral and ethical imperative not to gloat or mock others is a timeless lesson, especially in the context of the relationship between Edom and Judah. The prophetic book of Obadiah addresses Edom's actions against Judah, emphasizing themes of brotherhood, humility, and moral conduct.
Bozrah's Shifting AllegiancesCOMMENTARY
Bozrah's Shifting Allegiances
COMMENTARY
Bozrah's historical and geographical ties to both Moab and Edom reveal its shifting allegiances and the establishment of an Edomite king from Bozrah. Rashi, the renowned medieval Jewish commentator, provides context for Bozrah by referencing Genesis Rabbah, helping to elucidate its significance in the biblical narrative.
Edom's Rebellion and IndependenceCOMMENTARY
Edom's Rebellion and Independence
COMMENTARY
Edom's transition from a vassal state to an independent kingdom marks a significant shift in the regional power dynamics during the reign of Yehoram. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz provides a clear and engaging account of this historical event, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
Divine Strategy with EdomJEWISH THOUGHT
Divine Strategy with Edom
JEWISH THOUGHT
God's command to avoid conflict with Edom was a strategic move to embolden Sihon, leading to his defeat and Israel's swift acquisition of his land. Rabbi Joseph Albo's 15th-century philosophical work, Sefer HaIkkarim, delves into divine providence and the reasoning behind God's commandments.
Respecting Edom's BoundariesCOMMENTARY
Respecting Edom's Boundaries
COMMENTARY
The Israelites were commanded to avoid hostilities with certain nations, including Edom, as part of a divine plan. The 13th-century Torah commentary Chizkuni provides historical and textual justifications for respecting these boundaries and the consequences of violating this command.