### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĔdômîy**, represented by `{{H130}}`, is a patronymic term for an **Edomite**, meaning a descendant or inhabitant of Edom. It appears **12 times** in **12 unique verses**. The term is derived from `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm**, establishing a clear ancestral lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H130}}` is often associated with conflict and antagonism towards Israel, despite a shared ancestry. A prominent figure is **Doeg** the **Edomite**, a servant of Saul [[1 Samuel 21:7]] who reported David's location to the king [[Psalms 52:1]] and subsequently carried out the slaughter of the priests at Nob [[1 Samuel 22:18]]. Another key individual is **Hadad** the **Edomite**, whom the LORD raised as an adversary to Solomon [[1 Kings 11:14]]. The term is also used more broadly, such as when Solomon loved many strange women, including **Edomites** [[1 Kings 11:1]], and when the **Edomites** attacked Judah and took captives [[2 Chronicles 28:17]]. In stark contrast to these hostile interactions, the law in Deuteronomy commands the Israelites not to abhor an **Edomite**, "for he is thy brother" [[Deuteronomy 23:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and actions of the Edomites:
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm**: The root word from which `{{H130}}` is derived, meaning **Edom**, the region occupied by the descendants of Esau. It is used in prophecies against the nation for its transgressions, such as pursuing his brother with the sword [[Amos 1:11]].
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (brother): This term defines the core relationship between Israel and the Edomites. It is used in the command not to abhor an Edomite because "he is thy **brother**" [[Deuteronomy 23:7]], a covenant relationship that Edom is later condemned for violating [[Amos 1:11]].
* `{{H1673}}` **Dôʼêg**: The proper name of the **Edomite** servant of Saul who informed on David and murdered the priests of Nob ([[1 Samuel 22:9]], [[1 Samuel 22:18]]). His name means **anxious**.
* `{{H1908}}` **Hădad**: The name of an **Edomite** adversary to Solomon, who was of the king's seed in Edom [[1 Kings 11:14]]. He fled to Egypt as a child with other Edomites [[1 Kings 11:17]]. A variant, `{{H111}}` **ʼĂdad**, is also used for him.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H130}}` highlights several significant biblical themes:
* **Brotherly Conflict:** The term underscores a persistent theme of familial strife. Despite being called a "brother" [[Deuteronomy 23:7]], the Edomite is frequently portrayed as an enemy, from Doeg's betrayal of David's allies [[1 Samuel 22:18]] to national attacks against Judah [[2 Chronicles 28:17]].
* **Divine Command vs. Human Action:** There is a clear tension between God's command to not abhor the Edomite [[Deuteronomy 23:7]] and the historical reality of their adversarial relationship, which includes Edomite aggression and Israelite warfare against them [[2 Chronicles 25:14]].
* **Foreign Influence and Idolatry:** The Edomites are listed among the foreign women Solomon loved, associations which led to his turning from the LORD [[1 Kings 11:1]]. After a victory over the Edomites, King Amaziah took their gods, the gods of the children of Seir, and worshipped them, demonstrating their potential for spiritual corruption [[2 Chronicles 25:14]].
* **Adversaries in God's Plan:** At times, an Edomite is explicitly raised up by God as an instrument of opposition. The LORD stirred up Hadad the Edomite as an adversary to Solomon [[1 Kings 11:14]].
### Summary
In summary, the word **ʼĔdômîy** `{{H130}}` identifies a person from Edom and carries significant narrative weight. It represents a people bound to Israel by kinship as a "brother" [[Deuteronomy 23:7]], yet consistently found in a position of conflict and hostility. Figures like Doeg the Edomite and Hadad the Edomite personify this antagonistic relationship. Ultimately, the term encapsulates a complex and often tragic history of a broken brotherhood, serving as a recurring source of opposition and a test of Israel's obedience and faithfulness.
TRV