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Why Were the Ancient Israelites and Edomites Enemies

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===Spiritual Reasons for the Hebrew-Edomite Conflict===

Before any historical assessment of the Israelite-Edomite conflict can be conducted, a survey of the sources and Edom’s geographical location is warranted. Ancient Edom stretched from the southern shore of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba, with deserts on either side roughly marking the east and west boundaries. The Old Testament of the Bible – which along with archaeological work comprises the majority of the primary source information on the Edomites – states that Esau, who “is Edom,” dwelt with his people on Mount Seir. <ref> Gen. 36:8</ref> Modern archaeologists believe that the region where Mount Seir was located formed the northern and most populous part of Edom, while the southern, more rugged part was more of a wilderness with far fewer people. <ref> Kitchen, Kenneth A. <i>On the Reliability of the Old Testament.</i> (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 2003), p. 194</ref>

[[File: Edomite_Head,_600_BC.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Sculpture of an Edomite Head from c. 600 BC. The Crown Shows a Definite Egyptian Influence]]

The biblical origins of the Israelite-Edomite conflict can be found in the book of Genesis, long before there were Israelites or Edomites. According to Genesis, Israel and Edom were descended from the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Esau. The book states that the twins were never equal, even when they were still in the womb.

===Historical Reasons for the Israelite-Edomite Conflict===

~~[[File: Edomite_Head,_600_BC.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Sculpture of an Edomite Head from c. 600 BC. The Crown Shows a Definite Egyptian Influence]]~~The first historical point of conflict between the Hebrews and Edomites took place in the Late Bronze Age, around the year 1200 BC, when the Hebrews left Egypt in the Exodus. As the Hebrews wandered throughout the Sinai Desert on their way to what would become their home in Canaan, they had to pass through Edom. According to the book of Numbers (20:17-20), the Edomites denied the Hebrews passage through their land. Modern biblical scholars such as Kitchen believe that the unknown Edomite king did this because he was unhappy that Hebrews approached from the west, which was land the Edomites claimed. <ref> Kitchen, p. 195</ref> Nothing else is mentioned and the Hebrews turned around and found a different route.

The book of Deuteronomy (2:1-8), though, states that the Hebrews were in fact allowed to pass through Edom. This apparent inconsistency is rectified by modern scholars through understanding the political geography of ancient Edom. The Edomite king who initially barred the Hebrews entry into his kingdom controlled the northern section of the land around Mount Seir, while the Edomites who allowed them to pass were in the southern, wilderness region of Edom. <ref> Glatt-Gilad, David A. “The Re-Interpretation of the Edomite-Israelite Encounter in Deuteronomy II.” <i>Vestus Testamentum.</i> 47 (1997) p. 443-5</ref> The circuitous route coincides with most of the likely Exodus routes, which would have sent the Hebrews through the town of Ezlon-geber on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba before turning north and skirting the western edge of Edom.

===References===

[[Category: Ancient History]] [[Category: Religious History]] [[Category: Biblical History]][[Category:Wikis]]

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