Frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 61: From whom were the Edomites descended?

Answer:

They were descendants of Esau. They inhabited a fertile and rich country specially given to them (Deuteronomy 2:5; Genesis 27:39). Their country was traversed by roads though it was mountainous and rocky (Numbers 20:17; Jeremiah 49:16). They were governed by dukes and later by kings (Genesis 36:15-30; Numbers 20:14). In character they are said to have been wise, proud and self-confident, strong and cruel, vindictive, idolatrous and superstitious (Jeremiah 49:7, 16, 19; Ezekiel 25:12; 2 Chronicles 25:14, 20; Jeremiah 27:3). They inhabited the cities of Avith, Pau, Bozrah, Teman and others. Though they were implacable enemies of Israel, it was forbidden to hate them (Deuteronomy 23:7) or to spoil and they might be received into the congregation in the third generation (Deuteronomy 23:8). Saul made war against them and David conquered them (1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8 :14). They took refuge in Egypt and returned after David's death (1 King 11:17-22) when they confederated with Israel's enemies only to again be over thrown (2 Chronicles 20:10) but finally aided Babylon against Judah (Psalm 137:7, Obadiah 11).