The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 24:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And he shall possess Idumea: the inheritance of Seir shall come to their enemies, but Israel shall do manfully.

Douay-Rheims

וְהָיָ֨ה אֱד֜וֹם יְרֵשָׁ֗ה וְהָיָ֧ה יְרֵשָׁ֛ה שֵׂעִ֖יר אֹיְבָ֑יו וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עֹ֥שֶׂה חָֽיִל׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Michail Cheraskov

19th centuryCommentator

Idumea, previously known as Seir, would be conquered by the Israelites, as also occurred during the reign of David. Within the sacred terminology of the Church and the writings of the early Church Fathers, Edom symbolizes the fallen human nature, characterized by its earthly and carnal desires. The Lord Savior came to vanquish and eradicate these instincts to bring forth a new and gracious humanity from Himself.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.