or (fully) אֱדוֹם ; from אָדֹם; red (see Genesis 25:25); Edom, the elder twin-brother of Jacob; hence the region (Idumaea) occupied by him; Edom, Edomites, Idumea.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĔdôm**, represented by `{{H123}}`, is a name derived from a word meaning "red" [[Genesis 25:25]]. It refers to **Edom**, the elder twin-brother of Jacob, and by extension, the region of **Idumaea** that his descendants occupied. It appears **100 times** across **93 unique verses**, identifying a specific people and nation frequently positioned in opposition to Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H123}}` identifies the nation descended from Jacob's brother, Esau, and it frequently appears in prophetic oracles as a subject of divine judgment. Prophets condemn **Edom** for pursuing his **brother** `{{H251}}` with the **sword** `{{H2719}}` and casting off all pity [[Amos 1:11]]. The LORD `{{H3068}}` announces judgment upon **Edom**, questioning if **wisdom** `{{H2451}}` has vanished from the land [[Jeremiah 49:7]]. The Edomites' historical hostility is also recalled, with a plea for the LORD to remember how the children of **Edom** cried "Rase it, rase it" during the fall of Jerusalem [[Psalms 137:7]]. The term is also used to identify the land of Seir, the country of **Edom**, where Esau settled [[Genesis 32:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and narrative surrounding **Edom**:
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (brother): This term is crucial, as the conflict is consistently framed as a violation of kinship. The prophet condemns **Edom** because "he did pursue his **brother** with the sword" [[Amos 1:11]], highlighting a betrayal of this fundamental relationship.
* `{{H2555}}` **châmâç** (violence): This word defines the primary sin attributed to the Edomites. **Edom** is destined for desolation specifically because of the **violence** committed against the children of Judah [[Joel 3:19]].
* `{{H2040}}` **hâraç** (throw down): This word represents the divine response to Edom's pride and rebellion. When **Edom** boasts of rebuilding, the LORD of hosts declares, "They shall build, but I will **throw down**" [[Malachi 1:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H123}}` is primarily seen in its role as an antagonist to Israel, illustrating several key principles:
* **Consequences of Betrayal:** The relationship between Israel (Jacob) and **Edom** (Esau) is rooted in brotherhood. Edom's perpetual **anger** `{{H639}}` and pursuit of his **brother** `{{H251}}` with the sword becomes a symbol of covenant-breaking and familial betrayal, which draws divine judgment [[Amos 1:11]].
* **Divine Judgment on Pride:** Edom's pride is a recurring theme. When **Edom** defiantly says, "We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places," the LORD `{{H3068}}` counters, "They shall build, but I will throw down" `{{H2040}}`, establishing that human pride is ultimately futile against divine purpose [[Malachi 1:4]].
* **Hostility Against God's People:** The fate of **Edom** serves as a warning to nations that oppose God's people. The LORD is called to remember how the Edomites cried "Rase it, rase it" during the day of Jerusalem's fall [[Psalms 137:7]] and condemns them for the **violence** `{{H2555}}` and shedding of **innocent** `{{H5355}}` **blood** `{{H1818}}` in Judah [[Joel 3:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** is more than a historical or geographical label. It represents a people defined by their relationship and opposition to Israel. The narrative of **Edom** is a consistent biblical case study in pride, the violation of kinship, and the severe consequences of opposing God's covenant people. Through the prophecies against **Edom**, scripture illustrates the principles of divine justice, where perpetual **wrath** `{{H5678}}` and **violence** `{{H2555}}` are met with unshakable divine judgment.
TRV