Edom; Edomites
LocationsGeographical Setting
Edom was an ancient kingdom situated in the rugged, mountainous terrain south of the Dead Sea, corresponding to the modern-day region of Wadi Araba in southern Jordan.
What is the meaning of Edom; Edomites in the Bible?
Edom was a region in southern Jordan, bounded by the Dead Sea to the west and the desert to the east. The land varied greatly in character and features, with mountains rising steeply from the valley and fertile areas suitable for agriculture.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of Edom clarifies the historical tensions between Israel and its neighbor, as the mountainous terrain provided natural defenses that allowed Edom to maintain independence and influence regional trade routes during the biblical period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.