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Connection between Job and the Edomites. Scholars and ancient traditions often place Job in the land of Uz, which was historically part of or adjacent to Edom, southeast of Israel. Many identify Job as an Edomite or even as Jobab, the second king of Edom.
EDOM RED
When Saul forced a divorce between his daughter Michal and David, he acted upon the advice of Doeg the Edomite. Doeg told Saul that because David was a rebel, his marriage to Michal was invalid, allowing Saul to give her to Palti son of Laish. According to Midrashic tradition (Gen. Rabbah 32:1)
Saul's War against Edom: Michal was the daughter of King Saul, who fought against Edom (among other nations) during his reign (1 Samuel 14:47).
The "Obed-Edom" Connection: After Michal was taken back by David, she famously despised David for dancing before the Ark of the Covenant, which was being brought from the house of Obed-Edom (2 Samuel 6:12).
While Obed-Edom is a proper name and not directly defined as an Edomite in that context, the name literally means "servant of Edom".
The "Edom" Prophecy: In later rabbinic and medieval interpretation, "Edom" became a symbolic term for Israel's enemies, and some traditions associate the spiritual turmoil or "hard heart" surrounding the House of Saul with these negative influences
King David's war on Edom, led by commanders Joab and Abishai, resulted in a decisive victory in the Valley of Salt, killing 12,000–18,000 Edomites. The campaign established Israeli garrisons throughout Edom, subjected the population to Israel, and brought significant wealth to Jerusalem, breaking Edomite power.
Edom became subject to David's rule, often described as becoming "servants" to Israel, paying tribute. David placed garrisons (military outposts) at strategic points, including along trade routes and in wadis, throughout Edom.
The campaign involved systematically overrunning Edomites, killing many of the male inhabitants, including members of the Edomite royal family. Some of whom fled to Egypt. Clearly women were taken captive....
Archaeological Evidence: Archaeologists, including Dr. Tali Erickson-Gini at the Israel Antiquities Authority, have found evidence of iron-age fortifications (such as at Ein Hatzeva) in southern Israel that may date to this period of Edomite control.
Theological Significance: This conquest is viewed as a fulfillment of promises to the patriarchs and a, often, messianic symbol of David’s triumph.
Conflict Context: Prior to this, Edomites were traditional, hostile neighbors (descendants of Esau).
Post-Conquest Adversary: Despite the defeat, a royal Edomite named Hadad escaped to Egypt and later became an "adversary" to Solomon, David's son
Bar Kokhba revolt (132–136 CE) and the Edomites (also known as Idumeans), primarily through physical integration, active participation, and rabbinic symbolism.
By the time of the revolt, the Edomites no longer existed as a distinct, independent nation. They had been conquered and forcibly converted to Judaism by the Hasmonean leader John Hyrcanus in the 2nd century BCE, leading to their assimilation into the Jewish nation as "Idumeans".
Active Participation in the Revolt: Historical accounts indicate that Idumeans (Edomites) fought alongside Jewish forces against the Romans in the Bar Kokhba revolt. They were considered part of the Jewish populace by the 2nd century CE and participated in the attempt to regain Jewish sovereignty.
Final Historical Appearance: The Bar Kokhba revolt is the last known historical reference to the Idumeans as a distinct group. Following the crushing defeat of the rebellion in 135 CE and the destruction of the fortress of Betar, the remaining Idumeans appear to have fully merged into the broader Jewish population.
Rabbinic Symbolism (Edom = Rome): In the aftermath of the failed revolt, Jewish rabbis began using "Edom" as a code word for the Roman Empire. This link was formed because Romans, like the Edomites of old, were seen as the destroyers of the Temple and the punishers of Israel. The Talmud links the suffering of the revolt, particularly in the city of Betar, to the "hands of Esau" (Edom).
Antipathy toward Roman Rule: The Idumeans, having been integrated into Judean life, shared the same resentment towards Roman Rule and Emperor Hadrian's policies (such as the ban on circumcision and the proposed rebuilding of Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina) as other Jewish groups
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