The prophecy of Isaac concerning his two sons Jacob and Esau were accurately fulfilled to the letter (Heb. 11:20). The promise upon each son constituted a prophecy. Isaac prophesied that Esau’s descendants will be subjected to Jacob’s descendants. “Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!” (Genesis 27:29).
The prophecy of Isaac to Esau proposed a continuous, struggle for freedom from Jacob. And this was a repetition of the divine prediction made prior to the birth of Jacob and Esau. For the Lord said to Rebekah. “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).
The Edomites were the blood decedents of Esau. The history of Edom is largely a repetition of slavery to Israel, rebellion against Israel, and acclaim by Israel. The Edomites were first defeated by Saul (1 Sam. 14:47) and also conquered by David (2 Sam. 8:14).
They tried to free themselves under Solomon but failed (1 Kings 11:14–22) and they remained under the rule of Judah till the time of Joram, when they rebelled (2 Kings 8:20–22). They were overruled again by Amaziah (2 Kings 14:7–10; 2 Chron. 25:11–14) and remained in subjection under Uzziah and Jotham (2 Kings 14:22; 2 Chron. 26:2).
It was not till the reign of Ahaz that the Edomites overcame the slavery of the kings of Judah (2 Kings 16:6; 2 Chron. 28:16, 17). However, they were completely conquered by John Hyrcanus, about 126 B.C., forced to convert to Judaism, accept circumcision, and fused into the Jewish state (Josephus Antiquities xiii. 9. 1; xv. 7. 9).
In His service,
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