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As both tribes grew into kingdoms, they struggled for land and power in a region where good land was scarce, so military conflict was quite common. When Israel prospered from about 1000 to 724 BC, the Edomites were in a weaker political position. When the Assyrians and Neo-Babylonians became the preeminent powers in the region, the Edomites were able to take advantage by extending their influence in Judah. The Bible chroniclers were no doubt influenced in a negative way by the Edomites’ move into Judah, so a group that was already viewed somewhat negatively became one of the most notorious enemies of the Israelites.

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