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→Spiritual Reasons for the Hebrew-Edomite Conflict
The enmity the Israelites had for the Edomites was deep and for the most part mutual. In order to understand the enduring conflict between the Israelites and Edomites, it is important to separate the reasons given in the primary sources into two categories: spiritual reasons and political factors. Once those ideas are considered, then it will become clear that the Israelites and Edomites actually had more in common than not and that the true reason for their eternal struggle against each other had to do with the most valuable commodity in the ancient Levant – land.
====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.
“Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from they bowels; the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” <ref> Gen. 25:23-24</ref>
Although Esau originally had the birthright of Israel, he sold it to Jacob for some porridge when he was hungry. <ref> Gen. 25:29-34</ref> From that point forward, the brothers lived apart from each other and become the progenitors of their tribes – Esau for the Edomites and Jacob for the Hebrews. The Old Testament may help explain some of the hostility between the two groups, but it does not explain all of itprovides little concrete evidence for hostilities. Beginning in the Late Bronze Age, the two peoples had repeated contact that often ended in violence. The reasons for the conflict can only be understood by examining the historical books of the Old Testament along with within the context of the archaeological discoveries from the Levant.
===Historical Reasons for the Israelite-Edomite Conflict===
