Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 8
Edom was a country on the south-east side of Judah, beyond the Dead Sea. Its people were relatives of Israel’s people. They came from the family of Esau, Isaac’s oldest son. Esau’s brother was Jacob, from whose family Israel’s people came.
Edom became a nation with its own kings long before Israel had kings (Genesis 36:31-39). However, David first established Israel’s control over Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14). Solomon also controlled Edom and he used its port at Ezion Geber for international trade (1 Kings 9:26-27). Later Hadad, from Edom’s royal family, opposed Solomon (1 Kings 11:14-22).
By the time of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, Judah’s kings were again in control of Edom (1 Kings 22:47). They chose the man whom they appointed as king of Edom; he had to pay taxes to them and to support them in war (3:9)
It was Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son, who lost control of Edom. Edom appointed its own king who refused to pay taxes to Jehoram. The king of Edom also organised his men to fight against Judah’s army. It seems that his army actually entered Judah to fight. The battle was at Zair, which seems to be a town near Hebron, in the hills of southern Judah (Joshua 15:54).
Jehoram suffered a serious defeat in that battle. Edom’s army managed to surround him and his best soldiers. The rest of Jehoram’s army became too afraid and they escaped to their homes. However, Jehoram had chariots with him; these were fast vehicles that horses pulled. So, Jehoram was able to escape suddenly, in the darkness of the night.
Next part: The loss of Edom and Libnah (2 Kings 8:22)
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