While it is characterized by mountains and rocky terrain, the slopes and valleys, particularly on the eastern side, are noted for their lush vegetation and moisture according to travelers’ accounts. However, compared to the population, Idumea's resources are limited, leading Esau's descendants to pursue not only agriculture but also other means of livelihood. According to Isaac’s prophecy, the Idumeans would rely more on conflict and raids rather than honest work, living by the sword: “By thy sword shalt thou live,” a lifestyle still echoed in the existence of Bedouins in that region who trace their lineage back to Esau.
Isaac foretold that Esau would serve his brother, but a time would come when he would break free from his yoke. Initially, the lineage of Esau was stronger and more numerous than Jacob's upon his return from Mesopotamia as noted in Genesis 32:11 and 33:15. The Idumeans had their own elders and kings even before the Israelites encountered them (Genesis 36). However, their fortunes shifted dramatically as they were defeated by Saul (1 Samuel 14:47), brought under David’s dominion (2 Samuel 8:14), and remained subservient to the Jews until the rule of Joram, who oppressed them, but under Amaziah, their subjugation was reaffirmed (2 Kings 8:21, 2 Chronicles 14:7). During the reign of Ahaz, they faced further oppression (1 Kings 16:6, 2 Chronicles 28:16). Ultimately, 129 years before the reign of Hyrcanus, they were decisively conquered again and even compelled to embrace circumcision (as cited by Josephus). Therefore, the history of the Idumeans illustrates the precise fulfillment of Isaac’s foresight concerning them, oscillating between domination by the Jews, the descendants of Jacob, and their eventual resistance against that domination.
THEOSIS