Summary

 

  • According to the Book of Bereisheet, the people of Edom are the descendants of Esav (Genesis 36).
  • The Kingdom of Edom refused Bnei Yisrael’s request to pass through the Land of Edom on the way to Canaan, so Bnei Yisrael took a detour (Numbers 20, 14-20).
  • The Kingdom of Edom was in conflict with Israel throughout many generations. During the monarchic period in Israel, Edom was subdued and became a vassal of David (II Samuel 8, 13-16; I Kings 11, 15-16).
  • During the reign of Yoram King of Yehuda, Edom rebelled and re-captured Etzion Gever, also known as Eilat (II Kings 8, 20-22).
  • Amatzya King of Yehuda bested Edom in battle (II Kings 14, 7; II Chronicles 25, 11-12), and his son Uzziya fully conquered Edom and re-captured Eilat (II Kings 14, 22; II Chronicles 26, 1-2).
  • During the reign of Ahaz, Edom re-conquered Eilat and held it until the Babylonians conquered the area (II Kings 16, 6).
  • During the end of the period of the First Mikdash, the Edomites spread beyond the Arava and the northern Negev, and after the Destruction of the First Mikdash, the Edomites spread to the southern Shephela (Plains) until Hebron. This area was called “Idumea during the period of the Second Mikdash.
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