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Edomite

ancient people
Also known as: Idumaean

Quick Summary

The Edomites were an ancient Semitic people who inhabited the land of Edom, located south of the Dead Sea in what is now southwestern Jordan. According to biblical accounts, they were descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob, making them closely related to the Israelites.123

Edom thrived due to its strategic position on trade routes and its copper industry. Despite their kinship with the Israelites, the two groups frequently engaged in conflict. The Edomites were eventually conquered by the Nabataeans, and many migrated to southern Judaea, becoming known as Idumaeans in New Testament times.1

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