Why God Destroyed the Edomites?
God destroyed the [Edomites](https://www.britannica.com/place/Edom) primarily due to their severe mistreatment and betrayal of their "brother" nation, Israel, especially during times of distress and invasion.The Edomite-Israelite Relationship
The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother (who was renamed Israel). This familial bond, stemming from patriarchs Isaac and Rebekah, meant they shared a deep, historical connection. Despite this shared ancestry, a long-standing rivalry and animosity often characterized the relationship between the two nations, which bordered each other geographically.Key Transgressions Leading to Divine Judgment
God's wrath and judgment against Edom stemmed from their specific actions, which demonstrated a profound lack of compassion and an active betrayal of their brotherly ties. Their transgressions were particularly egregious when Israel faced calamities:- Indifference and Aloofness: When foreign invaders plundered Jerusalem, the Edomites stood idly by, refusing to offer aid or intervene. They chose to be onlookers rather than helpers.
- Rejoicing in Calamity: Instead of grieving with their kin, the Edomites rejoiced over Judah's misfortune, celebrating their downfall and ruin.
- Participation in Plunder: They even joined in the looting of Jerusalem's wealth, treating it as their own spoil.
- Blocking Escape and Handing Over Fugitives: Crucially, when Jewish survivors attempted to flee the devastation, the Edomites actively blocked their escape routes. Worse, they captured these fugitives and handed them over to the enemies, effectively condemning their own kinsmen to death or captivity.
This deliberate lack of a concrete demonstration of love and active malice towards a people in need constituted an act of betrayal against both their kin and the divine principles of care and justice. It was a stark contrast to the brotherly compassion expected, which God views as a betrayal.
Prophetic Fulfillment and Divine Justice
The prophetic book of [Obadiah](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Obadiah&version=NIV) provides the clearest divine pronouncement against Edom. It details their pride, the extent of their malicious actions against Judah, and foretells their complete destruction as a consequence. This judgment was a direct response to their violence and lack of mercy, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice, especially when a "brother" nation is mistreated.Here's a summary of Edom's offenses and the resulting divine judgment:
| Edomite Offense Against Israel | God's View & Consequence (as seen in prophecy) |
|---|---|
| Standing aloof during Jerusalem's invasion | Betrayal of brotherly duty; provoked divine wrath |
| Rejoicing over Judah's calamity | Act of malice; brought judgment for their pride |
| Participating in the plunder | Theft and aggression; led to their own desolation |
| Blocking escape routes for fugitives | Extreme cruelty; ensured their complete destruction |
| Handing over survivors to enemies | Ultimate betrayal; brought an end to their existence |
The destruction of Edom serves as a powerful biblical example of divine retribution against ethnic hatred and unbrotherly conduct, emphasizing the profound importance of compassion and solidarity, particularly among related peoples.
