Edom 1

Edom

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Edom 3

Map showing kingdom of Edom (in red) at itslargest extent, c. 600 BCE. Areas in dark red

show the approximate boundary ofclassical-age Idumaea.

Edom (pron.: /ˈiː.dʌm/;[1] Hebrew: אֱדוֹם, Modern Edom Tiberian ʼĔḏôm ;"red"; Assyrian: Udumi; Syriac: ܐܕܘܡ) or Idumea (Greek: Ἰδουμαία,Idoumaía; Latin: Idūmaea) was a Semitic inhabited historical region ofthe Southern Levant located south of Judea and the Dead Sea. It ismentioned in biblical records as a 1st millennium BC Iron Age kingdomof Edom,[2] and in classical antiquity the cognate name Idumea was usedto refer to a smaller area in the same region. The name Edom means"red" in Hebrew, and was given to Esau, the eldest son of the Hebrewpatriarch Isaac, once he ate the "red pottage", which the Bible used inirony at the fact he was born "red all over".[3] The Torah, Tanakh andNew Testament thus describe the Edomites as descendants of Esau.

History

Archaeological references

The name 'ydwma' ('Aduma') which was translated into"Edom"

in hieroglyphs

The Edomites may have been connected with the Shasu and Shutu, nomadic raiders mentioned in Egyptian sources.Indeed, a letter from an Egyptian scribe at a border fortress in the Wadi Tumilat during the reign of Merneptahreports movement of nomadic "shasu-tribes of Edom" to watering holes in Egyptian territory.[4] The earliest IronAge settlements—possibly copper mining camps—date to the 9th century BC. Settlement intensified by the late 8thcentury BC and the main sites so far excavated have been dated between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. The lastunambiguous reference to Edom is an Assyrian inscription of 667 BC; it has thus been unclear when, how and whyEdom ceased to exist as a state, although many scholars point to scriptural references in the Bible, specifically thehistorical Book of Obadiah, to explain this fact.[2]

Edom is mentioned in Assyrian cuneiform inscriptions in the form "Udumi" or "Udumu"; three of its kings are known from the same source: Ḳaus-malaka at the time of Tiglath-pileser III (c. 745 BC), Malik-rammu at the time of Sennacherib (c. 705 BC), and Ḳaus-gabri at the time of Esarhaddon (c. 680 BC). According to the Egyptian inscriptions, the "Aduma" at times extended their possessions to the borders of Egypt.[5] After the conquest of Judah by the Babylonians, Edomites settled in the region of Hebron. They prospered in this new country, called by the

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Greeks and Romans "Idumaea" or "Idumea", for more than four centuries.[6] Strabo, writing around the time ofChrist, held that the Idumaeans, whom he identified as of Nabataean origin, constituted the majority of thepopulation of Western Judea, where they commingled with the Judaeans and adopted their customs.[7]

Biblical Edom

The region around 830 BCE. Edom is shown in yellow on this map

The Edomites' original country, according to theTanakh, stretched from the Sinai peninsula as far asKadesh Barnea. Southward it reached as far as Eilat,which was the seaport of Edom.[8] On the north ofEdom was the territory of Moab.[9] The boundarybetween Moab and Edom was the Wadi Zered.[10] Theancient capital of Edom was Bozrah.[11] According toGenesis, Esau's descendants settled in this land afterdisplacing the Horites. It was also called the land ofSeir; Mount Seir appears to have been stronglyidentified with them and may have been a cultic site. Inthe time of Amaziah (838 BC), Selah (Petra) was itsprincipal stronghold,[12] Eilat and Ezion-geber itsseaports.[13]

Genesis 36 lists the kings of Edom:These are the kings who ruled in the landof Edom before a king ruled the children ofIsrael. And Bela ben Beor ruled in Edom,and the name of his city was Dinhabah.And Bela died, and Jobab ben Zerah fromBozrah ruled in his place. And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani ruled in his place. AndHusham died, and Hadad ben Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, ruled in his place, and thename of his city was Avith. And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah ruled in his place. And Samlahdied, and Saul of Rehoboth on the river ruled in his place. And Saul died, and Baal-hanan ben Achborruled in his place. And Baal-hanan ben Achbor died, and Hadar ruled in his place, and the name of hiscity was Pau, and his wife's name was Mehetabel bat Matred bat Mezahab. And these are the names ofthe clans of Esau by their families, by their places, by their names: clan Timnah, clan Alvah, clanJetheth, clan Aholibamah, clan Elah, clan Pinon, clan Kenaz, clan Teman, clan Mibzar, clan Magdiel,clan Iram.[14]

The Hebrew word translated as "clan" is aluf, used to describe Edom and Moab, also later translated as "chief","general", or "duke".[15] Today it is used for a description of high rank in the Israeli Defence Force.If the account may be taken at face value, the kingship of Edom was, at least in early times, not hereditary,[16]

perhaps elective.[] First Chronicles mentions both a king and chieftains.[17] When the King of Edom refused to allowthe children of Israel[18] to pass through his land on their way to Canaan, they detoured around the country becauseof his show of force[19] or because God ordered them to do so rather than wage war.[20] The King of Edom did notattack the Israelites, though he prepared to resist aggression.Nothing further is recorded of the Edomites in the Tanakh until their defeat by King Saul of Israel in the late 11th century BC. Forty years later King David and his general Joab defeated the Edomites in the "valley of salt", (probably near the Dead Sea).[21] An Edomite prince named Hadad escaped and fled to Egypt, and after David's death returned and tried to start a rebellion, but failed and went to Syria (Aramea).[22] From that time Edom

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remained a vassal of Israel. David placed over the Edomites Israelite governors or prefects,[23] and this form ofgovernment seems to have continued under Solomon. When Israel divided into two kingdoms Edom became adependency of the Kingdom of Judah. In the time of Jehoshaphat (c. 914 BC) the Tanakh mentions a king ofEdom,[24] who was probably an Israelite appointed by the King of Judah. It also states[25] that the inhabitants ofMount Seir invaded Judea in conjunction with Ammon and Moab, and that the invaders turned against one anotherand were all destroyed. Edom revolted against Jehoram and elected a king of its own.[26] Amaziah attacked anddefeated the Edomites, seizing Selah, but the Israelites never subdued Edom completely.[27]

In the time of Nebuchadnezzar II the Edomites helped plunder Jerusalem and slaughter the Judaeans.[28] For thisreason the Prophets denounced Edom violently.[29]

Although the Idumaeans controlled the lands to the east and south of the Dead Sea, their peoples were held incontempt by the Israelites. Hence the Book of Psalms says "Moab is my washpot: over Edom will I cast out myshoe".[30] According to the Torah,[31] the congregation could not receive descendants of a marriage between anIsraelite and an Edomite until the fourth generation. This law was a subject of controversy between Shimon benYohai, who said it applied only to male descendants, and other Tannaim, who said female descendants were alsoexcluded[32] for 4 generations. From these, some early conversion laws in halacha were derived.

Classical antiquityDuring the revolt of the Maccabees against the Seleucid kingdom (early 2nd century BE), II Maccabees refers to aSeleucid general named Gorgias as "Governor of Idumaea"; whether he was a Greek or a Hellenized Edomite isunknown. Some scholars maintain that the reference to Idumaea in that passage is an error altogether. JudasMaccabeus conquered their territory for a time in around 163 BC.[33] They were again subdued by John Hyrcanus (c.125 BC), who forcibly converted them to Judaism[34] and incorporated them into the Jewish nation,[] despite theopposition of the Pharisees. Antipater the Idumaean, the progenitor of the Herodian Dynasty that ruled Judea afterthe Roman conquest, was of Edomite origin. Under Herod the Great Idumaea was ruled for him by a series ofgovernors, among whom were his brother Joseph ben Antipater and his brother-in-law Costobarus. Immediatelybefore the siege of Jerusalem by Titus, 20,000 Idumaeans, under the leadership of John, Simeon, Phinehas, andJacob, appeared before Jerusalem to fight on behalf of the Zealots who were besieged in the Temple.[35] See ZealotTemple Siege for more information. After the Jewish Wars the Idumaean people are no longer mentioned in history,though the geographical region of "Idumea" is still referred to at the time of St. Jerome.[]

In Rabbinic LiteratureIn Rabbinic Literature, with time Edom became associated with Rome. The reasons for this and whether it is anadequate comparison are disputed, or literal which is also disputed.[36] Edom was a slang word for Rome specificallyits empire among diaspora Italian Jews, the correctness or historicity of this slang is dubious. The first oralconnection diaspora Jews made between Edom and Rome is derived from the propaganda of the Bar Kochbarevolt.[37] Rabbi Meir used Biblical quotes to spread this [38] In many instances Rome and Edom are usedinterchangeably, in Ashkenazic and Italian diaspora Jewish literature.[39]

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ReligionThe nature of Edomite religion before their conversion to Judaism is largely unknown. As close relatives of otherLevantine Semites, they may have worshiped such gods as El, Baal, Kaus and Asherah. The oldest biblical traditionsplace Yahweh as the deity of southern Edom, and may have originated in "Edom/Seir/Teman/Sinai" before beingadopted in Israel and Judah.[40]

In Antiquities of the Jews, Book 15, chapter 7, section 9, Josephus notes that Costobarus, appointed by Herod to begovernor of Idumea and Gaza, was descended from the priests of "the Koze, whom the Idumeans had formerlyserved as a God."For an archaeological text that may well be Edomite, reflecting on the language, literature, and religion of Edom, seeVictor Sasson, "An Edomite Joban Text, with a Biblical Joban Parallel", Zeitschrift fur die AlttestamentlicheWissenschaft 117 (Berlin 2006), 601–615.Islamic literature tells us that they followed prophet Hud (Eber) and used to fast on the tenth of Iyyar for those killedby the Israelites on their escape from Egypt. However, they also blackened the faces of adulterers, believed God'shands are tied, worshipped Uthras as the sons of God, and threw the Torah behind their backs.[citation needed]

EconomyThe Kingdom of Edom drew much of its livelihood from the caravan trade between Egypt, the Levant,Mesopotamia, and southern Arabia, along the Incense Route. Astride the King's Highway, the Edomites were one ofseveral states in the region for whom trade was vital due to the scarcity of arable land. It is also said that sea routestraded as far away as India, with ships leaving from the port of Ezion-Geber. Edom's location on the southernhighlands left it with only a small strip of land that received sufficient rain for farming.[citation needed] Edom probablyexported salt and balsam (used for perfume and temple incense in the ancient world) from the Dead Searegion.[citation needed]

Khirbat en-Nahas is a large-scale copper-mining site excavated by archaeologist Thomas Levy in what is nowsouthern Jordan. The scale of tenth-century mining on the site is regarded as evidence of a strong, centralized 10thcentury BC Edomite kingdom.[41]

Notes[1] LDS.org: "Book of Mormon Pronunciation Guide" (http:/ / www. lds. org/ scriptures/ bofm/ pronunciation?lang=eng) (retrieved 2012-02-25),

IPA-ified from «ē´dum»[2] Piotr Bienkowski, "New Evidence on Edom in the Neo-Babylonian and Persian Periods", in John Andrew Dearman, Matt Patrick Graham,

(eds), "The land that I will show you: essays on the history and archaeology of the Ancient Near East in honour of J. Maxwell Miller"(Sheffield Academic Press, 2001), pp.2198ff (http:/ / books. google. com. au/ books?id=YzQe_4Waz34C& printsec=frontcover& dq=The+Land+ That+ I+ Will+ Show+ You:+ Essays+ in+ History+ and+ Archaeology+ of+ the+ Ancient+ Near+ East& source=bl&ots=Jjp2Y0h3Sz& sig=jauEX7cJJ8_AIVgGe9KfjDjYQzg& hl=en& ei=IQbxS-OzIpCTkAXp59HWBg& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result&resnum=1& ved=0CBgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage& q& f=false)

[4] Redford, Egypt, Canaan and Israel in Ancient Times, Princeton Univ. Press, 1992. p.228, 318.[5] Müller, Asien und Europa, p. 135.[6][6] Ptolemy, "Geography," v. 16[7] Strabo, Geography Bk.16.2.34[8][8] ;[9][9] ;[11][11] ; , , et al.[18][18] , King James Version 1611[21][21] ;[22] ; Josephus, Jewish Antiquities viii. 7, S 6[24][24] I[26][26] ;[27][27] ;

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[28][28] ;[29] ; ; Obadiah passim; for a possible treaty violation, see Jason C. Dykehouse, "An Historical Reconstruction of Edomite Treaty Betrayal in the

Sixth Century BC. Based on Biblical, Epigraphic, and Archaeological Data" (Ph.D. diss., Baylor University, 2008).[30][30] &[32] Yevamot 76b[33][33] Josephus, "Ant." xii. 8, §§ 1, 6[34][34] ib. xiii. 9, § 1; xiv. 4, § 4[35] Josephus, Jewish Wars iv. 4, § 5[37][37] Margolioth p. 610/2[38] R. Meir even connects it with the verse (Isa. 21:11), "The vision of Dumah" = the vision of Dome (דומי = רומי, Rome, TJ, Ta'an. 1:1, 64a

see ed. princ.); also "The re'emim [wild-oxen] shall come down with them" (Isa. 34:7) is read as "The Romans shall come down with them"(PdRK 7, 11, ed. Mandelbaum, p. 134). The previous verses (5–6) speak of Edom (cf. also Targ. Jon. ed. Sperber, Isa. 9, "The streams thereofshall be turned into pitch": "The streams of Rome shall be turned into pitch"). Many scholars are of the opinion that the source of thisidentification lies in the connection between *Herod, a descendant of Edomite proselytes, whose evil rule over Judea left a harsh impressionand the intensification of Roman rule in Judea, especially as Herod was virtually a vassal of Rome. However these conjectures cannot beaccepted. Not only are substantial proofs lacking, but the identification appears only in the second quarter of the second century C.E., morethan four generations after the death of Herod. It seems, therefore, that its source is to be sought elsewhere.

[39][39] At the end of the tannaitic period, and still more in the amoraic, the identification became very widespread, and the overwhelming majorityof homilies about Edom speak explicitly of Rome. Thus it was stated that Rome was founded by the children of Esau, and Rome wasidentified as one of the cities of the chiefs of Esau enumerated at the end of Genesis 36 (these identifications occur not only in the Midrashimand the Talmuds but also in the Palestinian *Targums of the Torah and in the Targums to Lamentations and Esther). At a still later period theterm became a synonym for Christian Rome and thence for Christianity in general, and allusions were even found to *Constantinople amongthe cities of Edom (and see *Caesarea)

[40] Mark S. Smith, "The origins of biblical monotheism", (Oxford University Press, 2001) pp.140–145 (http:/ / books. google. com. au/books?id=S1tQ5Larst0C& pg=PA145& lpg=PA145& dq=Edom+ Yahweh& source=bl& ots=JfnfBfJiyH&sig=151ch84BGnsR_o5DNGNRaqPN2iw& hl=en& ei=nHpLTLXOA9P0cJTsyN0M& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=4&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage& q=Edom Yahweh& f=false)

[41] Kings of Controversy (http:/ / ngm. nationalgeographic. com/ 2010/ 12/ david-and-solomon/ draper-text/ 1) Robert Draper NationalGeographic, December 2010.

References• Gottheil, Richard and M. Seligsohn. "Edom, Idumea." (http:/ / www. jewishencyclopedia. com/ view.

jsp?artid=45& letter=E& search=Edom) Jewish Encyclopedia. Funk and Wagnalls, 1901–1906; which cites:•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Jewish Encyclopedia. 1901–1906.

External links• UCSD article on age of Edom (http:/ / ucsdnews. ucsd. edu/ newsrel/ soc/ EDOM. asp)

Article Sources and Contributors 8

Article Sources and ContributorsEdom  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=539422653  Contributors: 334a, Abandapart953, Adam Keller, Aleverde, Alexf, Amoruso, AnakngAraw, Andrew Lightbody,Andrewa, Andycjp, Angel ivanov angelov, AngelOfSadness, Apiquinamir2, Arcandam, Ascánder, Asrefaei, BD2412, Babajobu, Banahmath, Bobo192, Brewcrewer, Briangotts, CLW, Carolinawren, Cattus, Charles Matthews, Chiram qenaz, ChrisCork, Clarin, Complainer, Cpt.schoener, Craigsjones, DXRD, Daniel Baránek, Daniel E. Romero, Dbachmann, DocWatson42,DopefishJustin, Dougweller, DrJCDEdom, Dreadstar, Drilnoth, Edward, El C, Eliyak, EnSamulili, Enkyklios, Evdsteen, Ewawer, ExNoctem, Fkjms73, Freakofnurture, Fuhghettaboutit,FyzixFighter, Gardar Rurak, Gilabrand, Gilgamesh, Grenavitar, Gringo300, HKT, Haham hanuka, Hajimea, Hawkwing1890, Hcokayne, Hede2000, Hertz1888, Hmains, Hongooi, IPSOS,ISTB351, IZAK, Ian Pitchford, Idiotoff, Imeriki al-Shimoni, Ineuw, Ingsoc, InverseHypercube, J. Matthew Bailey, James086, Jarble, Jayjg, JerryFriedman, Jmcc150, Jmlk17, Jusdafax, Kafziel,Keith H., LarryJeff, Laureapuella, Laurel Lodged, LittleWink, Llywrch, Lx 121, M5, Macker33, Mad Bill, Marek69, McGeddon, Meegs, Michael Devore, Mikedelsol, Mishatx, Morgan Leigh,MosheA, Mudwater, Mustafaa, NE2, NJT90, NawlinWiki, Neelix, Netkinetic, New Babylon 2, Nick C, Nick Number, Nihiltres, Nishidani, Noraft, Ntsimp, Numbo3, Oceanyam, Oncenawhile,Pansies, Parsa, Paul Barlow, Peter Grey, PhnomPencil, PiCo, Ribbentrop, Richardprins, Rigadoun, Rjwilmsi, Rob117, Robinson weijman, Robofish, SBaker43, Satanael, Sburke, Slashme, Smjg,Sputnikcccp, StAnselm, Str1977, Substitutesc, Symmerhill, TShilo12, Telpardec, The Man in Question, TheWatchmen777, Twillisjr, Ugarit, Utod15, Wassermann, Wetman, WilliamKF,Winston365, Wm.Pittman, WolfgangRieger, Wtmitchell, Yidisheryid, YouMoo!, Zack wadghiri, 231 anonymous edits

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